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Zachary Brecht is a versatile conductor and vocalist interested in exploring and contextualizing vocal ensemble music throughout history. Through the juxtaposition of early and contemporary works, he focuses on exploring the meanings of historical works based both in and out of the classical cannon. This allows audiences to considering how people from generations past worshipped, expressed themselves, and connected to their communities. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in choral conducting from the Peabody Institute, Zachary has multiple years of experience working in both sacred and secular music as both conductor and vocalist.
Zachary Brecht is a versatile conductor and vocalist interested in exploring and contextualizing vocal ensemble music throughout history. Through the juxtaposition of early and contemporary works, he focuses on exploring the meanings of historical works based both in and out of the classical cannon. This allows audiences to considering how people from generations past worshipped, expressed themselves, and connected to their communities. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in choral conducting from the Peabody Institute, Zachary has multiple years of experience working in both sacred and secular music as both conductor and vocalist.
2025 Peabody Conductor's Chorus
In 2021, Zachary founded the Student Bach Chorus, a chamber ensemble based at the University of Iowa. Acting as conductor and music director, he prepared the group for multiple successful concert cycles and secured both funding and official student organization status for the ensemble. In addition to his work with the Student Bach Chorus, Zachary also served as music director of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There he was responsible for the music of both weekly services and feast days. During the 2024-25 season, Zachary served as the conducting intern with the Handel Choir of Baltimore, conducting both the chamber and full ensemble in rehearsal and performance.
In 2021, Zachary founded the Student Bach Chorus, a chamber ensemble based at the University of Iowa. Acting as conductor and music director, he prepared the group for multiple successful concert cycles and secured both funding and official student organization status for the ensemble. In addition to his work with the Student Bach Chorus, Zachary also served as music director of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There he was responsible for the music of both weekly services and feast days. During the 2024-25 season, Zachary served as the conducting intern with the Handel Choir of Baltimore, conducting both the chamber and full ensemble in rehearsal and performance.
2023 Student Bach Chorus
Passionate about community outreach and education, Zachary has been active in bringing diverse musical experiences to multiple venues within the community. Serving as an assistant conductor, Zachary has participated in diverse musical experiences in Iowa, including the University of Iowa REACH Choir (for students with disabilities) and the University of Iowa Youth Chorale. These ensembles have performed at the Iowa City Senior Center and the various locations on the University of Iowa campus, sharing a diverse repertoire of choral music with audiences.
Passionate about community outreach and education, Zachary has been active in bringing diverse musical experiences to multiple venues within the community. Serving as an assistant conductor, Zachary has participated in diverse musical experiences in Iowa, including the University of Iowa REACH Choir (for students with disabilities) and the University of Iowa Youth Chorale. These ensembles have performed at the Iowa City Senior Center and the various locations on the University of Iowa campus, sharing a diverse repertoire of choral music with audiences.
As a Graduate Assistant with the Peabody Institute's vocal ensembles, Zachary acts as assistant conductor for various ensembles and assisted with the administration of the vocal ensembles program. In addition to his duties at the Peabody Institute, Zachary is a faculty member at Maryland Opera's yearly Opera Camp. There, he works with high school and college-aged students as music director, arranger, and accompanist as the students create and produce their own opera.
As a Graduate Assistant with the Peabody Institute's vocal ensembles, Zachary acts as assistant conductor for various ensembles and assisted with the administration of the vocal ensembles program. In addition to his duties at the Peabody Institute, Zachary is a faculty member at Maryland Opera's yearly Opera Camp. There, he works with high school and college-aged students as music director, arranger, and accompanist as the students create and produce their own opera.
Zachary conducting Peabody Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Zachary received a bachelor’s degree with honors in vocal music & secondary education from the University of Iowa, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree under the tutelage of Dr. Beth Willer at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.
Zachary received a bachelor’s degree with honors in vocal music & secondary education from the University of Iowa, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree under the tutelage of Dr. Beth Willer at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.
As he continues his education, Zachary remains committed to exploring the connection between early music and contemporary audiences, and how he can create meaningful and evocative musical experiences for all.
As he continues his education, Zachary remains committed to exploring the connection between early music and contemporary audiences, and how he can create meaningful and evocative musical experiences for all.
Curious if my experience is the right fit for you project? I'd love to discuss! Reach out to me here.
Curious if my experience is the right fit for you project? I'd love to discuss! Reach out to me here.
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