Key Chorale appoints Glenn Priest as principal accompanist

Glenn Priest will join the Key Chorale symphonic chorus in Sarasota as principal accompanist, replacing Nancy Yost Olson, who is retiring after 14 years in the position.

Priest recently retired as worship director and chapel organist of Fairhaven, a megachurch in Dayton, Ohio, where he served for 20 years. He is a former guest artist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, where he made his piano debut at the age of 22.

"I am over the moon that Glenn will be our principal accompanist," said Key Chorale Maestro Joseph Caulkins in a statement. "His skills as a keyboard artist are exemplary. Adding to that, he has extensive experience as a choral conductor, a real dedication to his craft, and a welcoming and collaborative spirit."

Priest will travel back and forth from Ohio to Florida for this season before permanently moving to Sarasota next year. 

A graduate of Boston University with a BMus and MMus in Piano, Priest studied piano with Bela Nagy and Anthony di Bonaventura, organ with Douglas Marshall, voice performance and choral conducting with Joseph Huszti and vocal accompanying with Allen Rogers.

Priest was a staff accompanist/vocal coach for Boston University's Young Artists Tanglewood Institute for seven years. 

As an artist, he has served with many organizations, including The Knoxville Choral Society and Symphony, Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra and St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral Series in Tallahassee. 

Led by Caulkins, Key Chorale aims to produce high-quality collaborative musical events that enrich the community by partnering with organizations such as Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, The Sarasota Ballet, The Venice Symphony, The Circus Arts Conservatory and others. 

A welcome reception will be held for Priest from 5-6:30 p.m. May 19 at the Center for Arts & Humanities, 1226 N. Tamiami Trail. Those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP to [email protected] by May 17.