The Chorus Today

Jeremy Edelstein, Artistic Director

Jeremy grew up in central Pennsylvania, surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. His journey of singing began in the worlds of pop, jazz, and musical theatre. Before long, he fell in love with choral music: with the joy of community that it lends to artistry and with the maturity of storytelling that it affords through musical and poetic means. Jeremy came to the Northwest by way of Chicago, where he earned a master’s degree in choral conducting at Northwestern University under the mentorship of GRAMMY®-winning conductor Donald Nally. He also holds degrees in English literature and music education from Penn State.

As Artistic Director of the Northwest Chamber Chorus, Jeremy is honored to make art at the intersection of vocal music and poetry. He sees a kindred spirit in the Northwest Chamber Chorus, with its commitment to exploring a wide range of repertoire choices and collaboration with the greater Seattle musical community.

Jeremy’s sensibilities align well with the Northwest Chamber Chorus’s commitment to pursuing excellence without compromising relationships. He aims to foster conversation between musical genres and settings, and between words, sound, emotion, and understanding. He programs concerts that speak to who we are today, and what we think and feel right now. He sees performance as an opportunity—for both musicians and audiences—to be changed through art.

Carly Thornburg, Executive Director

Carly began her journey in choral singing under the direction of Gene Peterson at Campolindo High School in Moraga. From there she moved to Seattle and sang with UW Choirs until 2010. After spending 5 years living in Olympia singing folk songs, Carly joined the NWCC alto section in 2017. She coordinated the chorus’s Spring Benefit Auction for two years with great success before being hired as Executive Director in 2021. She considers herself a Relationship Professional, having worked in volunteer management, fundraising, training, and community building. Carly holds a degree in Environmental Science and Resource Managment from the University of Washingon. She is glad to have the opportunity to promote the choral arts in our community.

Youngjin Joo, Collaborative Piano Accompanist

Youngjin Joo is an organist, pianist, and collaborative artist. One of her earliest memories is playing the piano sitting on her mom’s lap. Her mom was her first piano teacher and has been her greatest supporter. She was introduced to the organ during her senior year of high school. These two keyboard instruments have been her passion. She has a great interest in improvisation in various styles. She studied music theory/composition and music education at Seoul National University and holds a Master of Music in Organ Performance from the University of Washington. She is the organist at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, and she also accompanies at Northwest Girlchoir and PNB school.

Brent Woo, Collaborative Piano Accompanist

Brent Woo is a collaborative pianist based in Seattle who enjoys sharing the joy of music with audiences of all kinds. Brent has performed with Harmonia Orchestra & Chorus at Benaroya Hall and has staged solo music events in venues ranging from Caffe Appassionato to the Boston and NYC subways. He has played organ for First United Methodist Church of Torrance, Bellevue Presbyterian, and Third Church of Christ, Scientist in Seattle, and he has been a seasonal piano entertainer for Hotel Sorrento. He is excited to be playing with the Northwest Chamber Chorus.