Dr. Laura Ramsey Russell

Laura volunteers her time and talents as the Director of the Con Brio Concert series, continuing to serve Christ Church and the musical life of the mid-Hudson Valley in her retirement. Over the course of several decades, she served as Christ Church’s organist, choir director, and ultimately Minister of Music. In 2007 Laura inaugurated the “Concerts Con Brio” concert series which features local and regional musicians presenting a wide variety of musical programs for the community at Christ Church.

Laura received her MFA in Conducting from SUNY Purchase and her DMA in Conducting from the Hartt School. She has taught music theory and ear training and conducted choral and instrumental ensembles at regional music conservatories, and at Marist College and Dutchess Community College in the Hudson Valley.

Laura is conductor and co-founder of the Hudson Valley BachFest, a community-wide festival founded in 2000. Most recently she conducted Bach’s Magnificat at Vassar College for the 20th anniversary season concert. In the 1990’s and early 2000’s she was Music Director of the Hudson Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society and also served as the Bardavon Chorus Master, preparing community-based choirs to sing with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. 

She lives in the City of Poughkeepsie and is a proud grandmother of four grandchildren, ranging in age from 6 to 27!