Get to know members of the MasterVoices chorus
Spanning from enthusiastic high school students to seasoned singers with over 30 years of participation, our chorus is a testament to a collective dedication to the sheer joy of musical expression. As part of our commitment to sharing the stories behind the voices, we have undertaken an ongoing project to present spotlight interviews with our talented members. Every quarter, we take pride in featuring four spotlight interviews, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives and passions of these remarkable chorus members.
ADèLE Talty
Member since 1988
SOPRANO
DEDICATE A GIFT IN HONOR OF Adèle
Singing with MasterVoices has been a part of Adèle’s life for almost forty years, including nine years serving on its Board of Directors. During that time, she has sung almost every concert, even while raising four children in Westchester.
Originally from Connecticut, Adèle moved to New York City after graduating from Boston College and worked as a writer for SELF magazine in the Sex, Relationships and Love department, interviewing experts like Dr. Ruth Westheimer in addition to Dr. Anthony Fauci during the height of the AIDS epidemic. After SELF, she was the managing editor of Bottom Line Personal, a newsletter with a readership of one million.
“MasterVoices has provided me with a creative outlet apart from my other responsibilities. Singing varied repertoire and sharing the stage with major opera, musical theater and pop music talents has been an incredible experience”, says Adèle. Her kids are impressed that she sang at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards hosted by Chris Rock at the Metropolitan Opera House.
As a Board member, Adèle has served on the Development and Special Events Committee which plays a crucial role in generating funds for a huge portion of MasterVoice’s annual budget. “The financial environment for arts organizations is so challenging. As singers we don’t see the struggle and effort that goes into finding the resources for our programming.”
Adèle recently moved back to New York City and is a member of the Literary and Music Committees at the National Arts Club and will soon be off to Provence, France to pursue another passion–biking.
DAVID waggett
Member since 2022
BASS
DEDICATE A GIFT IN HONOR OF David
David is an accomplished choral singer lending his talents to several choruses in addition to MasterVoices. “I love the special experience MasterVoices provides of exploring new or under-appreciated music, and the way Ted puts a different spin on some traditional pieces” says David.
Growing up on Long Island, David took part in traditional high school music programs such as chorus, band and theater. He took a break from singing while at MIT earning his BA in Humanities and Science, and while he and his wife raised their two sons in suburban New Jersey.
David began his career as a stage manager but ultimately moved to the business side of the entertainment industry working for, among others, MSG, Radio City, and on Broadway. David is particularly proud of his work at Understood.org/Poses Family Foundation which focuses on neurodivergent people and their allies. He now serves as Director of Finance and Administration for the National Dance Institute. Founded by Jacques d’Amboise 50 years ago, National Dance Institute provides dance curriculum in over 50 New York City public schools which, David says, is a “transformative experience” for students.
David says he is always impressed with the level of singing at Master Voices – a high compliment from someone who sings with so many choruses in the NY/NJ metropolitan area.
JUDITH SLOAN
Member since 1969 AND 2008
ALTO
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Judy joined The Collegiate Chorale in 1969 when Abe Kaplan was conducting and left soon after her son was born – but not before singing (quite pregnant) in Carnegie Hall. Forty years later she rejoined and traveled with the chorus to Israel with baritone Thomas Hampson and maestro Zubin Meta: “an unforgettable experience,” says Judy.
In addition to her years as a stay-at-home mom with her children David and Liz, Judy taught English in New Rochelle High School and then switched careers to become Senior Writer in the Public Affairs Department at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. She also sang with the “Sweet Adelines” for several years.
Retirement has meant time for other activities, including serving on the Boards of Port Washington’s “Landmark on Main Street” and the public library and enrolling in Juilliard’s opera appreciation class. Judy has traveled to Uganda with Innovation Africa, an Israeli organization that brings water and solar technologies to African villages.
Judy and her husband Morty enjoy spending time with their family, and doting on their six grandchildren ranging in age from three months to twenty-five years. “Life is good.”
william butron
Member Since 2015
bass
DEDICATE A GIFT IN HONOR OF william
Imagine you are sixteen years old, new to singing, and find yourself in the MasterVoices chorus for Mahler’s Symphony #2. This is your Carnegie Hall debut. For William, this unforgettable experience ignited his passion for singing classical music and set his life in the direction of pursuing his musical gift.
William’s journey began in a New York City public high school with a small chorus where he met music teacher Steven Kirby, a former MasterVoices chorus member, who recognized William’s potential and sponsored him to join the MasterVoices Side-By-Side program. Throughout his high school years, William also sang with the NY All-City High School Chorus and attended three summers at the NYS Summer School of the Arts on the campus of SUNY Fredonia. “These experiences further exposed me to the world of classical music, choir, opera, and musical theatre, cementing my love for the arts and performance.” He has continued his studies of voice and music education with Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ and has sung with the Westminster Choir, Westminster Symphonic Choir, and Jubilee Singers.
A strong Bass-Baritone, William has a love for the Bass voice and “loves to sing low” proudly singing Bass 2. William, who works in fashion retail, is now a veteran member of MasterVoices, maintaining friendships with other former Side-By-Siders and even recruiting them back into the chorus. “I am so fortunate to have had a music teacher who mentored and trained me. I am also grateful to Julie Morgan (MasterVoices’ Associate Conductor) who is providing me with guidance and opportunities.,” says William. “My dream is to be a principal soloist in a MasterVoices performance. I am incredibly grateful to MasterVoices for all it has given me.
Interested in joining the chorus?