We are dedicated to fostering a harmonious community by creating high-quality choral music, while embracing diversity and inclusion. We inspire audiences, create a legacy of excellence, and share delight through the transformative power and joy of choral artistry.
Harmonize Our Community
We strive to unite individuals from all walks of life, transcending barriers, and forging deep connections through the universal language of music. Through our choral performances, we aim to create a sense of belonging, respect, and togetherness that enriches and inspires the cultural landscape of the Topeka community.
Elevate Artistry
We are committed to the pursuit of musical excellence, setting the highest standards for our singers and their performances. With passion and dedication, we aim to deliver choral performances of exceptional quality that inspire, uplift, and leave a lasting impact on our audiences.
Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion
We celebrate the rich tapestry of human diversity. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, races, genders, orientations, and abilities to join us in song. Through our music, we amplify the voices and stories of our members, promoting understanding and unity.
Foster Enjoyment and Connection
We believe that music is not just a performance but an experience to be savored and shared. We are committed to creating a supportive, fun, and inclusive environment where singers can grow as musicians, forge lasting friendships, and relish the pleasure of making music together.
The Topeka Festival Singers was founded in 1984 by music director Myles Criss, organist and choirmaster at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, and accompanist Dr. Richard Gayhart, organist at First Presbyterian Church in Topeka. From an initial group of sixteen, the Singers has grown over the years and gained a reputation for high quality performances that have taken them around the northeast Kansas area and on two European tours.
Dr. Kevin Kellim led the Singers for 32 years, from 1987 until 2019. Under his direction, the Topeka Festival Singers introduced multiple choral pieces composed especially for the Festival Singers. Libby Larson, Ben Alloway, Daniel Gawthrop, Andre Thomas, Walter Pelz, Donald McCullough, and Dan Forrest have written works first performed by the Topeka Festival Singers.
The Singers continued in 2019 under the direction of Dr. Paul Tucker. During the 2020-2021 pandemic, the Singers produced three online concerts in a virtual format. For the 2021-2022 season, the Singers welcomed guest directors for each of their concerts including Steve Eubank (October), Dr. Brett Robison (December), and Dr. Jon Arnold (March). In April 2022, Dr. Brett Robison was announced as the new Artistic Director of the Topeka Festival Singers and conducted his first "official" concert as our director in May 2022.
Lawrence brings a deep passion for choral artistry and ensemble building, along with a wealth of experience as a conductor, singer, and artistic leader. His work with professional and collegiate ensembles has been marked by a commitment to musical excellence, collaborative spirit, and imaginative programming that connects audiences more deeply to the choral tradition.
Dr. Lawrence Abernathy is currently the Interim Director of Choral Studies at William Jewell College. Recognized for his dynamic conducting style, Lawrence was awarded the 2023 Dale Warland Prize in Choral Conducting presented by The American Prize. He completed his Doctorate in Music from Indiana University and his Master’s in Music from University of South Carolina, both in choral conducting.
As we look ahead to our upcoming season, we are excited for Lawrence’s leadership, vision, and energy to help shape the next chapter of the Topeka Festival Singers. Please join us in warmly welcoming him to our community, we look forward to making music together.
Robert Pherigo is a composer, pianist, and tenor. He is very pleased to be joining The Topeka Festival Singers as their collaborative pianist. He has been an active member of the Kansas City area music scene for the last 30 years. As a tenor Robert sang with the Grammy award winning Kansas City Chorale for 10 years. Robert has composed works for, among others, newEar Contemporary Music Ensemble, Kansas City Chorale, Lyric Arts Trio,Lawrence Children’s Choir and various high school choirs. His arrangement of the well-known Christmas Carol Sing We Now of Christmas, is published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing under the title Sing We Now, Noel! He was a member of newEar Contemporary Music Ensemble for 15 years, participating in numerous world premieres and performing at Modern Music festivals in Thailand and China. He enjoys playing solo piano works, most recently performing Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Charles Ives Concord sonata. His piano artistry can be heard on recordings of the music of Ingrid Stölzel, Narong Prancharoen, Mara Gibson and on the album Toward the Empyrean Heaven. He is presently collaborative pianist at St. Teresa’s Academy and Unity Temple on the Plaza. As always, infinite gratitude to his wife, Lyra.
TFS Board of Directors
