Ms. Brunelle

Bio

Jill Brunelle is a Music Director, Vocal Coach, and Pianist and recently appointed Music Director of Opera Theater at University of Connecticut. While at Yale University, she collaborated with Yale Opera, The David Geffen School of Drama, Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and Yale College on many diverse projects. As Yale Opera Chorus Master she has prepared ensembles for “Florencia en el Amazonas,” “Eugene Onegin,” “Hänsel und Gretel,” “Die Zauberflöte,” "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "Le Nozze Di Figaro" and "La Bohème."A member of the  Adjunct Faculty at Southern Connecticut State University, she directed “Songs For a New World,” “Pippin,” “The Addams Family” and “Violet”. Her recent music directing credits include “Ragtime,” and “The Fantasticks” at Ivoryton Playhouse. At The David Geffen School of Drama Ms. Brunelle directed “Fun Home,” Steven Sondheim’s “Passion,” “The Apple Tree,” “Trouble in Tahiti,” and “The Medium.” Her 2021-2022 season includes “The Last Five Years” and “A Christmas Survival Guide” at Ivoryton Playhouse, as well as directing and producing a summer series of concerts and events for the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, conjunction with Brief Cameo Productions. She will debut as Music Director at The Hartt School of Music this Spring, conducting “Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party.” As a choral pianist, Ms. Brunelle has collaborated with many conductors, including Masaaki Suzuki, David Hill, Eric Whitacre, and was mentored by Lorna Cooke deVaron. Ms. Brunelle has served as faculty/staff at Boston University, New England Conservatory, Tufts University, Hartt School of Music, Connecticut Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, and Opera Boston. As a collaborative pianist Ms. Brunelle is highly sought after as a recital partner, performing internationally as well as at Carnegie Hall and Jordan Hall, and has performed world premieres at numerous festivals, including the celebrated Bang on a Can festival in New York City. Ms. Brunelle also collaborates frequently with area companies and ensembles, including Orchestra New England and Long Wharf Theater.