The Higher Word Orchestra
We are a 30-member Catholic and Christian Orchestra that showcases the beauty of Catholicism through music, revealing the deep connection between faith and melody
Have you ever felt the bliss of encountering true beauty through music? Whether that music was secular or sacred, the Higher Word Orchestra’s mission is to recreate those moments.
Higher Word Orchestra Leadership
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Christa Dalmazio
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Christa Dalmazio is a classical and sacred musician and soprano who performs on the piano, organ, harp, viola, and violin. She received Encouragement Awards from the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition in 2018, 2019 and 2020. She also teaches private music lessons, she is the Music Director of Pivot Theater Company in Holmdel NJ, the Director of The Academy of Our Lady Sacred Music Choir in Glen Rock NJ, is the Director of Music at Holy Innocents Church in Neptune NJ, and the Middle and High School Music Director of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Boonton, N.J. Christa graduated from Manhattan School of Music with Bachelors and Masters of Music degrees in Vocal Performance, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts at MSM, studying with Catherine Malfitano.
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Jacob Beranek
CONDUCTOR & COMPOSER
Jacob Beranek is a Wisconsin-born, New York-based composer, pianist, and conductor, currently pursuing his doctorate in composition at The Juilliard School as a student of John Corigliano. His compositions frequently invoke his Catholic faith and have been performed around the world, from Hong Kong to London, including venues such as Prague Castle, Oxford University, Alice Tully Hall, and Canterbuy Cathedral. As a conductor, Beranek was asked to guest conduct the Wisconsin Philharmonic in a performance of his music in May 2024, and as a scholar, he has delivered numerous lectures and preconcert talks focusing on music history and the compositional process. He is a recipient of the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Learn more at www.BeranekMusic.com.
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Dan Bosko
MUSIC STRATEGY ADVISOR & BASSIST
From Valley Stream, NY, Dan studied clarinet and bass guitar at a young age. He attended Holy Cross High School in Flushing, Queens, where he began performing and arranging music for jazz ensemble, concert band, and choir. He received a B.A. in Music from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, with concentrations in double bass performance and music education. Dan currently serves as the band director for several Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn, and is an active performing artist in and around the NY area.
Join our Orchestra
If you play a musical instrument, sing, or have interest in helping out our orchestra in any other way reach out using the form below or directly at ahigherword@gmail.com