Spoleto Festival USA has named Dr. Amanda Quist to the position of Music Director of the Spoleto Festival Chorus.

Dr. Quist, who begins her tenure in 2026, is an assosicate professor and director of choral activities at Western Michigan University. Her experience includes working for a decade teaching at Westminster Choir College. As a result of that position, she performed with the ensemble at the Spoleto Festival USA in 2023 in the American premiere of “Matsukaze.”

She also served as Director of Choral Studies for the Frost School of Music and is currently Director of Interlochen’s Choral Conducting Academy. Additionally, Dr. Quist has worked as Director of the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chorus Master with the New York Philharmonic, New World Symphony, Palm Beach Symphony, Dresden Staatskapelle, and guest conductor for Seraphic Fire.

“I am honored and incredibly excited to join Spoleto Festival USA,” said Dr. Quist per an official press release. “I look forward to leading this incredible professional choir program and building on the tremendous legacy of world-class choral music at Spoleto. My goal is to cultivate the Festival Chorus as a vital platform for emerging professional singers, allowing them to hone their craft at the highest level across a great diversity of musical opportunities. I envision a chorus that not only delivers breathtaking performances but also inspires a broad audience, making the Festival known to everyone across America and the world.”

She takes over for Dr. Joe Miller, who was at the helm of the ensemble for 19 years.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Amanda Quist to the Spoleto Festival USA family,” said Spoleto Festival USA General Director and CEO Dr. Mena Mark Hanna, per an official press release. “Her profound musicality, innovative programming ideas, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of professional singers align perfectly with the Festival’s artistic mission. Amanda will build upon Joe Miller’s legacy at Spoleto and continue to lead the Festival Chorus to new heights of artistry and excellence.”