Artistic Leadership

Interim Artistic Director - Matthew Zabiegala 

Passionate about education, Matthew Zabiegala enjoyed an initial career as Director of Choirs at Central Crossing and Worthington Kilbourne High Schools in Columbus, Ohio, leading these programs through creative and philanthropic programming, community outreach and involvement, and most importantly, offering students a healthy, artistic environment to cultivate their passions though the arts.

Matthew holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University where he performed with the OSU Chorale, Symphonic Choir, and Glee Club.

As a sought-after soloist, Matthew continued to perform with Capital University’s Choral Union, and the choirs of First Congregational Church, Worthington UMC, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral for performances of masterworks. With his passion for liturgical music, Matthew directed the Chancel Choir at New Albany UMC of New Albany, OH in the performances of major sacred works, weekly anthems, and solo vocal performances.

While in New Jersey, Matthew has performed as a featured soloist and chorister with the Summit Chorale, Riverside Choral Society at Alice Tully Hall, the New Jersey Chamber Singers on their Affetto label album of Mozart's Requiem. Matthew is currently a performing artist with the professional chamber choir, Kinnara Ensemble, presenting concerts in the greater New Jersey and Atlanta, GA areas.

Mr. Zabiegala holds a Master's degree in Choral Conducting from Rutgers University, and served as an assistant conductor, chorister, and featured soloist for the Glee Club, Kirkpatrick Choir, and University Choir delivering inspirational performances at Lincoln Center, Trinity Church Wall Street, ACDA Conferences, and internationally in Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and most recently in Germany at the Martkoberdorf Chamber Choir Competition.

Currently,  Matthew returns to the classroom as the Director of Vocal Music at Morris Knolls High School, continues to serve as the Director of Music and Organist at Bridgewater United Methodist Church, and conducts the New Jersey Chamber Singers as the Interim Artistic Director.

    • Accompanist - Karen Hill Miske

      Karen has been a professional accompanist, church musician and teacher for over 20 years. She has served as accompanist for many choral groups including the Vorhees Choir (Rutgers), the Garden State Philharmonic Chorus and Runnymede Singers (Washington , D.C.), as well as a staff accompanist at The College of New Jersey, Mason Gross School of the Arts, The Boston Conservatory and The Aspen Music School. She has served on the piano faculties of The College of New Jersey, Georgian Court University and Brookdale Community College. She has also served as the Director of Music at Harvey Memorial United Methodist Church, St. Andrew United Methodist Church and Associate Minister of Music at The Presbyterian Church of Toms River. Currently, Karen teaches piano at her studio in Pine Beach and is the organist at the Waretown United Methodist Church.