Michael Bennett is currently pursuing a PhD in Music History at the University of Washington. His primary research interest is in American music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, particularly musical theatre, opera, choral music, minimalism, and post-minimalism. An avid choral performer, conductor, music director for musical theatre, composer, and educator, Michael enjoys a wide variety of repertoire and styles. In the Seattle area, he has performed with UW's Chamber Singers, The Compline Choir of Saint Mark's Cathedral, Byrd Ensemble, Pacific Musicworks, Choral Arts Northwest, Radiance, and SoundCity Singers. Prior to beginning his doctoral studies he taught music theory, music history, and conducted the choirs at Concord Academy, an independent boarding high school outside of Boston, Massachusetts.