Claire Herzog, coloratura soprano, is a versatile performer and educator from Springfield, Missouri, passionate about excellence in music, creativity, and collaboration. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education in vocal and choral music and a Master of Music in vocal performance from Missouri State University, studying under Dr. Laurine Grace St. Pierre. 

During her time at MSU, Herzog was a soprano in the university’s flagship touring choir, Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Cameron LaBarr. As a choir member, frequent soloist, and resident violin accompanist, she toured extensively for conferences, festivals, and competitions, both nationally and internationally. International performances included tours of South Africa (2022), Spain (2021), China (2018), and Scandinavia (2018), while national appearances included SWACDA 2022, ACDA 2019, SWACDA 2018, and NCCO 2017. She also contributed to three album recordings: Easter, 1906 (2021), On My Way (2019), and Beautiful Morning (2017). 

LaBarr also selected Herzog to be part of a professional 16-member recording choir for Walton/GIA Publishing, where she contributed to more than 250 choral arrangement previews. Reflecting on her musicianship, LaBarr praised her voice as “second to none… consistent, well-prepared, and with the utmost musicality. Her extended range on the high end is truly exceptional, always in tune and beautifully colorful.” 

Since graduating in 2022, Herzog has served on the vocal music faculty at Evangel University, where she teaches private voice lessons and the Intro to Voice course. She also serves as a vocal coach for choral ensembles, musical theater productions, and prospective auditioning students. Her professional development includes fellowships at Seraphic Fire’s Professional Choral Institute at the Aspen Music Festival (2022) and Yale University’s Norfolk Chamber Music Festival (2024). She is applying for a Doctor of Musical Arts in vocal pedagogy, with plans to begin in fall 2025. 

An active performer, Herzog recently made her debut with Ozarks Lyric Opera as Käthchen in Black Rider, performed Robert Owens’ Heart on the Wall with the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra, and gave a guest recital for the Barnsley Youth Choirs in England. She also released Whimsy Willow, an album of original folk-bluegrass-jazz fusion songs, in collaboration with Faith Zimmer. 

Looking ahead to 2025, she is incredibly excited for a faculty duet recital with colleague Traci Pritchard, a performance of Ravel’s Cinq mélodies populaires grecques with the Galloway Chamber Orchestra, and the Messiah Festival in Lindsborg, Kansas. 

Outside of music, Herzog enjoys composing, songwriting, playing violin and guitar, painting, crocheting, needle felting, and exploring nature. She loves traveling, cooking experimentally, and spending time with her husband, Philip, their puppy, Taj, and their friends and family. 

 

Join the ‘Hallelujah!’

A century old tradition of celebrating music and fine art in Lindsborg, Kansas. Join us in the choir, or in the audience.