Xan Russell

Alexandra ‘Xan’ Russell has always been inspired by the capacity of music to fuse mind, spirit, body, and community, and similarly, of joyful education to instill curiosity, empathy, and love of learning: it was inevitable that she would find her niche to lie at the intersection of arts and education.

As a classically trained soprano and actress, she has performed across the country, counting amongst her favorite venues and stages: Ozawa Hall, 54 Below, Playwrights Horizons, The Flea Theatre, Berkshire Theatre Group’s Colonial Theatre, and Chicago’s Second City. She also maintains an active schedule as a cantorial soloist, which has allowed her to visit and serve egalitarian synagogues and communities both nationally and internationally. Currently, she is the visiting cantor at New City Jewish Center in New City, NY, and looks forward to traveling to Congregation Kehilat Shalom in Calgary, Alberta this coming fall, to lead the High Holidays.

As an educator, she has enjoyed work as a private tutor, guest lecturer, and lead teaching artist most recently with Story Pirates, Inc.: a bi-coastal organization serving over 350 schools, whose mission it is to nurture an early and powerful love of creative expression.

Alexandra’s musical and theatrical training includes Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute, the Metropolitan Opera’s Bel Canto Institute in Florence, Italy, The William Esper Studio, and The Barrow Group.

Brandeis University is her alma mater, where she received academic Magna Cum Laude honors studying classical music, theatre, and psychology, with a special focus in youth and adolescent development. Currently, Alexandra is earning her Masters of Fine Arts degree at Columbia University’s School of the Arts, studying Artistic Leadership and Management.

She is thrilled to expand her role with Mozart for Munchkins in becoming Director of Education, after joyfully participating as a principal vocalist in the SING program since it’s inception!