Opus One Leadership
Christopher Hoster
Christopher Hoster (executive director) is a native of Reading, Pennsylvania. He has previously served on the music faculty at Susquehanna University, Kutztown University, and Penn State Berks. He served as the Director of Berks Youth Chorus' MasterSingers from 2016 - 2021. Since 2013, Hoster has served as a chorister for Opera Philadelphia, most notably singing in the world premiere of Missy Mazzoli’s Breaking the Waves, the east coast premiere of Kevin Puts' Pulitzer Prize - winning Silent Night, and Jennifer Higdon's GRAMMY-nominated Cold Mountain. He has participated in the Aspen Music Festival's Opera Theater Center and the Sarteano Choral Workshop (under the direction of English conductor Simon Carrington). In Reading, Christopher maintains a private voice studio and serves as the organist and choir director at St. John’s Baptist de la Salle. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from Susquehanna University, a M.M. in Vocal Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois, and is ABD in Choral Conducting from the University of Illinois.
Mikaila
Milks
Mikaila Milks (assistant to the executive director) is currently majoring in psychology and is on track to obtaining a medical degree and plans to work in the field of neurosciences. After discovering the piano at an early age, Mikaila began her studies with Deborah Pyle for well over a decade. During her studies, Mikaila performed at various venues and participated in many national competitions.
Geert Ruelens
Geert Ruelens (accompanist) graduated in May of 2017 from Temple University with a Master's Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. At Temple University, he was a student of Dr. Charles Abramovic. Throughout his graduate studies, Geert was a recipient of a tuition waiver and worked as a teaching assistant in the piano department. He graduated in 2014 with a B.A. in Music from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where he was under the tutelage of Dr. Maria Asteriadou. A native of Belgium, Ruelens studied at the Royal Academy for Music in Berchem, Flanders. At the age of seven, he began organ lessons with Marc Van Driessen. Before coming to the United States, Geert studied at the Royal Conservatory for Music in Antwerp. Geert is the organist and choir director for both Nativity Lutheran and St. Paul's Lutheran in Reading. He also serves on Nativity's council. He maintains a very active teaching schedule in the Mainline of Philadelphia as well as at home in Reading. Geert is often featured as a soloist and accompanist in the Reading area.
Opus One Board of Directors
Mary Ellen Mahan, president
Peter Sunderman, vice president
Leslie Flocco, treasurer
Wendy Sharp, secretary
Michelle Dech
Stephanie Kocher
Mary McCormick-Archutowski
Jonathan Reinhold