08/17/2024
We are thrilled to announce that Michael Soto is returning to St. Thomas as our new Assistant Director of Music!
A native of El Paso, Michael studied organ performance, linguistics, and French at the University of Texas at Austin. His passion for French music then took him to Paris, where he spent two years teaching English and delving into the works of Maurice Duruflé at Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, the composer’s own church. His international experience continued with a year in Tunisia as an English Language Fellow with the U.S. State Department. During that time, he served the Cathedral of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul in Tunis, where he had the unique opportunity to play the country's last known extant pipe organ. Before his return to Texas, Michael was active in the vibrant music and arts scene in Chicago as a soloist, accompanist, and photographer.
From 2019 to 2021, he held the position of Organ Scholar at St. Thomas Aquinas while pursuing his Master’s in organ performance at the University of North Texas.
Currently, Michael is completing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ and harpsichord performance under the guidance of Jesse Eschbach and Brad Bennight. During his five years at UNT, he has played continuo in the UNT baroque orchestra, he has been a teaching fellow for the music theory and keyboard divisions, and he is the current accompanist of Vox Aquilae, UNT’s early music choir. In the fall of 2023, Michael presented a pair of recitals that showcased a rich tapestry of French organ and harpsichord music from the Renaissance to the Revolution, featuring works from four generations of the Couperin family. Beyond the organ and harpsichord, Michael is also a violist and has a keen interest in free reed instruments. He is currently completing the restoration of a 19th-century harmonium, which he looks forward to sharing with the Dallas community.
