Previous Directors

Ronald Dean Konetchy

May 20, 1933 - December 17, 2002

Founding director of GNHCC.

Ronald Dean Konetchy was born on May 20, 1933, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin and raised in Rushford, Minnesota by his parents, the late Valentine and Delores Konetchy. He was married for more than twenty-six years to Andrea Savchik Konetchy, his beloved soul mate and partner.

Ron spent four years in the Military during the Korean War. He then entered Yale University where he received advanced standing upon entrance and was awarded the Harriet Gibbs Fox Prize for general excellence. He completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at Yale and earned a Master of Music degree in 1960. Ron began his career as a teacher at Albertus Magnus College where he was chairman of the music department until 1976. In 1970, he developed a new model for liberal arts education featuring a unique integration of the arts and humanities. This project, funded by the New Haven Foundation, gained him recognition from the National Endowment for the Humanities and a biographical entry in a directory of 550 futurists published by the World Future Society in Washington, D.C.

Ron was director of Schola and Associates, a firm organized to develop cultural and educational publications. He was a prolific creator and publisher of educational media. Some of his major works include a history of choral music, which became the best-selling audiovisual product in the field of music education. He authored a multi-media history of Renaissance art and music and a video publication called America's Choral Heritage. He was a steady contributor to professional periodical literature.

Ron had extensive experience as a chorale conductor at the college, community and professional levels and has directed all the principal chorale repertoire. He has produced successful overseas concert tours for more than thirty years. His well-organized travel projects are noted for innovative and affecting musical programs and have provided rich opportunities to many individuals for cultural exchange. His large touring groups were cordial and respectful in international settings and many long-term relationships were established with colleagues overseas. Ron and his good will ambassadors were hosted by Austria, Canada, the Caribbean, China, Denmark, England, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Russia, Turkey and Wales. During his career, Ron was music director for many notable choral groups including the Waterbury Chorale, the New Haven Chorale, the Greater New Haven Community Chorus, the Wallingford Community Chorus and his own professional chorus.

Ronald Konetchy has received international renown and recognition for his contribution to the arts and humanities. His vision and creativity permeated all facets of his life, personal and professional. His innovation and passion have left behind a rich educational and artistic legacy, which will continue to impact and influence future generations.