Opera Grand Rapids Hires New Chorus Master Dr. Patrick Coyle

Opera Grand Rapids announced today the hiring of Dr. Patrick Coyle as the company’s new Chorus Master, replacing Duane Davis who held the position for 31 years before retiring. Dr. Coyle will perform the crucial role of leading the Opera Grand Rapids Chorus and preparing its singers for each production.

Coyle will begin leading the Opera Grand Rapids Chorus in preparation for its gala concert of Verdi’s “Requiem” on October 30 at DeVos Performance Hall.

Dr. Patrick Coyle received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, with focuses on Conducting and Arts Administration. In addition, he holds music degrees from Furman University, Converse College and Emory University.

Coyle brings to Opera Grand Rapids a diversity of experience. His love of theater began as a young performer in musicals and opera, in “South Pacific,” “H.M.S. Pinafore” and Verdi's “Rigoletto,” among many others. Eventually, he transitioned to the orchestra pit, first in the trumpet section, then to the podium, and has since performed the roles of conductor, vocal coach, professor, music director, and keyboardist.

Active in West Michigan’s performing arts community, Coyle has served as music director at Mason Street Warehouse Theatre, Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, Farmer’s Alley, and Western Michigan University. In addition to preparing casts and orchestras for rehearsals and performances, he also performs the role of conductor. Coyle serves as Minister of Music at First Park Congregational Church where he rehearses and conducts choirs for major choral and orchestral works.

In his 22 years of experience, Coyle has received a number of awards and recognitions, including the Mayor’s Award for Service to the Arts in Cincinnati, Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, Who’s Who in Music, and the Massey Award for Outstanding Community Service.