Who We Are
Conceptualized three years ago, Beatus Choral Ensemble has kept busy in their short career. Covering repertoire from Renaissance icons such as Josquin des Prez and William Byrd to living masters such as Javier Busto, the ensemble has striven to make a name for themselves amongst the growing sacred music community in the Midwest. Born out of a love for the liturgy of the Catholic Church and choral music, Beatus works to spread quality sacred music throughout Catholic communities in the United States.
In their short tenure, the ensemble has had the privilege of providing music for a variety of liturgical and extra-liturgical functions at a wide range of venues. Highlights include a performance at Our Lady of Guadalupe co-cathedral in Anchorage, Alaska, assisting at a Solemn Pontifical High Mass officiated by His Excellency Bishop Athanasius Schneider, in Pittsburgh, PA, and a concert in the ensemble's series "I Hear America Singing" at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Dayton, Ohio. In addition to concerts and Extraordinary Form Masses, the ensemble has provided music for special occasions such as weddings and anniversary masses.
Throughout the COVID 19 pandemic, the ensemble has kept busy, recording together from a distance and collaborating on several different projects throughout the country. Looking forward, the ensemble will continue to make their presence in the sacred music community known via educational talks, performances, and through a variety of online resources and tools.
In their spare time, the Beatus members have a wide variety of interests, from vintage and historic fashion to computer coding. Still, most often, you can find the singers together (virtually) hanging out.
Matt Wagner
Tenor, Artistic Director
Matt is a leggerio tenor from Zanesville, Ohio. He is a 2020 graduate of Franciscan University where he received his BA in sacred music, with a concentration in voice. Matt currently serves as the Director of Music and Liturgy for Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Troy, OH. His previous choral experience includes work with the Capital University Chapel Choir, the Schola Cantorum Franciscana and the Schola of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish in Pittsburgh, PA.
Arianna Fouch
Soprano, COO
Arianna Fouch is a dramatic coloratura soprano from Anchorage, Alaska. Arianna is a 2020 graduate of Franciscan University where she received her BSN RN. She currently works as a nurse for the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Arianna's previous credits include work with the Schola of Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage, the Schola Cantorum Franciscana, and the Schola of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish in Pittsburgh, PA.
Luke Ponce
Bass, CSO
Luke is a lyric bass-baritone from Abingdon, Virginia. He graduated from Franciscan University in 2020, where he attained a bachelor's of arts in sacred music with a concentration in organ. Luke has served as the organist and choir director for St. Peter Catholic Church in Steubenville, Ohio; and as organist for Christ the King Catholic Church in Abingdon, VA. His previous credits include work with the Schola Cantorum Franciscana and the Franciscan Univerisity Musical Theatre Troupe.
Mary Claire Tosques
Alto
Mary Claire Tosques is a coloratura mezzo soprano from Danbury, Connecticut. Mary Claire graduated with her bachelor's in sacred music major from Franciscan University in December of 2019. Her credits include work with the Bridgeport Diocesan Youth Choir, the Immaculate Conception Church Schola Cantorum, the Schola Cantorum Franciscana, and the Schola of Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish in Pittsburgh, PA.
Rose May
Soprano
Rose May is a soubrette soprano hailing from Dayton, Ohio. Rose is a 2016 graduate of Franciscan University, where she earned her degree in sacred music with a concentration in organ. In addition to her work with Beatus, Rose currently serves as the organist and choir director for Mater Christi Catholic Church in Albany, NY. She is the former organist and choir director for St. Peter Catholic Church in Steubenville, Ohio.
