Aces of Trades: Music has been part of Stephen Caracciolo's life since childhood

Jeff Barron, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
·2 min read

LANCASTER − Music has been a part of LancasterChorale artistic director Stephen Caracciolo's life since he was a child.

"When I was young I was recruited to sing in the men and boys choir at the Episcopal church in Steubenville," he said. "That's when I learned to like chorale music a lot."

Stephen Caracciolo is the artistic director for the LancasterChorale. He is only the second director the chorale has ever had. He replaced former director Robert Trocchia, who held the position for 28 years.
Stephen Caracciolo is the artistic director for the LancasterChorale. He is only the second director the chorale has ever had. He replaced former director Robert Trocchia, who held the position for 28 years.

Caracciolo, a Steubenville native and conductor, has been the chorale artistic director for about eight years. He replaced former director Robert Trocchia, who had a 28-year career with the organization.

Caracciolo was recently named the chorus master for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. He also composes and publishes music, with some of his work performed in Europe.

The LancasterChorale is a professional chamber choir that performs in both Lancaster and Columbus.

"These are folks with sometimes master's degrees in vocal performance," Caracciolo said. "People with lots of chorale experience singing. So it allows us to be able to sing really impeccably and well in tune. It helps us to interpret the literature in a very interesting and expressive way."

He said the chorale is the only professional chorale in central Ohio. It performs a the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption when performing here and at St. Mary Mother of God when in Columbus. The chorale presents three programs each year, with a local and a Columbus performance for each.

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Caracciolo received a bachelor of music education degree from Capital University Conservatory of Music in 1985, a master of music in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College in 1992, and a doctorate of music in choral conducting from Indiana University Jacob School of Music in 2008.

He is also a professional choral singer who has performed masterworks with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Julliard School Orchestra, Indiana University Orchestra, and the American Symphony.

Additionally, Caracciolo performed with the LancasterChorale before becoming its director and has taught music at the university level.

Away from work and music, Caracciolo and his wife, Sandra, enjoy spending time with family.

The LancasterChorale will present "At the Manger" at 4 p.m. Nov. 26 in Lancaster and at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 in Columbus.

It will perform "Love Songs for Spring" at 4 p.m. April 21 here and at 4 p.m. April 28 in Columbus.

jbarron@gannett.com

740-681-4340

Twitter: @JeffDBarron

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Aces of Trades: Stephen Caracciolo has sung for most of his life