Bethany  Hamilton    

Bethany Hamilton has recently returned to Chicago after earning a Masters in vocal performance from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland.  While studying under opera star Patricia Hay, she performed as a soloist in numerous halls including Glasgow Cathedral, St. George's-Tron and St. Salvatore's Chapel.  Having previously earned a degree in jazz studies and completing an honors thesis from Roosevelt University, Bethany maintained her interest in performing many styles by acting as jazz soloist with the Academy Big Band and in prestigious venues around Scottland.  Highlights also include performing improvised duets with Bobby McFerrin in a masterclass at the Royal COncert Hall, singing in Scottish Gaelic for a duo folk concert, and giving a Masters Recital that London's Peter Savidge described as "absolute genius".

Back in Chicago, Bethany is an active performer in many different styles, including in the choral community with Music of the Baroque, the Grant Park Chorus, and the William Ferris Chorale, and as a frequent soloist for LaSalle Street Church.  Her recently released EP, "The Beauty That We Live In" and a new original folk project with multi- instrumentalist Rob Clearfield is performed live around Chicago.