Beth Willer

Artistic Director

Noted for her “directorial command,” “technical expertise" and commitment to the contemporary vocal art, Founder and Artistic Director Beth Willer has led the GRAMMY-nominated Lorelei Ensemble since 2007 to become recognized as one of the country’s leading vocal ensembles. A champion of contemporary music, Willer has collaborated with composers from the U.S. and abroad, leading Lorelei and other ensembles in numerous world, U.S., and regional premieres, including works by Julia Wolfe, Kati Agócs, George Benjamin, Lisa Bielawa, Christopher Cerrone, Peter Gilbert, James Kallembach, David Lang, Jessica Meyer, Scott Ordway, John Supko, Kareem Roustom, and Reiko Yamada. As a recognized conductor of vocal ensembles and contemporary music, Willer has led performances featuring the Bang on a Can All-Stars, Roomful of Teeth, Voices of Ascension, Seraphic Fire, and New York Baroque Inc., and has frequently prepared ensembles for performances with the Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Nashville Symphony, National Symphony and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestras, Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, Cantus, A Far Cry, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and Odyssey Opera, in collaboration with Marin Alsop, Thomas Adès, Andris Nelsons, and Giancarlo Guerrero.

Willer is Associate Professor and Director of Choral Studies at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, where she leads vocal ensembles and graduate program in choral conducting. Previous work includes academic appointments at Bucknell University, Harvard University, and The Boston Conservatory. A passionate educator and conductor of young artists, Willer has led ensembles at Boston University's Tanglewood Institute, the Walnut Hill School, New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School, and the Boston Arts Academy. A versatile and vibrant clinician, Willer also enjoys frequent work as a guest conductor of student, community, and professional ensembles across the country.

Willer holds degrees from Boston University (D.M.A. and M.M.) and Luther College (B.A.). Her teachers include Ann Howard Jones, Scott Metcalfe, Weston Noble, Jameson Marvin, and Mark Shapiro.