Announcing Nick Sienkiewicz as Artistic Director

A new chapter for The Stonewall Chorale

Nick Sienkiewicz

The Stonewall Chorale has appointed Nick Sienkiewicz as its next Artistic Director.

This appointment comes at a defining moment in the life of The Chorale. As we approach our 50th anniversary season, we do so with a strong artistic foundation, a clear sense of identity, and a forward-looking vision for what comes next.

Founded in 1977, The Stonewall Chorale is the nation’s first LGBTQIA+ chorus and has long held a distinct place in New York City’s choral and cultural landscape. For nearly five decades, The Chorale has presented ambitious classical repertoire and contemporary works, while sustaining a deeply committed community of singers. That combination of artistic rigor and community connection continues to define The Chorale today.

Introducing Our Next Artistic Director

Nick Sienkiewicz joins the organization at this pivotal moment. A New York City-based conductor, music director, and educator, he currently serves as Artistic Director of the Lehigh Valley Chorale and Director of the Youth Pride Chorus. His work reflects a disciplined approach to musical preparation, a collaborative rehearsal process, and a clear understanding of how ensembles grow and evolve over time.

Following a national search that included multiple stages of evaluation and opportunities for candidates to work directly with the ensemble, Nick emerged as the clear choice to become our seventh Artistic Director. Throughout the process, he displayed exceptional musicianship, artistic clarity, and an ability to connect that vision to the lived experience of a chorus.

“The Stonewall Chorale has always been defined by both its musical ambition and its sense of community,” said Emily McSpadden, President of the Board of Directors. “Nick understands how to hold those together, and we are excited about the depth of artistry and connection he will bring to The Chorale.”

"The Stonewall Chorale stands at a powerful intersection of musical excellence, community, and LGBTQIA+ identity. As it approaches its 50th anniversary, I’m excited to build on that legacy by creating performances that move people, deepen connection, and speak to the moment we’re living in.”—Nick Sienkiewicz

On Music, Community, and Connection

For Sienkiewicz, choral music is fundamentally about connection. “At a time when people are searching for connection and a sense of belonging, I can’t imagine a more meaningful place to make music than in a chorus,” he said. “There’s something powerful about people coming together to create something collectively.”

That perspective is rooted in his longstanding commitment to community music. Before pursuing conducting full-time, Sienkiewicz trained in both voice and biochemistry and originally planned a career in medicine. This experience continues to shape how he approaches rehearsal and ensemble work.

“I think about rehearsal almost like an experiment,” he said. “You’re constantly adjusting, responding, and finding the approaches that help an ensemble grow and succeed.”

Across his work with both large-scale community choruses and LGBTQIA+ youth ensembles, Sienkiewicz has focused on creating musical experiences that are both rigorous and meaningful for the people involved.

“For me, it’s about creating experiences that move people,” he said. “Music should challenge us, inspire us, and allow us to feel something real.”

Honoring a Lasting Artistic Legacy

This transition also provides an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary leadership of Artistic Director Cynthia Powell.

For the past 25 years, Powell has shaped The Chorale’s artistic direction, repertoire, and standards of excellence. Her leadership has guided the ensemble through decades of performance, growth, and change, leaving a lasting imprint on both the organization and the generations of singers who have been part of it.

“Leading the Stonewall Chorale has been one of the great privileges of my life,” said Powell. “I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m looking forward to working with Nick in the season ahead.”

The upcoming season will be structured as a co-Artistic Director year, with Sienkiewicz and Powell working together throughout the 50th anniversary season.

Looking Ahead

The Chorale enters this next chapter with momentum. As we prepare for our 50th anniversary season, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to the artistic standards and community that have defined The Stonewall Chorale for nearly five decades.

Additional details about the upcoming season will be announced in the months ahead.