MARK KRUCZEK -- Conductor, organist, and vocal coach; began his musical training at age 13 at DePaul University in Chicago with Arthur C. Becker, the founder of the School of Music.  He also completed undergraduate and graduate work at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.  He is a graduate of The Juilliard School where he was awarded the Gaston Dethier Organ Prize.

One of the highlights in his early career was an invitation to play the organ for Pope John Paul II during masses celebrated in Washington, D.C. at the Cathedral of St. Matthew and at the Washington Mall during the Pope's historic visit to the United States in 1979.

Mr. Kruczek has played master classes for Birgit Nielson, Renata Scotto, Peter Pears, Martin Isepp, Janet Booksban.  As an accompanist, he has performed with Lauren Flannigan, Myra Merritt and Hei-Kyung Hong of the Metropolitan Opera, as well as international tenor, John Aler. 

Recordings include The Duruflé Album, Mysteries Beyond, and the Berlioz Te Deum.  Under the personal tutelage of Madame Duruflé, Mark performed the Duruflé Requiem to critical acclaim.  He is the featured organist on Song of the Stars, A Celebration of Catalan Music, a new CD with Dennis Keene and the Voices of Ascension released in May, 2009 on the Naxos International label.   A Wall Street Journal review of the CD on July 23, 2009 gave Mark's performance rave reviews.

In 1985, Mr. Kruczek founded Chorus Angelorum as the Artistic Director and conductor.  In 2004 he received the prestigious Hammond Achievement Award which recognizes Hammond, Indiana natives who have achieved national or international distinction in arts, business and industry, or science.  He is currently music director at St. Joan of Arc Church in New York City and a member of the Roman Catholic Diocesan Music Commission for the Brooklyn, New York Diocese.  Mr. Kruczek is a vocal coach in New York City, Chicago, and Aspen, Colorado.