The Olympia Peace Choir is getting its first new artistic director since the nonprofit chorus was founded in 2010.
Kerri Lynn Nichols, who co-built the organization alongside her husband, Stocc, announced she is stepping down after 16 years at the helm. Matthew Melendez, a singer who performs with ChoralArts Northwest in Seattle, will take over and lead the choir's 2026-27 season under the theme "Through Each Other."
"A founding director can only take a choir so far," Nichols said in a statement published by ThurstonTalk. "It is time for a fresh perspective, change and growth."
Melendez said the choir's mission of building connection and peace through singing aligns with his personal values and life's work. He and the board plan to increase the choir's visibility throughout Thurston County with more performances and collaborations.
Free workshop Monday
The choir is hosting a free community workshop on Monday, Aug. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1925 Boulevard Rd. SE. The session will focus on creating ensemble and building community through music. A first workshop on vocal technique was held Monday, Aug. 10.
No auditions are required to join.
Nancy Spagat, the choir's performance and publicity coordinator, said many current members did not know how to read music when they joined. The only requirements are enjoying singing and committing to attend at least 80% of rehearsals. Admission depends on voice-section balance, meaning the director may need to manage how many singers join each part.
What's next
Open rehearsals for prospective members are set for Monday, Sept. 14, and Monday, Sept. 21, both from 7 to 9 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. A potluck on Monday, Aug. 24, will give current choir members a chance to meet Melendez in a casual setting.
Melendez, who has spent roughly two decades as a tenor and more recently sings baritone, is also scheduled to perform in a production of Verdi's "Requiem" in September.
The Olympia Peace Choir describes itself as nonpartisan and unaffiliated with any political, private or public organization. Interested singers can visit theolympiapeacechoir.org or email [email protected].
