Dr. Matthew W. Leese is a conductor, baritone, stage director and educator based in Keene, New Hampshire. A master of versatility, Leese received his Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Otago, Graduate Diploma in Historical Performance from the Longy School of Music, Masters in Early Music from Indiana University and Doctorate in Choral Conducting and Literature from the University of Illinois. Recent noted projects have included directing Hans Krasa’s ‘Brundibar’ for the Redfern Arts Center Voices of Terezin series, Benjamin Britten’s ‘The Little Sweep’ with Keene State Opera and the Colonial Theatre and period performances of Bach’s ‘Johannespassion’ with Monadnock Chorus. Additional regular conducting responsibilities include directing the Chamber Singers of Keene, Keene State College Vocal Consort, Voices of the Bay in New Brunswick, and serving as artist in residence with the Boston City Singers. As a baritone, Leese appears frequently with LIBER, SPIRE (Kansas City) and TACTUS (Oklahoma City).