Christa Fredrickson (she/her) is the newly appointed Artistic Director of Safonia. She holds a Bachelor of Vocal Performance from NMSU and a Master of Performance in Choral Conducting from the same institution. She completed a master’s thesis focused on Hildegard von Bingen, transcribing her chants for developing choirs. As a mezzo-soprano, Fredrickson has performed as a soloist with the Masterworks Chorus for performances of Handel’s “Messiah” and Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” and Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater” with the Vox Vallis Women’s Ensemble. Her versatility extends to theatrical roles, including Rapunzel in “Into the Woods,” Hansel in “Hansel and Gretel,” The Sorceress in “Dido and Aeneas,” Antonia in “Man of La Mancha,” and Winifred Banks, in “Mary Poppins.”

Her teaching tenure at Centennial High School spanned six years, during which her choir ensemble garnered numerous awards, honors, and was designated the State Honor Choir for NMMEA in 2021. She served as Choral Vice President for Southwest New Mexico Music Educators from 2020-2023 and is currently Treasurer at the New Mexico American Choral Directors Association.

She is also an Adjunct Professor at NMSU, directing and choreographing Broadway Revue shows and conducting productions like “My Fair Lady.” Fredrickson’s work extends beyond conducting high school. She has conducted collegiate, and community choruses which have performed in Carnegie Hall, Mexico, and Austria. Additionally, she is the director and composer of the Dona Ana Arts Council’s Opera Storytellers, an opera program for children. Noteworthy musical theater productions directed by Fredrickson include “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” “Into the Woods,” and “The Wizard of Oz,” which have earned many nominations. Her Musical Theatre Ensemble was named “Best Ensemble” in the state of New Mexico for the past two years.

​

Beyond the musical realm, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Bruiser, a companion she adopted from a shelter after he was rescued to play his namesake in “Legally Blonde.”