Meet the Chorus
The people behind
every season.
From the artistic director's podium to the last row of altos, every singer plays a part in making Exsultet! sound the way it does.
Artistic Director and Conductor
Richard A.A. Larraga
My wife, Loretta, and I are proud parents of our daughter, KC, and even prouder grandparents of Angelo and Cecily. In addition to being a choral conductor, I'm a lawyer, a web designer, and a hat collector. I majored in Musicology and Voice at Boston University, studied for several 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.
Violinist
Youngmi Hwang
Violinist Youngmi Hwang is a Boston-based performer and a prizewinner of several international competitions. She has appeared at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Boston Symphony Hall, and Mechanics Hall. A winner of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee Concerto Competition, she performed as a soloist with the Boston Conservatory Philharmonic at Mechanics Hall in 2025. Hwang is an active soloist and chamber musician whose recent festival appearances include the 2026 Nantucket Dance Festival and the Fivesparks Chamber Music Festival in Harvard, Massachusetts. Originally from South Korea, Hwang earned both her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Violin Performance from Mannes School of Music in New York City with merit scholarships, where she received the Dean's Award. She subsequently completed her Graduate Performance Diploma at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Hwang continues to explore a diverse repertoire, bringing expressive artistry and musical depth to her performances.
Accompanist
Joshua Del Dotto
In addition to teaching piano for the past 23 years, I am active as a solo performer and collaborative performer and have worked with such organizations as the Boston Lyric Opera, North Shore Music Theater, Gordon College, Salem State University, as well as 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 85 shows in the Boston area over the past 23 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. I also co-own my own piano school, The Del Dotto Piano School, in Salem, MA with my wife Sarah, and am an active church musician for several churches in the Boston area. I recently accepted a position as a full time accompanist for Lexington public schools. I'm very excited to be joining Exsultet! for my 8th concert. The time I spend with this group means a lot to me.
Vox Verborum (The Voice of Words)
Matt Buckley
Originally from the UK, I live in Holliston with my wife, Anne, and our two daughters - Jessica and Chloe. I have worked in Communications for most of my career, and currently head-up Employee Comms for a major technology company. I am also Executive Director of the company's charitable foundation. In any spare time you'll find me enjoying music (The Beatles, of course!), football (aka soccer), and a bit of cycling: I've participated in the phenomenal Pan-Mass Challenge every year since 2018. It is a privilege to read as part of Exsultet!'s concerts, alongside such a wonderful group of musicians.
Concert Receptions Coordinator
Loretta Larraga
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!
House Manager
Quinn Listewnik
I am currently a Senior at Holliston High School. I live in Holliston with my parents, my older sister - Jovina & my older brother Wyatt (when he's home from college). We also have two kitties we adopted from Alabama named Opal and Iris and a small flock of backyard chickens. In my free time, I hang out with my friends discussing politics, music, or just cracking jokes. I enjoy singing, bonfires with s'mores, creating characters for dungeons & dragons, kayaking and hiking. In the spring, I play on the Varsity Ultimate Frisbee Team as a handler and team co-captain. I bring a touch of whimsy to Exsultet.
The Singers
Many voices, one chorus.
The Rev. Anine de Grood
I am originally from the Netherlands but moved with my husband to the US in 2002. Already having studying art, film, and piano, and earned a Master's Degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Amsterdam, I went to seminary at Boston University. Besides working as a pastor, I keep busy taking care of my children, and teaching piano and Bharata Natyam (classical dance from South India). I have always enjoyed singing, used to take vocal lessons, and was a part of several choirs before having children. It is great to be back into it so I am excited to sing with Exsultet!!
Anna Fedorov
I have had the pleasure of being a part of Exsultet since Fall 2022. I currently work in Data Governance and my background is in Math, Economics, and Data Analytics. I have been singing in a choir since elementary school and in my teen years having the honor to perform at Carnegie hall, while remaining in choirs through college and now here! Music brings my life a peace and calmness like no other. The wonderful ladies of Exsultet only enrich that experience with their incredible personalities and beautiful voices....and I guess Richard too.
Betsy Drumm
A lover of theatre, singing, family, the great outdoors, and beach days, I believe life is always better with a little music and a lot of laughter. Having been singing and performing in theatre since the age of 3 or 4, the stage has always held a special place in my heart. These days, my young kids keep me busy in the most fun and rewarding ways, adding even more love, laughter, and adventure to everyday life. When I'm not singing or enjoying my favorite things, I can often be found volunteering my husband for projects and activities he may or may not know he's signed up for! Outside of choir, I am a passionate special education advocate, using my voice to help others be heard. Whether on stage, at the beach, making memories with my kids, or keeping my husband on his toes, I love finding ways to make life a little more joyful.
Bri Parrella
I've been in music my whole life thus far, and was lucky enough to start out with piano lessons from my grandmother as a young child. As I got older I picked up the flute, got into various types of instrumental music, and never looked back. After switching lanes and delving deeper into solo vocal and choral music, I grew into the musician and person I am today. Despite a long uphill battle, I recently obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music from Rhode Island College. I currently spend my time teaching private voice, piano, ukulele, and flute lessons to an army of talented kids of all ages in the Medway area and Newton/Wellesley area. Aside from music, I am an amateur portrait and event photographer, and I love to draw and paint. When lost, I can frequently be found hunting for shiny trinkets on the ocean's shores.
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
I live in Holliston with my husband, Jason. We have twin sons that are freshmen in college and are adjusting to our new normal. Love of music is something I share with both of my sons and having them play bass and percussion with the group for a few years before heading to college has been one of my greatest joys. I currently work as a Planning Specialist on a wealth management team. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and cooking. 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 friendship and joy in singing with this immensely talented group.
Chloe Buckley
I am in my junior year at Holliston High School and have lived in Holliston since my family and I moved here from England when I was five years old. Outside of singing, I enjoy playing soccer, skiing, watching movies, and reading a good book. I first discovered this group while singing with the youth choir, Jubilate!, in 2019, and I am delighted to now be part of the adult choir! I look forward to continuing to grow as a singer, developing my skills, and sharing my love of music with such an amazing group of people.
Christine Cooper
I was actively involved in music and musical theater in my youth as music has always been a deep passion of mine. After a bit of a hiatus from choirs and voice lessons, I am excited to be a part of Exsultet! and be part of a formal musical community again. My degrees are in psychology and public health and I've worked in the corporate wellness industry for over fifteen years trying to motivate people to engage in healthy behaviors to improve and maintain their health. My husband and I moved to Holliston in 2016 and keep very busy trying to keep up with our two active young sons and equally active dog. I love being active outside (and relaxing outside), and general coziness.
Christine "Chrissy" Petersen
I'm a proud resident of Medway, MA, where I live with my family and two playful Bengal cats. As a dedicated soprano, I've enjoyed long-standing membership with Exsultet! and take on lead vocals for both The Bitter Hearts Band and Midlife Mayhem. In addition to my musical pursuits, I teach K-5 general music at Holliston Public Schools and frequently perform with the theater group, The Washington Street Players. When I'm not teaching or entertaining, I love to dive into a good book and connect with friends.
Cynthia Listewnik
I have lived in Holliston with my husband Mark of 28 years and our three gregarious children since 2010. As a social worker and Director of The Center Holliston Council on Aging, I have witnessed the profound impact that music (and the arts) has throughout our lifespan; connecting us to each other, our shared history, our unique life experiences and the world around us. I feel fortunate to belong to this dedicated and inspiring group of talented musicians. When not attending rehearsals you will find me lovingly squeezing my rescue kitties Opal and Iris, reading for my monthly Bookclub in Brookline (another group of thoughtful, accomplished and incredibly funny women), tending my backyard flock of chickens, or discussing the deleterious effects of a postmodern society where one's reality is dependent upon culture, tradition, and individual experience rather than universal objective truth.
Emilie Records
I spend my days working as a UX designer in Corporate America. My nights are spent mostly sleeping because my husband and I are stewards of a spunky toddler. I squeeze in reading speculative fiction as often as possible, and enjoy falling down internet rabbit holes frequently. I sang in a number of auditioned groups in my high school years, and am thrilled to get back into choral singing with this ensemble.
Jennifer Bihuniak
My husband PJ and I have lived in Holliston for over 25 years (where has the time gone?!?) We have three daughters and several beloved pets, who bring us great joy, a lot of laughter, and some occasional sleepless nights. In addition to singing, my musical background includes ringing handbells and playing most of the woodwind instruments. I also enjoy traveling, working on a puzzle, and spending lots of time with good friends and extended family. My lifelong love of music and background in business have combined beautifully in my role as the President of Exsultet!
Jovina Listewnik
I'm a new Children's Music Teacher searching to find the catchy-est and most repetitive songs to teach small children to annoy their parents with. I am also a graduate of Skidmore College where I learned to be even more of a nerd than I was before. Despite my imposing height, the biggest thing about me is my personality. I have been singing all my life and enjoy standing next to my mother who tells me which notes I'm singing incorrectly (love you mom). It's truly a joy and an honor to sing beside her and all of Exsultet.
Kara Gelormini
I joined Exsultet! this year, and I am so grateful to be part of this talented, caring community. I have been living in Medfield since 2000 with my husband, Kyle, where we have raised (still raising, always raising?) our children Anna, Jason, and Eric. I am an 8th grade English teacher in Medfield as well. Singing and performing have always been a treasured part of my identity. Most of my adult performance experience was as a comedic improviser with ImprovBoston, as a part of their house cast and musical improv cast for many years. I haven't sung in a choir since high school, and singing with these women has reminded me of why I loved it so much. Thank you for being here.
Kerry Osborne
As a Medway resident, I am excited to have recently joined Exsultet! After a brief break from singing, it feels wonderful to return to singing music again. In the past, I have previously sung in a church choir as well as an a cappella ensemble in the late 1990s. I currently work in accounts payable for a non-profit organization, and outside of work I enjoy cheering on my niece at her softball games, yard work, and spending time with my family, friends, and my cat.
Kimberly Yaari
I am the former Executive Director of the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest. I have worked with several regional choral groups, including Cappella Clausura, Heritage Chorale, Sound & Spirit and The Golden Tones. A native Californian, I moved to Massachusetts in 2012 with my husband and have two daughters. In my spare time, I sing with Sound & Spirit in Natick and Rock Voices USA, and have performed with the Heritage Chorale in Framingham. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara and studied Cinema at San Francisco State University. This is my second season with Exsultet! and I really enjoy singing with this talented ensemble.
Leticia Luna
I am a graduate of Bridgewater State University. I plan on achieving my Master's in Psychology and becoming a researcher in mental health therapies. In my free time, I love going to farmer's markets, exploring botanical gardens, and having philosophical conversations with my friends and family.
Melanie Bihuniak
Being in various musical groups my whole life has only amplified my strong love for singing. I am currently a junior at University of Delaware. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and am so excited that I have been able to keep singing with Exsultet!
Michele Hoffmann
I live in Medfield with my husband, Brendan, and our two children, Lucille and Forest. We also have one dog, eight chickens, and one rabbit. I am new to Massachusetts and work as a scientist in Biotech. I am currently enjoying exploring New England and have been going out to listen to live music and explore Boston's theater scene. I am excited to join Exsultet! after a long sabbatical from singing with a choir. I am enjoying singing with such a talented group of extraordinary women!
Rebecca "Becki" Abalutzk
I am the Managing Director at Encore Music Academy & Recording Studios, as well as the Music Director at the Church of Christ in Millis. I have been teaching voice and piano for more than 20 years, and have been the Music Director for several musicals, including Newsies!, The Addams Family, and Mary Poppins. I have been singing with Exsultet! nearly since its inception in the Middle Ages. Due to an identity crisis imposed by the Director, I vacillate between singing Soprano, Alto, coaching diction and in rare, unfortunate circumstances, conducting. In my spare time, I train my chickens to peck out Bach fugues on my grand piano.
Sadie Green
I am currently working as a voice and piano teacher at School of Rock and have been involved in music as long as I can remember. Being from a family of musicians I started playing piano at age 2 and have been singing since I could make noise. Music has always been a huge part of my life but my goal is to go back to school to finish my bachelors degree in biology and eventually go to medical school to get my M.D. For fun I like to make different types of art and spend time with friends and my pets.
Stacey Balardini
My husband, Darren, and I live in Holliston, MA with our two children, Ryan and Alyssa, and our little pup, Oreo. I am a special education teacher within the Medfield Public Schools. Growing up, my house was filled with music, whether it be my dad playing his saxophone, the kids playing piano, or simply listening to our favorite music as we danced around the kitchen. In college, I sang in the choir and took several music courses. In 2017, I auditioned and became a member of Exsultet! Over the years, my musical knowledge and repertoire have developed, and it continues to be a pleasure singing with such an enchanting group. In my spare time, I enjoy gathering with family and friends, taking piano lessons, and diving into a good book.
Tania Carosi
Originally from Bristol, RI, I joined Exsultet! in 2013 during my residence in Holliston, MA. I enjoyed multiple seasons with the group before taking a three-year hiatus after relocating out of state. I was brought back to the area after changing my career path and accepting a job in Needham. I am currently an AVP, Project Manager III at Needham Bank and love the range of projects I have the opportunity to work on. I currently live in Taunton, MA, after purchasing my first home in 2021, and I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my beloved cat, Lily. Exsultet! is truly the highlight of my busy work week, and I am looking forward to many seasons ahead!
Torianna Palmer
I've lived in MetroWest Boston my whole life, and my love for music took root at a young age. Growing up in a musical family, I tried several instruments throughout my childhood but ultimately chose to focus on voice, since it came most naturally to me. After taking a long hiatus brought on by the pandemic, I decided it was high time to explore singing again, and joining Exsultet! has opened a new chapter for my voice. When I'm not singing, you can find me in the kitchen tackling baking projects and dabbling in recipe development. My experiences baking professionally taught me that I prefer baking as a form of self-care and creative expression rather than as work. This realization and a change in my original degree path led me to New Mexico State University, where I'm remotely pursuing my B.S. in Geomatics, an engineering degree focused on earth measurement and spatial data.
"We are an eclectic variety of people, diverse in age, musical ability, and background — united by our love of singing."
— Exsultet! Chorus
