Bellissima! Women's Choral Ensemble Director's Page

Our Artistic Director & Conductor

Deborah L. Carr has been the Artistic Director and Conductor of Bellissima! since she founded it in 2001. She holds degrees in organ performance, church music and choral conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Westminster Choir College. Deborah has also done postgraduate work in Conducting at Hamilton College - Eastman School of Music in Clinton, New York.

Deborah teaches organ and church music on the adjunct music faculty of Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Virginia and is currently the Director of Music Ministries at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church in Newport News, Virginia. She is also an accomplished composer, and Bellissima! has been proud to premiere many of her works.

Here is a complete listing of her many accomplishments, qualifications and awards:

Director of Music Ministries and Organist, Hidenwood Presbyterian Church - Newport News, Virginia (2003-Present)

Responsible for directing and administering multiple choir program including chancel choir, handbell and handchime choirs, childrens’ choirs, drama and organizing Hidenwood Music Academy.
Provides organ music for worship services

Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk, Virginia

Adjunct Professor of Music and Church Music (1987-Present)
Founder and currently instructor for the Church Music Certificate Program teaching working musicians and students in choral conducting, church music history, hymnology, organ and music publishing.

Founder, Artistic Director and Conductor of the auditioned Women’s Chorale Bellissima! offering the finest in ancient and modern compositions of the female vocal art - Virginia Beach, Virginia (2001-Present)

Director of Music Ministries at two other churches in the Hampton Roads area (1980-2003)

Artistic Director and Conductor, Virginia Choral Society - Newport News, Virginia (1991-1995)

Founder and Conductor, Chamber Singers of Central New York - Utica, New York (1979-1980)

Director of Music and Organist, Westminster Presbyterian Church - Utica, New York (1978-1980)

Deborah is an active member in the following organizations:

American Choral Directors Association
Hymn Society of America
American Guild of Organists
National Organization for Women - Local Woman of the Year (1984)