Mirinesse Women’s Choir is entering a new chapter in its history as it celebrates the retirement of co-founder and longtime Artistic Director, Rebecca Rottsolk, and formally welcomes Heidi Blythe as her successor. This transition marks the conclusion of a milestone 20th season and sets the stage for a new era of the choir.
Co-founded in 2006 by Rebecca Rottsolk and Beth Ann Bonnecroy, Mirinesse Women’s Choir has spent two decades captivating audiences with a diverse repertoire that spans historic and contemporary works from across the globe. The choir has grown into an ensemble of over 50dedicated volunteer singers renowned for their "beautiful, healthy sound" and commitment to challenging musical repertoire.
During her tenure, Rottsolk led the choir to prestigious performances at the National Convention of the American Association of Choral Directors (ACDA) in Oklahoma City, the Elektra Women’s Choir Tapestry Festival in Vancouver, BC, and the International Choral Festival in Missoula, MT. As she retires, the Mirinesse community honors her enduring legacy of connecting singers and audiences through the choral arts for over 50 years.
Following a national search, the Mirinesse Board of Directors is thrilled to appoint Heidi Blythe as the new Artistic Director, effective May 1, 2026. Blythe, an experienced conductor and educator, brings a "vibrant blend of artistry, warmth, and curiosity" to the podium.
"I first heard Mirinesse shortly after moving to Seattle in 2006. As a brand-new choir, they were already singing with impeccable musicianship and their signature warm, open sound. Over the past twenty years, Rebecca Rottsolk and Beth Ann Bonnecroy cultivated a thriving organization with a dedicated and enthusiastic membership. To follow in their footsteps is a distinct honor. I look forward to listening, learning, and building on this strong foundation with Mirinesse’s extraordinary community of singers."
At the University of Washington, Blythe directed the collegiate Treble Choir and was the founding director of the UW Advanced Treble Ensemble. Her extensive background includes serving as Assistant Conductor of Seattle Pro Musica and Director of Music at University Congregational UCC, where she founded the young adult treble community, Viriditas. Heidi received a Master in Music degree from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, and Dance, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College. She is currently completing her doctorate in choral conducting at the University of Washington.
Blythe begins her tenure in collaboration with the Mirinesse board and singers to prepare for the upcoming year. Mirinesse looks forward to welcoming the community to Heidi Blythe’s first official concert series with the ensemble, scheduled for March, 2027.
About Mirinesse Women’s Choir
Mirinesse Women’s Choir is a nonprofit group that’s all about the joy of singing together. We believe music has huge benefits for everyone involved. If you want to learn more about our concerts or how to audition, come visit us at mirinessewomenschoir.org.