CDI collaborators
Our Amazing Collaborators
Frank Vodvarka
Frank Vodvarka is Professor Emeritus at Loyola University Chicago, where as a professor of fine arts, he taught design, color theory, photography, and history of architecture. His goal as an artist, whether in the studio or as a set designer, is to provide an organized and provoking stimulus for an audience response. Vodvarka believes all art is provocative and participatory and that it is the artist’s job to shape and enhance the emotional, sensory, and intellectual dimensions of that response. His exhibition record includes shows of drawings, prints, photographs, paintings, and constructions in Australia, Belgium, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the United States.
Christina Kaloyanides
Christina Kaloyanides is a dramatic soprano of Greek and Polish heritage from Chicago, Illinois. Christina has been praised for her “formidable voice that moves effortlessly while bringing audiences into her world, holding them until the end of the performance.” -Sun Times, Chicago-
She runs a vocal studio in the Chicagoland area where she enjoys teaching people of all ages and levels, utilizing her background in both instrumental and vocal techniques. Christina received her Master of Music degree in Opera Performance from The University of Texas, and a Bachelors in Vocal Performance and Minor in Vocal Pedagogy and French horn performance from The Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.
Christina has performed throughout Europe, Mexico, and here in the United States. She is best known for her performances of Strauss’ Vier letzte lieder, the title role of Tosca, and Magda in The Consul. She is honored to be part of the CDI Inc. guest artist roster.
In addition to Christina’s performance career, she runs an events business and is the Director of Artistic Operations for Concert Dance Inc. She spends time developing, supporting, and nurturing the work of artists and the art, as well as doing her part to give back to her community. Her background in arts administration, performing, teaching, fundraising, and business management provides her unique and unparalleled perspectives.
James J. Morehead
James J. Morehead is Artistic Director for the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, music director for VOX3, and choir director at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Evanston, Illinois. He works as a coach, accompanist and music director for the Theater Conservatory of Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, where he has also served as Adjunct Professor of Music Theory/History and German Diction. James received his MM in Piano Performance and Music Theory from Roosevelt University and his BM from Duquesne University. As a Music Director, James has performed at the Auditorium Theater, Chicago Cultural Center, Rockefeller Chapel, Chicago’s Gospel Fest 2012, Ravinia, and Harold Washington Theater among many audiences. He has also collaborated and performed with the Juliani Ensemble, the Grande Prairie Choral Arts Singers, Anaphora, Lyric Opera Kids and ChiArts. James has made appearances as a featured pianist at the Green Mill, Mary’s Attic, the Tavern, Gentry on Halsted, Spin Nightclub, Davenport’s, the 410 Club, the Spot, the Casino, and 54 Below in New York City.
Brian Torosian
Brian Torosian is an active soloist and chamber musician best known for his work relating to 19th-century guitarist and composer J. K. Mertz. In addition to standard six-string guitar, he plays baroque guitar, Terz guitar, and 10-string guitar replicas, the latter two including those made for him by R. E. Bruné after 19th-century Viennese instruments. Torosian directs the guitar program of Northeastern Illinois University where he is a multiple recipient of the Instructor Excellence Award. He was a student of Anne Waller at Northwestern University, and studied with Oscar Ghiglia in Italy at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana where he received the Diploma of Merit. Concert performances include appearances with Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Symphony, Chicago Opera Theater, His Majesties Clerkes, and Classical Symphony Orchestra.