Celeste Church

Dr. Celeste Church, lyric soprano, has been teaching voice at the collegiate level for over twenty years.  While applied lessons remain the focus of her teaching, Dr. Church provides support for the UCA opera program as assistant director following an extensive career directing stage performances that range from opera to musical theatre.

Dr. Church holds the Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from Texas Tech University, Masters of Church Music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Bachelor of Music from Baylor University. She has served with the faculties of Hannibal-LaGrange University, Wayland Baptist University, and Howard Payne University.  Dr. Church moved into academic administration in 2015, holding executive roles at Howard Payne University and Lincoln Memorial University.

An active performer, Dr. Church appears as concert soloist, and on the musical stage, in addition to her recital schedule.  Concert appearances include R. Vaughan-Williams’ Serenade to Music, Mozart’s Mass in F and Coronation Mass, and frequent engagements as soloist for Handel’s Messiah. Opera roles include Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Aurora in Massenet’s The Portrait of Manon, and both Mistress of the Novices and Suor Angelica in Puccini’s Suor Angelica. She has performed several musical theatre roles, including Maria in The Sound of Music, Anne in Shenandoah, Denise in Smoke on the Mountain, Cinderella in Into the Woods, Abigail in 1776, and Luisa in The Fantastiks. She has repeatedly presented as a part of the Artist Series for the Texoma Regional NATS Conference.

Directing credits for Dr. Church include The Pirates of Penzance, Into the Woods, Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls, The Emperor’s Clothes, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and South Pacific. Dr. Church also directed the presentation of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and Suor Angelica, while singing the title role in the latter.  Additionally, she has directed several scenes programs including a revival of John Davies’ Pinocchio and Little Red’s Most Unusual Day, and Douglas Moore’s Gallantry.

Musical involvement in the church has always been an important part of Dr. Church’s life. She has performed in several states as a Christian soloist and worship leader. Currently, she is focused on working with the UCA vocal program, building a private business, and enjoying her family.