Stephen Mark Singleton is a distinguished conductor, composer, writer, and guest speaker whose career spans the globe, collaborating with choirs and orchestras of diverse styles and ages. Renowned for his energetic and magnetic leadership, Mark is a leading figure in New England’s music scene, particularly celebrated for his role as co-founder and Artistic Director of Voce.
Mark’s work with Voce has brought him into collaboration with some of the world’s most esteemed artists, including Andrea Bocelli, Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, Paul Mealor, Ola Gjeilo, Thomas LaVoy, Patrick Hawes, and Ēriks Ešenvalds. Voce has released critically acclaimed albums such as “Blessing: The Music of Paul Mealor,” and “The Nativity” under the Signum Records label; additional recordings include “Music of the Spheres” and “Sure on This Shining Night.”
Mark’s extensive experience encompasses preparing choruses and serving as guest conductor for notable orchestras like the National Symphony of China, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Liberty Symphony Orchestra, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Yale Symphony Orchestra, and Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra. His expertise also extends to guest speaking engagements at concerts, universities, and faith communities.
A dedicated educator, Mark has taught at the Hartt School of Music Community Division as Director of Primi Voci and has been on the faculty of the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. His previous roles include a remarkable 25-year tenure as Director of Music at Immanuel Congregational Church and an 18-year position as Chorus Director for the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra.
Mark holds an undergraduate degree in cello performance and church music from William Jewell College, and a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from the University of Connecticut. His conducting education has been further enriched through additional studies at the Robert Shaw Festival, the Dennis Keene Choral Festival, and the Conductor’s Institute of South Carolina, under the mentorship of Peter Bagley, Charles Bruffy, and Phillip C. Posey.
Noteworthy highlights of Mark’s career include a memorable New York City debut with Voce and Paul Mealor at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in May 2017, and preparing the Connecticut Children’s Chorus for the Berkshire Choral Festival International in July 2017. In March 2019, he was honored as Conductor-in-Residence at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, where he collaborated with Paul Mealor. Most recently, in February 2024, Mark and Voce performed alongside the legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli in the final concert of his Valentine’s Day international tour.
Mark’s artistry has been widely acclaimed, with Morten Lauridsen describing his work as “exemplifying choral performance at its finest,” and Paul Mealor praising him as a “conducting legend.” The American Record Guide has lauded Voce’s performances for their “tender warmth, exquisite nuance and enduring spirit,” while Stereophile Magazine has hailed his work as “heartbreakingly beautiful.”