Richard A.A. Larraga

Richard A.A. Larraga

Artistic Director

My wife, Loretta, and I are proud parents of our daughter, KC, and proud grandparents of Angelo and Cecily. In addition to being a choral conductor, I’m also a lawyer, a web designer, and a hat collector.  I majored in Musicology and Voice at Boston University, studied for a number of years at the Vienna Conservatory in Austria, and received my Master’s in Choral Conducting from the New England Conservatory under Simon Carrington.  I am the Minister of Music at First Congregational Church, Holliston.

Jennifer Bihuniak

Jennifer Bihuniak

Board President

I am incredibly blessed at home with a husband of over 25 years and three wonderful daughters, and I love supporting them all in many different ways. Our dogs, bunnies, and horses also keep me on my toes! My lifelong love of music and experience in business have combined beautifully in my role as the president of Exsultet.

Anna Fedorov

Anna Fedorov

I graduated from Umass Amherst with a BS in Applied Math in 2021. I live in Ashland and currently work as a data analyst for the government. My official title is Team Menace, as I’m the youngest on my team and end up making Gen Z references that no one understands. When I’m not spending hours looking at data and tormenting coworkers to show me their pets, I can be found annoying my two cats, traveling to different countries, spending ample time with my family, or planning for world domination one cat picture at a time. I’ve done music all my life and even got a chance to sing at Carnegie Hall before. I’m extremely excited to be able to sing with this talented group!

Becki Abalutzk

Becki Abalutzk

I am the Vocal Director and Director for Music for Young Children at Encore Music Academy. I am also the music director at the Church of Christ in Millis and a founding member of Exsultet. In my spare time, I find new and creative ways to frighten people with my Halloween decorations.

Bri Parrella

Bri Parrella

I’ve been in music my whole life so far, starting with piano lessons from my grandmother as a young child. I moved on to band and instrumental music when I got a bit older, and eventually evolved into the singer and musician I am today. My goal is to be an opera singer, so I spend my time in voice lessons, singing in church, and various other vocal escapades. To supplement, I make a great latte at Medway Starbucks.

Carrie Klimeczko

Carrie Klimeczko

My undergraduate degree is in Vocal Performance and English Literature from Heidelberg University. I came to Boston to attend The Boston Conservatory for my graduate studies. I graduated with a Masters of Music with an emphasis on Musical Theatre. I have been actively singing, dancing, teaching, and performing for many years, and I currently teach music, movement, and piano keyboard classes at Encore Studios in Franklin. I am also busy as a mom to two children. I’m thankful to my husband and my family for their support of my artistic endeavors! I’m grateful and lucky to have found this group of amazing and talented people. 

Cathy Godfrey

Cathy Godfrey

I live in Holliston with my husband, Jason, and our twin boys, Zach and Griffin. I currently work as a Relationship Manager & Planning Specialist at a financial services company. I enjoy spending time with my family and am enjoying watching my boys find their love of music (percussion, guitar, and bass!). I am also a member of the Chancel Choir at the First Congregational Church in Holliston. I have been with Exsultet! since September 2014 and have found great joy and friendship in singing with this immensely talented group.

Chrissy Petersen

Chrissy Petersen

My husband Rob and I are Medway natives with two young adults & three cats. In my free time, I enjoy theater, reading, and socializing. I work as a K-5 Elementary general music teacher in Holliston.  As I cruise into middle age and beyond, I’m looking forward to more traveling and acting experiences. 

Cynthia Listewnik

Cynthia Listewnik

I moved to Holliston with my husband, Mark, and our three smart and sassy children in 2010. I am an active member of FCC, where I serve as the Co-director of Children & Youth Ministry. I am also an elected member of the Holliston School Committee, currently serving my third term. When not attending meetings, drafting policy, or harmonizing with every song I hear, you will find me shuttling my kids to their various activities, tending my backyard flock of chickens, or reading mostly historical fiction. I enjoy singing with this dedicated group of talented musicians!

Dee Phair

Dee Phair

Originally from New York, I moved to Massachusetts with my family in 2014. Music has always been an important part of my life, whether it was in the form of playing violin and piano as a child, singing at community non-profits and 9/11 memorial events around New York City, or making up songs to sing with my two young children. When I’m not chasing said children, I can be found playing video games, collecting fountain pens, or working part-time as a tax preparer.

Jennifer Bihuniak

Jennifer Bihuniak

I am incredibly blessed at home with a husband of over 25 years and three wonderful daughters, and I love supporting them all in many different ways. Our dogs, bunnies, and horses also keep me on my toes! My lifelong love of music and experience in business have combined beautifully in my role as the president of Exsultet.

Katherine Perera

Katherine Perera

My husband Sean and I have three children in their teens. We have lived in Holliston since 2007. I am a board certified behavior analyst and I work with children within both the public school and home settings. Music have been my savior throughout my life, without it I’m not sure where I would be. I am grateful to have this opportunity and I feel blessed to be part of this supportive group of women who make me laugh while we work hard to challenge ourselves to create beautiful sounds together.

Margaret Nokes

Margaret Nokes

My kids, our dog, and I moved from Hyde Park in Boston to Holliston in 2020 to join forces with my new husband and his family. I found Exsultet! in an online search for a new choir, and feel so lucky to be with this band of strong, kind, musically talented, hardworking women. I dedicate this and all future seasons to my husband Bernie; our kids Carlos, Elena, Tobin, and Emma; and my mom Mary. Mom, I still hear your voice singing next to mine, and I feel you listening now.

Melanie Bihuniak

Melanie Bihuniak

Although I’ve been in various musical groups my whole life, I have recently developed a strong love of singing and all things music. As a junior at Holliston High School, I sing in both the chorus and the auditioned mixed-voice choral ensemble. I also enjoy helping out Holliston’s middle school volleyball team as both a referee and an assistant coach. I love spending time in Vermont with my family and friends, skiing in the winter, and swimming in the summer. After singing with Jubilate! for several years, I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to sing in Exsultet!

Stacey Ballardini

Stacey Ballardini

My husband, Darren, and I live in Holliston with our two children, Ryan and Alyssa. I am an educator within the Medfield Public Schools. Growing up, my house was filled with music, whether it be my dad playing his saxophone, the kids playing the piano, or simply singing our favorite songs. In college, I sang in the choir and took several music courses. I enjoy reading and getting together with family and friends in my spare time.

Tania Carosi

Tania Carosi

Originally from Bristol, RI, I had the pleasure of living in Holliston, MA briefly 5 years ago which is when I first discovered Exsultet! I enjoyed multiple seasons with the group prior to my departure. After working tireless hours as a Restaurant Manager, I decided to change my career path to focus on Project Management, which has brought me back to the area. I currently work at North Hill in Needham, MA as the Facilities Coordinator with a goal to obtain the role of Project Manager in the future. I live in Providence, RI and enjoy spending time with my family, friends and my cat, Lily. I am looking forward to many seasons ahead!

Joshua Del Dotto

Joshua Del Dotto

Pianist

In addition to teaching piano for the past 20 years, I am active as a solo performer and collaborative performer with the Boston Lyric Opera, various ensembles, and professional soloists throughout the region. I have performed extensively and have premiered several works by current composers. I am actively involved in musical theater and have musically directed and/or accompanied over 60 shows in the Boston area over the past 20 years. I received my undergraduate degree in piano performance from Miami University in Oxford, OH, studying under Dr. Robert Thomas, and my Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Boston University, studying under Dr. Maria Clodes-Jaguaribe.   

Griffin Godfrey

Griffin Godfrey

Percussionist

My name is Griffin Godfrey, and I enjoy playing video games with friends, reading, learning random songs on the piano that I’ll only remember for a week, and, obviously, drumming. I’ve played the drums since I was in fourth grade, and now I’m a sophomore at Holliston High School and am an active member of the high school band and jazz band. I also played at the Robert Adams Middle School’s performance of Mary Poppins this past year and have participated in the CDMMEA Jr. Festival for the past three years, holding the highest snare solo score for two of those (may or may not have failed the first time). I’m very excited to perform with Exsultet this year and look forward to the many seasons I’ll spend with them!

James Ryan

James Ryan

House Manager

I spend my free time playing video games, sports and building robots with my club. I have worked with different types of technology, such as lighting and electronics, since 7th grade and have provided tech support for multiple concerts in Holliston. For the past two years I have been in the HHS band, serving as their tech support specialist, and have enjoyed it very much. It has been the best two years since I’ve arrived in Holliston. I am honored with the opportunity to use my experience to help with Exsultet’s concerts!

Loretta Larraga

Loretta Larraga

Concert Receptionist

When I met my husband, Richard (the cute Asian guy up front waving the baton), the amazing world of music and theater opened up to me. We eventually found our way to First Congregational Church, where I sing in the Chancel Choir and perform with the English handbell ensemble. Before retiring, I worked for a plastics engineering company for over 25 years as a technical writer, marketing specialist, event planner, and corporate photographer. I am excited to bring my event planning experience to Exsultet’s receptions! In addition to being an active member of the Fairbanks Garden Club in Dedham, where we make our home, I am a Reiki Master, collect rocks from around the world, and create Excel spreadsheets for fun!