Puget Soundworks is thrilled to welcome Miriam Anderson as our new Artistic Director! 

Our Artistic Director Search Committee and operations staff have been active throughout the fall and early winter – collaboratively building out the job description, sourcing and screening candidates, and defining and executing a robust, data-driven interview process. We were fortunate to have the chance to meet and interview some incredibly talented candidates for this role, but in the end, Miriam’s excellence in conducting, strong alignment with our mission and values, and collaborative approach to leadership made the decision clear.

According to Vanessa Grose, Executive Director, “Throughout all of Miriam’s conversations with us, her passion for the inclusive mission of Puget Soundworks came through loud and clear! But what I especially loved was, when Miriam finally had a chance to be in front of the singers, she didn’t have to tell us that she believed in our mission – she simply embodied it. Proactively introducing herself with her pronouns; bringing inclusive, multi-lingual repertoire; fostering community connections. She is the right AD at the right time, and we are so lucky to have her on the team!”

And the feeling is mutual! From Miriam, “I am beyond excited to be joining the Puget Soundworks team! Their commitment to spreading kindness and joy through choral music is an inspiration, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to make music with them.”

Here’s a little more information to help you get to know Miriam:

Miriam Anderson has been involved in music her whole life and started studying voice and percussion at the age of 10. She began her studies in both choral and orchestral conducting during her undergraduate years at UC Berkeley. After earning a bachelor’s degree in music and peace and conflict studies, she was hired to assistant direct the UC Berkeley Chamber Chorus, and to play principal timpani and run the percussion section for the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. In June 2017 she completed a master’s of music degree in choral conducting from the University of Washington.

Miriam is passionate about using choral music to build community and connection, and as a form of outreach, integrating her backgrounds in music and peace studies. Outside of Puget Soundworks, Miriam currently directs the Seattle Labor Chorus, Northminster Presbyterian Church choir, and the Piccolini and Entrata ensembles of Seattle Girls Choir. She also teaches choir at Seattle Waldorf High School, is a teaching artist at Seattle Opera, and is the Chorus Manager and a singing member of Choral Arts Northwest. Miriam also frequently gigs in the Seattle area as a percussionist, vocalist, and conductor.

When she is not making music, Miriam enjoys dance, yoga, knitting, cooking, and playing with her cat.