CAMPANELLA'S GREAT PEOPLE
LEADERSHIP
Campanella Founder & Choir Director since 2000,
Campanella Educational Center President,
Illinois American Choral Directors' Association ​Children's Choir Repertory Chair
Marianna Kosaya
Marianna Kosaya, Campanella Children's Choir Director, was born in Kyiv, Ukraine. Her passion for choral music stems largely from her participation in the world-renowned Ukrainian children’s choir Shchedrik. Marianna studied at Kyiv State Pedagogical University, where she earned an M.A. in Music Education and Choir Conducting.
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After immigrating to the United States, she continued to pursue her music career.
Upon arriving in Chicago, Marianna formed a children's choir that began as a small group of toddlers and eventually developed into what is now the Campanella Children’s Choir. Under Marianna’s leadership, the choir has become a competitive ensemble that performs widely throughout Chicago. The choir's success also led to the creation of the Campanella Children's Educational Center, where Marianna serves as the Artistic Director. She also maintains an active voice and piano studio and collaborates with several musical ensembles in Chicago.
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In October 2023, the Campanella Children's Choir was invited to perform at the American Choir Directors Association Fall Convention at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, highlighting their dedication to musical excellence and cultural exchange. Additionally, in 2023, Marianna was appointed as the Children's Choir Repertory Chair for the Illinois American Choral Directors' Association, reinforcing her commitment to the advancement of choral music education and performance.
MUSICIANS
Accompanist
Maria Alexeeva
Maria, a classical pianist, holds a master's degree in piano
performance from St. Petersburg State Conservatory. Winner of
international competitions as a soloist and collaborative pianist.
With a passion for collaborative music, Maria has extensive
experience working with ballet and opera productions,
accompanying numerous vocalists and singers.
In addition to her performing career, Maria is deeply committed to
nurturing the next generation of pianists. For over six years, she
has cultivated a piano studio in the Glenview/Northbrook area,
guiding and inspiring her students to achieve their full potential.
INSTRUCTORS
Art Class Instructor
Valeriya Lapenko
Valeriya Lapenko, originally from Ukraine, is a multifaceted artist, graphic designer, art teacher, and computer designer. With a passion for creativity and innovation, she enjoys sharing her wealth of experience with students, teaching them to draw, imagine, create, and invent.
Valeriya's artistic journey began in childhood, leading her to pursue formal training at an art school and later at the Ukrainian State Art Academy. She has since worked as a visual designer, established her own Design Studio "Lapenko" in Ukraine, and taught drawing, design, and computer design at the Computer Academy. Her talents have been showcased in advertising exhibitions in Kyiv, where she ranked 11th in Ukraine, and she has become a member of the Union of Advertisers.
Upon moving to the USA, Valeriya continued her creative pursuits, but it was her passion for teaching children to draw and think creatively that truly ignited her spirit.
Spanish Class Instructor
Rodrigo Herrera
Rodrigo Herrera is a native Spanish speaker from Colombia with over 20 years of experience teaching Spanish in both private and group settings. He has worked extensively in after-school programs throughout Chicago and Illinois, providing personalized language instruction to students of all ages. His approach emphasizes interactive learning, making the process of acquiring Spanish engaging and accessible for children.
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In addition to his work with school-aged students, Rodrigo has also tutored professionals, ensuring they develop practical communication skills for corporate environments. His teaching methods focus on immersion and building conversational confidence, tailored to each student's needs and learning style. Passionate about language and education, Rodrigo enjoys nurturing his students' language abilities, helping them develop a deep appreciation for the Spanish language and culture.