Grace Allendorf With Wayman Chin

Grace Allendorf, a celebrated mezzo-soprano, is renowned for her “creamy timbre, even color, and coloratura agility.” A versatile musician, she excels in opera, oratorio, art song, musical theatre, and contemporary music. Grace debuted with Opera 51 in Faust and performed as the Dew Fairy in Hansel and Gretel with Longwood Opera. She has been a soloist with prominent groups like Milton Community Concerts, Coro Allegro, and the Freisinger Chamber Orchestra. In 2014, she premiered the role of the Lilac Fairy in Francine Trester’s Sleeping Beauty and has debuted works by Charles Tarver, Josh Hummel, and Dominick DiOrio.

A founding member of Ensemble Lyrae since 2016, Grace contributes to uncovering lesser-known musical works and premiering new compositions. As Administrative Director of Community Performances and Partnerships at New England Conservatory, she connects music with community service. She has performed solo recitals at senior care facilities and serves as a section leader and soloist at First Parish in Milton.

Grace holds a Master’s in Vocal Performance from Longy School of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Theatre Arts from Brandeis University. A member of Beyond Artists, she donates part of her concert fees to Norwood Circle of Hope, supporting residents facing medical crises.

Wayman Chin, an accomplished pianist, has performed extensively across the United States, Asia, Latin America, and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., his notable performances include venues like Princeton University, the Curtis Institute of Music, and Boston’s Jordan Hall. Internationally, he has played at venues such as Tsuen Wan Town Hall in Hong Kong, the Sala Foundation series in the Philippines, and the National Museum of Music in Havana. Critics praise his playing as “transcendental,” “ferociously concentrated,” and “sheer magic.”

A dedicated chamber musician, Chin has collaborated with ensembles like the Pacifica and Cassatt String Quartets and esteemed soloists, including soprano Nancy Armstrong and violist Masumi Rostad. He was a faculty member at the Yellow Barn Music School and Festival for 12 seasons and taught at the Stamford International Music Festival in England.

Chin has been a faculty member at the Longy School of Music of Bard College since 1994, where he also served as Dean of the Conservatory (2008–2020) and is now Dean Emeritus. A graduate of Norwood High School, he holds degrees from the Hartt School and Yale University, studying under prominent mentors like Anne Koscielny and Donald Currier.

In recent years, Chin has performed recitals at institutions such as Bard College and the Ukrainian Institute of America, given master classes worldwide, and served as a juror for international piano competitions. An advocate for musical education and performance, his career reflects a deep commitment to artistic excellence.