By NATALIE SACKET
Staff Reporter
Her back stays turned to the audience as a quiet hush falls over the crowd. Her hand, delicately clasping a thin baton, rises into the air as those who stand before her wait with rapt attention. The baton falls and dozens of voices respond, intertwining and mingling, creating beautiful melodies and harmonies. The focal point, the center of this musical universe, is the conductor. NWOSU’s choral conductor, Dr. Irene Messoloras has devoted her life to a great passion for music. Her journey has led her to Alva, where she serves as the director of choral and vocal activities.
Messoloras is not only an extremely passionate musician and performer, but teacher as well. Her primary focus is spreading that passionate love of music to others. Her career began with Messoloras teaching public school for nine years as she worked on her masters and doctorate degrees. While at Malibu High School, she took a choir of eight members and increased it to a flourishing 350.
“To be able to have the opportunity to turn other people on to music is probably my biggest accomplishment. It’s not performing at Carnegie Hall or having the opportunity to travel to different countries. Having the chance to foster a love of music in others is a very joyful experience,” said Messoloras.
After almost a decade of teaching in the public school system, Messoloras served as director of choral activities at Gonzaga University. She has also spread her passion of music as a member of the music faculty of Santa Monica (Cal.) Community College and served as the assistant conductor of the Angeles Chorale in the Los Angeles area. Before coming to NWOSU, Messoloras served as a conductor at Carnegie Hall.
“Working at Carnegie Hall was an incredible experience. However, I missed teaching in the sense it gave me the opportunity to start a group from scratch.”
This desire to return to teaching led Messoloras to Alva. Currently, she is preparing for NWOSU’s Singers’ trip to Nashville in October and the spring tour to New York in March.
Throughout the course of Messoloras’ professional career and various experiences, she has had countless opportunities.
“One really intriguing part about musical performances is that it’s never the same. It’s always a different experience.”
She has traveled to over twenty countries, performing at venues such as the Lincoln Center, Beijing Concert Hall, The Vatican and Notre Dame.
“Of course, these experiences are incredible, but these moments are fleeting,” she said. “Being able to give someone a passion for music is something that lasts forever.”