Christa Fredrickson (she/her) is the Artistic Director of Safonia. She holds a Bachelor of Vocal Performance from NMSU and a Master of Performance in Choral Conducting from the same institution. She completed a master’s thesis focused on Hildegard von Bingen, transcribing her chants for developing choirs. As a mezzo-soprano, Fredrickson has performed as a soloist with the Masterworks Chorus for performances of Handel’s “Messiah” and Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” and Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater” with the Vox Vallis Women’s Ensemble. Her versatility extends to theatrical roles, including Rapunzel in “Into the Woods,” Hansel in “Hansel and Gretel,” The Sorceress in “Dido and Aeneas,” Antonia in “Man of La Mancha,” and Winifred Banks, in “Mary Poppins.” Fredrickson is a passionate fine arts educator known for her award-winning music and theatre programs and enjoys teaching students of all ages. Beyond the musical realm, she enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with her dog, Bruiser, a companion she adopted from a shelter after he was rescued to play his namesake in “Legally Blonde.”