Born in Germany and raised in Chicago, Daniela’s education took her from the Rheinische Hochschule für Musik in Germany, to Northwestern University, then to the graduate school of Music at Indiana University where she majored in Voice Performance and Arts Management. She has won numerous awards, honors, and competitions as a professional musician, including the Metropolitan Opera Regional Award and the distinction of a Fellowship in Chamber Music at the Aspen Music Festival in Aspen, Colorado. Some of her notable roles include Rosina in The Barber of Seville, Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro, and Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte. As gifted as Daniela is in the world of classical music and opera, she is just as at home belting out familiar standards, Broadway show tunes, pops and swing numbers that transport her audiences.
Locally, Daniela has served as Artistic Director of the Ridgefield Chorale since 1998. She also directs the Founders Hall Singers. In 2017 she received Ridgefield’s Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Award, which in part recognized her tireless work and advocacy as the leader of the Being Human, Being Kind movement.
In addition to all this, she is a much sought-after soloist and respected music arranger, composer, and conductor. Her fresh approach to rehearsals and music education creates a comfortable ambiance of learning, camaraderie and connections with everyone Daniela directs.