Dr. Gabriela Hristova is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Michigan-Flint Department of Music where she conducts both the University Chorale and Chamber Singers, and teaches courses in choral and instrumental conducting and music performance. Dr. Hristova is conductor of the Department of Music’s Summer Academy of Music – Senior Session, a summer day camp for high school students and widely-recognized for its high level of vocal music instruction.
Dr. Hristova earned the Master of Music in Conducting and Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting degrees from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, where she studied under the direction of Dr. Jerry Blackstone and Professor Theodore Morrison. She received the Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Choral Conducting from the State Academy of Music in her native country of Bulgaria.
She is a passionate performer, educator, and promoter of choral music throughout the Midwest, conducting choirs of all ages, both professional and amateur. While engaged in graduate work, she conducted the University of Michigan Women’s Glee Club and served as chorus master for the University’s opera productions. Additionally, she performed with the Chamber Choir, University Choir, and Orpheus Singers. For several years, Dr. Hristova was assistant conductor and accompanist for the Flint Festival Chorus. In 2007, she was Visiting Director of Choral Activities at Oberlin College-Conservatory of Music. While in the latter capacity, she taught advanced conducting seminars and directed the Oberlin College Singers, College Choir, and Musical Union.
Dr. Hristova actively adjudicates for the Michigan School Vocal Music Association and serves on the state board of the American Choral Directors’ Association. She oversees a vibrant music program as the Director of Music Ministry for the West Side United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor. As pianist, Dr. Hristova often collaborates in solo recitals and concerts with instrumental and vocal soloists.
Committed to making choral literature from her native Bulgaria available to American choirs, Dr. Hristova became the editor for the series Bulgaria, published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing.
