~ Press release provided by Main Street Singers of Luray
LURAY — The Main Street Singers of Luray announces the appointment of Catherine Ashanky as the Interim Artistic Director for the 2025 season. Ashanky, a seasoned music educator and accomplished choral director, brings more than four decades of experience to the organization, furthering its tradition of musical excellence.
With a Bachelor of Music Education from Madison College (now James Madison University), Ashanky has dedicated her career to choral and general music education, teaching in Page, Rappahannock and Madison counties for 40 years before retiring in 2016. Throughout her extensive career, she has served as a choral adjudicator for All State Choral Auditions, as well as a guest conductor for the Shenandoah County All-County Chorus.
Ashanky’s connection to Main Street Singers goes beyond her new role as Artistic Director; she is a longtime vocalist with the group, having performed with the choir for several years. She has also been a vocalist with the Shenandoah Valley Choral Society and has served as the Musical Director for Oh Shenandoah – Songs of the River and the Valley, a production celebrating the cultural heritage of the region.
Her leadership extends to her time as the director of the Massanutten Youth Chorale in Luray, where she spent three years nurturing the next generation of vocal talent. In addition, Ashanky directed the choir at Morning Star Lutheran Church from 1976 to 1986, and she currently leads the Praise Team at Luray United Methodist Church.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Catherine Ashanky as our Interim Artistic Director for the 2025 season,” said Main Street Singers Performance Committee Member, Kenneth Hulse. “Her depth of experience, her passion for choral music, and her deep ties to the community make her the perfect person to lead our organization into the next chapter. We look forward to the beautiful music and fresh perspective she will bring to our singers and our audience.”
Ashanky’s vision for the upcoming season emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and continuing to showcase the rich musical traditions of the Shenandoah Valley.
Main Street Singers is a community-based choral ensemble dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Shenandoah Valley through musical performance. Founded in Luray, Virginia, the choir brings together singers of all ages and backgrounds to perform a diverse repertoire that spans classical, contemporary, and regional works. Through its performances and educational outreach, Main Street Singers fosters a love for choral music while providing a platform for talented musicians to share their passion with the community.
“Main Street Singers is proud to continue its mission of fostering a love for choral music in the Luray community and beyond,” Hulkse added. “Under Ashanky’s leadership, the group looks forward to presenting new and exciting performances for the 2025 season.”
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