Mark Vogel
2016-2025
Mark Vogel made a lasting impact on Houston’s musical community after arriving in the city in 2014. A talented performer, conductor, and educator, he quickly became a respected figure in the region’s vibrant cultural scene. In addition to his role as Artistic Director of International Voices Houston, he served as Professor of Music at Lone Star College–North Harris and Music Director at Congregation Beth Israel. His previous appointments also included Choir Director at Lone Star College–University Park, Music Director at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, Interim Artistic Director of the Woodlands Chorale, and music instructor at both the Kinkaid School and St. Pius X High School. Mark was also known for his engaging piano performance-lectures, presented at venues such as San Jacinto College and the UT Health and Science Center.
Appointed Artistic Director of International Voices Houston in April 2016, Mark led the choir with creativity, passion, and vision for nine seasons. Under his leadership, the ensemble produced 19 diverse concert programs and collaborated with a wide range of Houston-based arts organizations, including WindSync, Kinetic Ensemble, Houston Ebony Opera Guild, Texas Medical Center Orchestra, and Arte Puro. He championed musical partnerships and frequently featured Houston-area instrumentalists and vocalists, enriching the choir’s performances and expanding its artistic reach.
In 2025, Mark announced his decision to step down at the conclusion of the 2024/2025 season. His departure marked the end of an era defined by musical excellence, community engagement, and a deep commitment to cultural diversity. His contributions laid a strong foundation for the choir’s continued growth and success.
Dr. Eric Esparza
2013-2016
Dr. Eric Esparza is the Director of Choral Studies at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, where he conducts the DePaul Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and Symphonic Choir and teaches courses in choral music. Dr. Esparza serves as the Repertoire & Resources Chair for Lifelong Choruses on the Board of the Illinois-American Choral Directors Association, for whom he also chairs the Diversity Initiatives Committee. He is also on the Voice Faculty of the InterHarmony International Music Festival. Previously, Dr. Esparza was on the Voice and Choral faculty at Sam Houston State University. He also previously served as Artistic Director of Windy City Performing Arts, International Voices Houston, and the United Nations Association International Choir, and was the Director of Music Ministries at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Esparza holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance as well as a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston, Texas, where he studied with Dr. Joyce Farwell and Maestro Thomas Jaber. He also holds a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Florida State University, where he was a University Fellow. Dr. Esparza earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from Boston University, where he studied with Dr. Ann Howard Jones. He is a published arranger of choral music and an active editor of solo and vocal music from early manuscript and print sources. Dr. Esparza remains active internationally as a conductor, singer, voice teacher, and lecturer.
Dr. Phillip Kloeckner
2003-2012
From 2003 through 2012, Dr. Phillip Kloeckner was the artistic director of the 100-voice United Nations Association International Choir in Houston, establishing the ensemble as an important part of that city’s cultural fabric by collaborating with a refreshing array of local soloists and ensembles representing the great indigenous musical traditions of the world. Highlights of his tenure with the UNAIC include the North American premiere of Melchor Tapia’s St. Luke Passion, the Houston premiere of César Franck’s Seven Last Words, and the first Houston performance in twenty-five years of Ernest Bloch’s Sacred Service, with Grammy-Award winning bass baritone Mark S. Doss in the role of the cantor. For the tenth anniversary of the Choir, he commissioned Jan Gilbert’s That the Dove May Rest, featuring Space City Gamelan and mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala singing the poetry of Uruguayan poet Sara de Ibáñez.
Furthermore, Phillip Kloeckner has had the opportunity to commission and/or perform the premieres of numerous works for organ, instruments, and voices by composers Gerre Hancock, Ann Gebuhr, Arthur Gottschalk, Carlyle Sharpe, Geoffrey Nytch, and Katharine O’Connell.
An adjudicator in organ competitions and a sought-after leader of workshops and retreats on subjects ranging from organs, organ playing, and organ literature to a wide variety of topics in church music and liturgies, Dr. Kloeckner served for almost twenty years on the Music Commission of the Diocese of Texas. For twenty-six years, he served with distinction as organist/choirmaster of Episcopal congregations in Pearland, Lake Jackson, and Houston, Texas.
Dr. Kloeckner has recently completed a one-year term on the board of directors of the Chicago Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Dr. Kloeckner is Founder and Artistic Director of the Chicago International Organ Academy.
Michèle Lhopiteau
1999-2003
Michèle Lhopiteau graduated from the Conservatoires of Bordeaux and Nancy. She then studied Choir and Orchestra conducting with conductor Pierre Cao of Luxembourg and vocal training with Helene Roth of the Strasbourg’s Conservatoire.
In September 1999 Michèle started the UNA International Choir, sponsored by the United Nations Association of the United States of America – Houston Chapter. In relation with the Rothko Chapel, this choir wants to keep alive the spirit of friendship between all people from different national, cultural and religious backgrounds that are found in Houston. The choir performed its first concert in May 2000.
Interested in Singing?
Join our 100+ voice choir representing over 30 nationalities and help us spread messages of hope and peace and unity through the universal language of music.
Join our Mailing List
Join our mailing list to receive information about upcoming performances and special events!
