Our Music TEam
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Artistic Director
Althea Gonzalez 
Althea joined Womansong in 1999 because she loved the repertoire and the wonderful village of creative and caring women. Having sung in high school and college choirs, she was thrilled to find a musical and spiritual home in Womansong. After having served as the Assistant Director for many years, she was named Artistic Director in 2017.
Passionate about facilitating community connections and organizational development, Althea is also an independent consultant providing training and technical assistance to nonprofits and philanthropic institutions across the U.S. She’s served as a board member for: the YWCA of Asheville, the NC Center for Nonprofits; Nuestro Centro; the Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council; and the NC Human Relations Commission. She also serves as a bilingual mediator for the Mediation Center. Althea received an M.A. from NC State University in Adult Education Training and Development and a B.A. from the University of Chicago in Romance Languages. Born and raised in Miami, Althea is the proud daughter of Cuban refugees and grateful mother of a musical genius. |
Assistant Director
Katie Cilluffo 
Katie joined Womansong in 2019, just in time for their Spring Concert. Two of her oldest friends encouraged her to take on this new musical adventure, and she's looking forward to making many more friends in the choir and becoming an integral and enthusiastic member of the Womansong village.
Originally from Traverse City, Michigan, Katie studied vocal performance and Italian at the University of Michigan, Indiana University School of Music, and Interlochen Arts Academy. Since moving to western North Carolina, she has appeared with Asheville Lyric Opera, Flat Rock Playhouse, plus myriad cabaret, jazz, oratorio, a cappella, and even progressive rock ensembles. Katie is an adjunct faculty member at Warren Wilson College where she teaches voice and directs the college choir. She is also on staff at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville in the church office and as their soprano soloist. |
Accompanist
Lytingale 
Lytingale joined Womansong in 2003 as a singer, and soon added her talents on piano, flute, and hand percussion, becoming our official accompanist in 2011. Lyte earned her B.S. in Music Education (Voice) at University of Connecticut, and has used her clear soprano for all kinds of music, from rock to Broadway, classical to jazz. She teaches Voice and served as Music
Director and leader of The Unitic Band at Unity Center from 1983-2015. Lyte has composed over 400 songs, including "With Great Love" performed by Womansong and by the mass choir at the 2010 Sister Singers Network Festival; "I Will Carry You" (title song of Womansong CD); "My Sisters" and "Dinner" (on our "Turn the World Around" CD). |
Music Sign Language Interpreter
Shiner Antiorio 
Shiner Antiorio joined Womansong in 2000 as the music interpreter, a role which continues to feed her spirit. Combining the beauty of American Sign Language with her passion for dance and music, Shiner presents an innovative interpretation enjoyed by Deaf and hearing audiences alike. Her work has been presented in numerous venues from Asheville to California, in schools and on the stage. Combining her BA in Education with her AA in American Sign Language, Shiner has joyfully taught American Sign Language and Deaf culture to ages ranging from 5 to 95. |