Biographies
Ian Loeppky
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Ian Loeppky is an Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of North Alabama since the fall of 2003. His studies began at the University of Manitoba, continued at the University of Minnesota, and finished at the College- Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Educators National Convention, the National Collegiate Choral Organization, the Alabama Vocal Association, the International Federation for Choral Music, Phi Mu Alpha, and Pi Kappa Lambda. He is currently the Repertoire and Standards Chair for Multicultural Choral Music for the Alabama chapter of ACDA. He has worked as a singer, scholar, conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and arranger in Canada, the United States, and Portugal. He directs all four choral ensembles at UNA and teaches undergraduate and graduate choral conducting, choral techniques, and graduate choral literature. In addition, he directs the choir at Trinity Episcopal Church and is founder and artistic director of Florence Camerata. He conducted the premiere performance of Haydn’s The Creation in Varna, Bulgaria, and led the World Voices Festival in Costa Rica with Kingsway International in the spring of 2011. He is a frequent contributor to the Choral Journal and the Alabama Reprise.
Christopher-Joel Carter, IV
Christopher-Joel Carter is a pianist of most exquisite versatility and a master of genres. His virtuosic and diverse playing has taken him around the world and has made him a favorite among locals and celebrities alike. From composing choral music that has been premiered in Carnegie Hall, and the Bass Performance Hall, to performing for royalty, Christopher’s joyous and happy disposition is reflected in his compositions and performances. In 2008 Christopher- Joel won first place in the Liberace Piano Competition Showmanship division, and is the reigning champion. He is a regular in the Las Vegas music scene and has performed there as the headlining pianist at the M Resort. Most recently, Christopher-Joel was the featured pianist and entertainer for the weeklong celebration of Liberace’s 91st birthday at the Liberace Museum and Foundation. Christopher was chosen to be the Master of Ceremonies and guest pianist during the Celebration Finale Concert. He is in demand as a concert pianist, accompanist, composer, and organist which keeps him traveling over 250 days a year. Christopher-Joel is the accompanist for the Florence Camerata, and also is a professional organist. When “at home” in Alabama, he lends his time to numerous civic and community efforts. Christopher began his musical training at the age of five, and studied with local teachers of his hometown, Albertville, Alabama. He focused on the Southern Gospel style, Jazz, and Liberace-influenced improvisational styles. At the age of fifteen, Christopher-Joel began formal classical training, continuing through his college years, leading him to also major in organ performance and also concentrations on musical composition. In March 2010, Christopher released his first studio-produced self-titled album.