Dr. Nicole Baker - October 30, 2011
Dr. Nicole Baker earned her Ph.D. in musicology and M.F.A. in vocal performance and choral conducting at the University of California, Los Angeles. A specialist in the Classical era, Baker wrote her dissertation on 18th-century Italian opera at the Court of Mannheim, and A-R Editions published her critical edition of ballet music performed there. She continues to publish on opera by Mozart and 18th century reformist composers, and received a Fulbright Scholarship for study in Germany. Baker also investigates the life and career of vaudeville performer Belle Baker and American popular music of the early twentieth century.
Dr. Baker sings with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and has sung with the Los Angeles Music Center Opera and I Cantori. In addition, Dr. Baker conducts the early music ensemble, Jouyssance. She has conducted choruses in Southern California for nearly 20 years. Dr. Baker has directed at California State University, Northridge, as well as at several churches, and currently serves as music director at St Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Pasadena.