Marissa Simmons

Associate Conductor

Originally from Chicago, Marissa Simmons is a Jewish operatic contralto, music educator, conductor, and composer. Marissa began singing at age 2 and gradually added multiple instruments each year. Her conducting experience began early; she conducted the world premiere of one of her own orchestral compositions in Austria at age 15. This set the foundation for a career centered on expressive musical collaboration and leadership. Marissa currently serves as the Adult Choir Conductor at Temple Jeremiah and Temple Beth Israel. She performs regularly at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and other opera companies around the country.
 
Raised in a Reform Jewish home with Orthodox grandparents, she has long been immersed in diverse Jewish traditions. Leading services at Hillel in college and engaging with Chabad afterward strengthened her commitment to creating inclusive, spiritually resonant musical experiences. Her years at OSRUI further deepened her connection to Jewish music and community.

As a cantorial soloist, opera singer, conductor, composer, and music educator, Marissa brings a broad and versatile musical background to Kol Zimrah. With over a decade of teaching experience—primarily with adult learners—she takes great pride in helping musicians explore their artistic potential at any stage of life.
 
Simmons earned a Master of Music under Catherine Cook at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She received her Bachelor of Music in both Classical Voice Performance and Music Theory/Composition from the University of Miami Frost School of Music under Dr. Esther Jane Hardenbergh and Dr. Lansing McLoskey.

To visit Marissa's web site, please click here.