Introducing Artistic and Choral Director Ken Lear

If you happened to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular from 2007-2010, you probably watched Magnificat’s new artistic and choral director, Ken Lear, perform. The Parma native and Saint Ignatius graduate got his first big break in New York City, performing as a featured singer in the beloved holiday show.

“I’ve done a lot of other things, but that’s got a name to it,” he said. “It’s one that people recognize.”

Ken is bringing his talent and expertise to Magnificat as a full-time faculty member in the Performing Arts Department this fall, having already music directed Chicago: Teen Edition, all-school masses, Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement during the 2022-2023 school year. He will be responsible for teaching choir and acting classes, expanding participation in the choral program, and preparing vocalists for musicals, Masses, prayer services, and off-campus performances.

Having played the piano since the age of 6, Ken became serious about music and theater during high school while participating in the Saint Ignatius Drama Program. He decided to audition for college programs in musical theater performance and enrolled at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, where he became friends with Magnificat dance teacher Kim Worden Summers ’98. The two kept in touch, even after his career took him to New York City, regional theater appearances around the country, and cruise line engagements as a lead singer.

After Ken returned to the Cleveland area during the pandemic, Kim helped recruit him to music direct Magnificat’s production of Chicago: Teen Edition in the fall of 2022. The musical was a great match: He had already worked on a production of the show in Florida directed by Charlotte d'Amboise, who was one of the first actresses to play Roxie Hart on Broadway.

“I learned Chicago from the people who learned it from [Bob] Fosse,” he said. “It was very cool, so I was super excited to get to do it here at Magnificat.”

This summer he is holding a sold-out musical theater Magnificamp for girls in Grades 4-6, and he is excited to begin teaching choir and acting to Magnificat students this fall. Looking ahead, the classically trained vocalist hopes to build upon the longstanding success of Magnificat’s Performing Arts Department and increase the number of students participating in choir. He plans to bring back the Christmas Concert with Show Choir and the Music Settlement, and he hopes to eventually have two levels of choir for beginning and advanced students.

“Ken is the perfect fit for our department,” said Director of Dance and Performing Arts Jill Haller. “His professional experience matches his passion for teaching the arts. With his strong ability to lead and serve, our students will receive a musical education that is unparalleled. We are excited to expand the possibilities and opportunities for our talented and driven students.”