Finding a Home in the Arts

Anna VanDeKerchove ‘13 Finds a Home in the Chicago Arts Scene

Anna VanDekerchove

Anna VanDeKerchove ‘13, mezzo soprano, is a singer and arts administrator within the Chicago classical music network. Equally comfortable in solo and choral repertoire, Anna currently holds positions with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Music of the Baroque, Bella Voce, and Trinity United Methodist Church, Wilmette, IL. When not performing, Anna works at the Lyric Opera of Chicago as Office Coordinator and teaches private voice lessons. We asked Anna, a G.O.L.D. (Graduate of the Last Decade) alumna, a few questions about life after Valpo.

What have you done since graduation? 
Since graduating in May of 2013, I’ve successfully finished my Master’s Degree in Music (Vocal Performance) at North Park University and have begun an exciting performing career. I currently hold positions with three professional choruses within the city of Chicago, a singing position at a church, and a weekday job at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. If I’m not working or singing, I can be found at the beach down the street from my apartment, on a long hike, or within the friendly, ivy confines of Wrigley Field.

What is your vision for the next decade of your life?
I hope to continue to be making an impact on the arts community with my gift of music. It is my hope to have a family with me along for the adventure, but I can assure that, regardless, I will continue to pursue music and my ways of contributing to the continued care for our planet, social justice, and my positive contribution to my home city and the world at large. Perhaps [I’ll be] on the music faculty at Valpo? I’d love to come full circle with that and ignite some passionate, new opera singers from VU.

How did your experience at Valpo shape your life?

My Valpo Experience was a watershed moment in understanding my meaning and purpose as an artist and young woman. My studies with [retired music professor] Ralph Klapis were instrumental in my pursuing this performance career, along with my time in the Valparaiso University Chorale. If only I understood then that I could be a professional choir singer! I also minored in French at Valpo, which has greatly aided me in my career. Dr. Randa Duvick provided immeasurable knowledge and a welcoming and warm learning environment, and her appreciation for the fine arts made the French department a special home. I made forever friends at Valparaiso University, and gained perspective to last a lifetime, including my best friend who now lives in Geneva, Switzerland and many peers who now also live in Chicago. It is in these relationships I am most grateful for Valpo.

Learn more about the arts at Valparaiso University, including the Chorale, here.