Prometheus Bios
Paul Crabb, Prometheus Artistic Director and Conductor
R. Paul Crabb is Artistic Director of the professional vocal ensemble, PROMETHEUS and Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri where served as Director of Choral Activities and Chair of Graduate Choral Conducting. His ensembles have sung at state, regional and national conventions, and traveled extensively in Asia, Europe, and Australia. Crabb has served as assistant conductor at the Russian-American symposium at the Moscow Conservatory and as a visiting professor in England, Austria, Sweden,Taiwan, and Poland. He was the first American Visiting Choral Professor at the Liszt Academy of Music (Budapest), and first American lecturer at the Choral Department at the University of Vienna’s Universität für Musik und Darstellende Kunst. Since 2012 Crabb has served as a faculty member at Laudate Dominum and REJOICE in Vienna. As an orchestral conductor, Crabb was resident conductor for the Dante Music and Arts Festival in Nagoya, Japan, and regularly conducted at the Conservatory of Domenico Cimarosa in Italy.
Crabb’s travels facilitated opportunities for students. In December 2017, he organized seminars and performances for graduate students in Italy, culminating at the newly restored Gesualdo Castle. His sabbatical semester conducting/lecturing in Sweden resulted in collaborative concerts for University Singers in Malmö, Lund, Piteå, Stockholm and Tallinn, Estonia in May 2018. In 2019 conducted again in Vienna, before additional conducting workshops in Slovenia and Italy. Regretfully, the pandemic resulted in canceled lectures and tours scheduled for Inner Mongolia and Cuba. Crabb was recently accepted to the Fulbright Specialist Program Roster and will be a Visiting Professor during the 2025 academic year.
Crabb’s teaching awards include: Allen Teaching Award (Truman State University), the Missouri Professor of the Year, and William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence.
Emily Edgington Andrews, Prometheus Assistant Conductor
Long an advocate for quality musical arts in the community, Emily Edgington Andrews is extremely active in Columbia, working with children and adults at every level of their musical development.
Emily is thrilled to have joined the Columbia College Visual Arts and Music team as a newly appointed Music Faculty member in August 2022. There she teaches various courses in music, gives private voice lessons, co-conducts the Jane Froman Singers and conducts the Froman Treble Choir, and leads recruiting efforts for the music area.
In addition to her work at Columbia College, Emily is the Artistic Director of Choral Arts Alliance of Missouri, a non-profit organization that offers choral experiences for youth through adults, and is the founder of CAAM’s youth choir subset, Columbia Youth Choirs. Through CAAM, she conducts Columbia Chorale and Columbia Youth Choirs’ Canta Bella, and serves as the Assistant Conductor for the professional chamber vocal ensemble, Prometheus: An American Vocal Consort. Emily is the conductor at the historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Columbia, MO, where she maintains a thriving music program, conducting the Adult Choir of volunteer and paid musicians.
Emily regularly serves as a guest clinician and adjudicator, and is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Missouri Choral Directors Association, and the National Association for Music Education. She received her degrees in Music at Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri (B.A.; M.A.) and at the University of Missouri (M.M.). Emily is a Ph.D. candidate in Music Education at the University of Missouri. Her research interests include investigating gender disparity in collegiate and professional choral ensembles and creating inclusive classroom spaces.
SINGERS
Brandon Browning, Baritone
Brandon Browning, baritone, is currently a soloist, choral singer, and mental health professional in the greater Kansas City area. He is returning to performing after recently completing a masters degree in Couple and Family Therapy at Kansas State University. He also holds degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Music Education and Vocal Performance.
Brandon is often taking advantage of opportunities to sing with various professional choral ensembles across Missouri. He rejoined the Grammy® Award-winning Kansas City Chorale last season and will be singing with them again this fall marking his 8th season with the ensemble. He has also enjoyed recent tours with Prometheus and the Missouri Choral Artists. His most recent solo performance was as the baritone soloist for the Durflé Requiem performed with the Kansas City Chorale in Fall 2023. Some past solo performances include the baritone soloist for Handel’s Messiah, performed by Mizzou’s Choral Union, and Brahms Requiem, performed by the Kansas City Chorale.
Brandon is happy to be back in Kansas City and is excited to share that he and his wife just welcomed a baby boy into their family this past April!
Joshua Chism, Tenor
Joshua Chism is an Associate Professor and the Director of Choral Activities at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK. There Joshua advises music students; teaches private voice, Diction, and Vocal Pedagogy courses; and conducts the OBU Chorale and Bisonette Glee Club. Joshua is the Conductor and Artistic Director for Chorale Coeur d’Alene, a 100-voice regional choral arts society based in Idaho. Founded in 2001, Chorale CdA’s mission is to promote excellence in choral artistry, engage the local community through creative collaboration initiatives, and support music education through targeted programming. He also serves as the Minister of Music at Meadowood Baptist Church where he conducts the adult worship choir and orchestra. He has served as director and minister of music in churches since Fall 2012.
Joshua holds a PhD in Music Education with an emphasis in Conducting and Choral Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma in Norman (2022). He earned an MM in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri–Columbia, graduating in 2019. Joshua holds Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Bachelor of Music Composition degree from Missouri State University in Springfield, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2010. Additionally, he holds Kodály Level I, II, and III certification.
His research interests include the impact of service-learning internships, music assessment, MUED curriculum content, and community music. Joshua has recently presented research at the Collegiate Musicological Society, NAfME, ACDA, and SMTE conferences. In his spare time, Joshua likes to compose, travel, garden, eat sushi, and play board games. Joshua, his wife Natalie, and their young children (Jacob and Hannah) reside in Shawnee, OK. For more information, visit www.joshuachism.com.
Katherine Crawford, Mezzo-Soprano
Katherine Crawford holds a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from St. Olaf College, where she sang in the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Dr. Anton Armstrong. She is an alto section leader in the Trinity Choir at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, KCMO, and a member of the GRAMMY®️ Award–winning Kansas City Chorale.
Frank Fleschner, Tenor
Tenor Frank Fleschner is an accomplished choral musician having just began his twentieth season with the Grammy Award-winning Kansas City Chorale. His tenure with the Chorale has afforded him the opportunity to work closely with and debut works by several prominent composers such as Mark Hayes, René Clausen, and Eric Whitacre. As a soloist, Frank has appeared in Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Johannes-Passion (Evangelist), Mendelssohn’s Elijah and is the featured tenor soloist on the Kansas City Chorale’s Grammy Award-winning recording of Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil. Frank graduated from Truman State University and currently resides in Kansas City with his wife, Lindsey, and sings at Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, KS.
Christine Jarquio, Mezzo-Soprano
A force in the local music community for almost two decades, Christine Jarquio (she/her) is a sought after collaborative artist from choral to musical theatre, and pianist to conductor. She is the Director of Vocal Arts at Columbia Independent School and also serves as Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. These platforms, especially in tandem, allow for the uplifting and spreading awareness of lived experiences in order to nurture more compassion in this world.
Christine is a strong proponent of being an active musician both in and outside of the classroom. Singing in Prometheus since its second season is always a highlight of her year. She also co-founded and is the Executive Director of Vox Nova (www.voxnovacomo.org), another professional choir whose mission is to provide free performances of high quality choral music with thoughtful and informative programming to the local community.
Outside of music and teaching, Christine loves to travel with her husband, Jay; run on the beautiful Columbia trails; and cook and eat any and all varieties of delicious food.
Lindsey Lang, Soprano
Soprano Lindsey Lang is noted for her bold interpretations of early music with a “tone [of] pure, radiant sunshine.” She has appeared as a soloist with modern and period orchestras nation-wide and has sung in main-stage events for early music festivals in Berkley, Bloomington, New Brunswick, New York, and Quito, Ecuador. She frequently performs locally as a guest artist with the Bach Aria Soloists and the Kansas City Baroque Consortium. Lindsey is also an avid choral singer, and in addition to singing with Prometheus, she currently sings with the Kansas City Chorale under the direction of Charles Bruffy, with whom she has recorded several commercial albums, won two Best Choral Album Grammys, and is a featured soloist on the Grammy-winning CD “Life and Breath.” Lindsey graduated with a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri in 2008 and then studied for two years at the Early Music Institute at Indiana University. She currently resides in Kansas City with her singer husband and fellow Promethean Frank and is the Music Director at Asbury United Methodist Church and maintains an active performing career.
Gabe Lewis-O’Connor, Bass
Gabe Lewis-O’Connor balances a busy schedule as conductor, professional soloist and choral performer, daily meditator, amateur woodworker, avid baker, father, and husband. Striving to bring humor, authenticity and emotion to all these passions is a lifelong pursuit. Prior to his masters and doctoral studies in conducting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Gabe sang for four years with the professional vocal ensemble Chanticleer, which crystalized his belief that relationships are the core of powerful music-making. Gabe is the artistic director of the Lawrence Children’s Choir and Associate Director of Choral Studies at the University of Kansas. Gabe hails from Lawrence, Kansas, where he now lives with his wife Lauren, their sporty son Eamon and fierce daughter Celia.
Michaela Lovig, Mezzo-Soprano
Michaela Lovig is a talented mezzo-soprano known for her work as both a chorister and a soloist. Her rich voice, versatile skill set, and work ethic make her a valued member of choirs and a sought-after performer for solo engagements. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree in music education from Missouri State University, she was a member of the MSU Chorale with whom she traveled and performed around the world. Her experience spans various musical settings, where she consistently brings depth and professionalism to both her choral and solo performances. When Michaela is not teaching, she can be heard singing with ensembles such as Queen City Chorale and Missouri Choral Artists. In addition to performing live, Michaela is a contracted recording singer with Walton/GIA Publications and Choristers Guild. Some of the commercially recorded choral albums she is featured on include: The Song We Sing, Easter 1906, On My Way, and Mysterium.
Alyssa Nance, Soprano
Alyssa Nance has been praised as a soprano with “unbridled dexterity (Kansas City Star) and a “marvelous, soaring tone” (KC Metropolis). Favorite opera roles include Tink Enraught (The Last American Hammer) with Opera Grand Rapids, Gretel (Hӓnsel und Gretel) with Opera Omaha, Littler Daughter (Proving Up) with the Ad Astra Music Festival, Jemmy (Guillaume Tell) with Wichita Grand Opera, Pamina (Die Zauberflöte) with The South Dakota Symphony, and Musetta (La bohème) with Opera180.
Her concert soloist engagements include Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony, Mozart’s Requiem, Poulenc’s Gloria, Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, and Vivaldi’s Gloria. As a choral musician, she is on the rosters of Conspirare, The Crossing, Spire Chamber Ensemble, The Missouri Choral Artists, Prometheus, and The Kansas City Chorale.
Alyssa was a district winner in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Augustana University and a Master of Music in Voice at The University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Visit alyssatoepfersoprano.com for more information.
David Pelino, Tenor
David Pelino, tenor, is a vocal artist well versed in both solo and ensemble repertoire. Some of David’s solo credits include tenor solo repertoire in works such as Theodore Dubois’ The Seven Last Words of Christ, Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, G.F. Handel’s Messiah, and Adolphus Hailstork’s I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes. He most recently made his Soo Opera Theatre debut as Sam Polk in Susannah, in addition to his work in other roles such as King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors and the Evangelist in J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion. Awards he was won for his singing includes the Grady-Rayam 2018 Upper Division Negro Spiritual Prize, the 2019 Central Region NATS Advanced Division 1st Place Winner, as well as being a National NATS semifinalist in 2020.
Equally at home in ensemble singing, David has had the distinct privilege of being able to sing both at home and abroad. He performs with nationally and internationally renowned ensembles such as the American Spiritual Ensemble, Prometheus, Seraphic Fire, and Kinnara.
Christina Ray, Mezzo-Soprano
Praised for her “velvety mezzo” (OperaWire), Christina Ray is equally at home on the operatic, concert, and musical theatre stages. Ms. Ray has sung professionally with Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Overland Park Orchestra, The Missouri Symphony, Lawrence Opera Theatre, Opera Kansas, and Manhattan Concert Productions. In 2016 she was a recipient of an Encouragement Award at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, in the Little Rock, AR district. As an active choral singer, Ms. Ray is a current member of Vox Nova and Prometheus.
Ms. Ray is the Founding General Director of boutique opera company, Landlocked Opera. Landlocked Opera makes opera accessible to our community by celebrating historic operas while championing new works, ideas, and artists. Believing strongly in breaking down barriers and opera stereotypes, Landlocked Opera’s motto is “Opera for All.” www.landlockedopera.org
Ms. Ray is an evidence-based voice specialist and Professor of Voice at MU. She was recently selected for the highly competitive 2024 NATS Intern Program and recognized as a 2024 NATS Emerging Leader. In 2023 co-created Classically Untrained Voice Collective, a community of voice professionals committed to offering continuing educational opportunities in voice cross-training. Ms. Ray also serves as treasurer for Mid-MO NATS. www.christinarayvoice.com
Catherine Sandstedt, Soprano
With a diverse background in music, coloratura soprano Catherine Sandstedt has performed in operas, musicals, oratorios, chamber works, and solo recitals. Some of her favorite performances include Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites (Blanche), Debussy’s Impressions de Pelléas (Mélisande), Mozart’s Il re pastore (Elisa) and Le Nozze di Figaro (Susanna), as well as many works by Handel, some including Rinaldo (Almirena), Tu fedel? Tu costante?, Messiah (soprano soloist), and Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno (Bellezza). In addition, her passion for choral work has led her to sing in many professional ensembles, including NYC’s Marble Collegiate Choir, as well as Columbia-based groups Vox Nova and Prometheus.
Dr. Sandstedt holds degrees from NY’s Stony Brook University (Doctorate of Musical Arts and Master of Music in vocal performance) where she began her studies with soprano Brenda Harris, as well as the University of Missouri-Columbia (Bachelor of Music in voice and viola performance) where she studied with Ann Harrell and Leslie Perna. Dr. Sandstedt now teaches at Columbia College as an Assistant Professor of Music, teaching applied voice lessons, music theory, aural skills, and other voice related courses.
For more information, please visit: https://www.catherinesandstedtsoprano.com
Clara Smith, Soprano
Clara Smith is an avid musician performing both as a vocalist and conductor around the world. She received her undergraduate degree in vocal music education from Missouri State University where she had the opportunity to travel as a chorister quite extensively both domestically and internationally. She recently received her Masters in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri and plans to pursue her DMA in Choral Conducting. She now serves as an adjunct professor in Music Theory and History at Columbia College as well as the director of Columbia Youth Choirs’ treble choir, Bella Voce. Clara was recently selected as one of twelve members of the Voces8 scholars program. She has performed as a soloist for a wide variety of repertoire and venues including a United States presidential inauguration. Clara is thrilled to perform under the direction of Dr. R. Paul Crabb alongside such talented musicians.
Bryan Stenson, Tenor
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Bryan Hiroto Stenson attended and graduated from St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo, where he sang in the choral program under the direction of his parents. He received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA and his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. He served six years in the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” singing for global leaders, nationally televised events, and the public. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, and researched Ko Matsushita’s choral arrangements of Japanese folk songs. Dr. Stenson works with a variety of ages and abilities. Past organizations include the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, the Tacoma Youth Chorus, the Children’s Chorus of Washington, the Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg, and Christ United Methodist Church in Plano, TX. Dr. Stenson currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Columbia College in Missouri.
Nickolas Stoppel, Bass-Baritone
Nick Stoppel, is a multi-talented musician excelling in a variety of arenas from classical choral music to video game soundtracks. As a native of Kansas City, he continues to contribute across America and around the world both as a soloist and group member. Nick has been privileged to be a featured soloist on illustrious stages around the world including the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, Kings Place in London, the Maihama Amphitheater at Disney Tokyo and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri. In December of 2018 he released his first Christmas album The Season of Light, which charted on the Official iTunes Top 100 Christmas Albums as well as the Top 15 New Christmas Albums of 2018 on iTunes. For six seasons, Nick was been a member of the Kansas City Chorale performing across the United States and Canada. Nick was privileged to be a part of the Chorale’s recording, Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, which won the 2015 GRAMMY® Award for Best Choral Performance. While based in Kansas City he also records and tours internationally with the Irish chorus, Anúna. As a member of Anúna his voice can be heard on multiple recording projects. He has appeared on tours throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Italy, Iceland, Japan and China as well as performing on national television and radio in the Netherlands.
Jeremy Wagner, Bass
Jeremy Wagner is a promising and engaging music educator, with a Master’s of Music in Choral Conducting at the University of Missouri. At the institution, Wagner was able to work alongside and learn directly from mentors, Dr. R. Paul Crabb, Dr. Wendy Sims, and Dr. Brandon Boyd. Wagner has been serving as the Director of Choral Activities at Missouri Valley College, preparing choirs as well as teaching several curricular courses such as Music Appreciation, and Jazz, Pop, and Rock. Wagner also worked individually with students as the applied lessons professor. Additionally, Wagner has been granted opportunities to work with established local educators, including Lee’s Summit North’s George Peng and Jonathan Krinke, Dr. Rika Heruth, Christine Nichols, and Emily Edgington Andrews. Through his participation within the community, Wagner has established himself as a talented conductor, educator, and performer around Missouri. These accolades, in conjunction with his focused work ethic, led to Wagner being named the Director of Music Ministry at several churches, most recently Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia. He also works as the Assistant Chorale Conductor and Co-Chamber Choir Conductor with the Choral Arts Alliance of Missouri. Wagner currently performs in a semi-professional chamber ensemble, Vox Nova, who celebrated their first Missouri Music Educators Association performance in 2018 and won the Ernst Bacon American Prize in 2019.