Cincinnati, OH – March 20, 2025 – The Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC) announces a

significant leadership transition as esteemed Executive Director Cy Wood leaves the organization in June to move to Palm Springs, California. Following Wood’s relocation, Matthew Moquin-Lee, DMA, current Artistic Director, will step into the newly established role of Managing Artistic Director.

Wood, who joined YPCC in January 2024, has been a pivotal figure in the organization, fostering a vibrant community where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to create beautiful and meaningful music. “YPCC isn’t just about singing — it’s about connection,” he said. “I’m constantly inspired by the way our singers support one another, build friendships and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong, whether they’ve been singing their whole lives or just rediscovered their voice.”

His favorite YPCC moment? Last year’s annual gala, “Pure Imagination,” led by Cincinnati Pops Orchestra Conductor John Morris Russell. “The sheer number of singers on the risers, combined with the elegance of our VIP cabaret dinner and the energy of the post-concert party and dance, created an unforgettable celebration of music and community,” he said. Wood’s final concert with YPCC is the upcoming gala, “True Colors,” held June 14 in partnership with Cincinnati Pride, which promises to be a deeply meaningful and joyous event.

Moquin-Lee, who has served as Artistic Director since May 2024, will transition into the role of YPCC Managing Artistic Director. In this new position, he will not only lead the organization artistically but also serve as the main point of contact for all non-choral activities. He will oversee daily operations, ensure that rehearsals and performances align with YPCC’s mission, manage programming, artistic and community partnerships, fundraising, and administration. Moquin-Lee shared his enthusiasm for the new position. “I’m excited to deepen our connection with the community while building on the incredible artistic work we’ve done,” he said. “I look forward to balancing the creative vision with the necessary operational leadership to expand our outreach, engage new audiences, and continue to elevate the voices of diverse young professionals.”

He also is eager, he said, to build on YPCC’s established presence as a dynamic force for inclusion, creativity, and community engagement.

Please join us in wishing Wood all the best in California and congratulating Moquin-Lee on his promotion.

(Cincinnati – March 4, 2025) The Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC) is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Cincinnati Pride for two upcoming events that celebrate community, art and pride: Young Professionals Pride Mixer, on April 6, and YPCC's annual gala, “True Colors,” on June 14. Mark your calendars and join us!

Young Professionals Pride Mixer – April 6, 2025
The goal of this event is to help establish connections with young professionals or queer-owned businesses and services in the Cincinnati community, to connect young professionals with YPCC, and to advance YPCC’s goals of accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) by nurturing community and welcoming spaces.

“True Colors” – June 14, 2025
The annual gala is YPCC’s biggest concert and fundraising event of the season, promising an unforgettable evening of music, celebration and community. This year, the event will feature special guest appearances:

• A drag queen guest performer – Get ready for an electrifying, high-energy performance that will bring glitz, glamor and jaw-dropping talent to the YPCC Gala stage. This fabulous guest artist is a true star in the drag world, and their presence is sure to make this an unforgettable evening. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement. A highly anticipated announcement revealing the identity of this sensational performer is coming soon—stay tuned!

• KellyAnn Nelson, YPCC’s founder and past conductor – In a heartfelt homecoming, KellyAnn will take the podium once again to conduct select music at this year’s gala. Past YPCC members are invited to join a special guest choir under KellyAnn’s direction, offering a rare opportunity to reconnect through music. More details on how to participate will be shared soon!

• Guest composer Mari Esabel Valverde – YPCC is honored to welcome Mari, an award-winning transgender Mexican-American composer, to this year’s gala. Mari was selected by YPCC to compose a custom piece to be performed by YPCC and other ensembles next year, thanks to the Pride Grant from ArtsWave.

“Community collaboration is at the heart of YPCC’s mission, and partnering with Cincinnati Pride allows us to celebrate the power of art and pride together,” said Cy Wood, Executive Director of YPCC. “We are beyond excited to bring people together for these events, creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed and valued.”

That notion is shared by Cincinnati Pride. “Cincinnati Pride is excited to build a partnership with YPCC at the intersection of Cincinnati’s performing arts, young professionals, and supporting inclusive and welcoming spaces for queer people,” said Dustin Lewis, Director of Programming for Cincinnati Pride. “We need both queer and inclusive, welcoming spaces now more than ever. This opportunity to partner with a large organization of enthusiastic and motivated young professionals across a vast variety of professions is an opportunity we didn't want to miss out on joining."

To make these events impactful and memorable, YPCC is actively seeking sponsorships. Businesses and individuals interested in supporting these events and gaining valuable exposure within the Greater Cincinnati area are encouraged to visit ypccsing.com/truecolors. Contact Cy Wood at executivedirector@ypccsing.org for more information about sponsorship opportunities and levels.

About YPCC:
Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC) cultivates an inclusive community through the joyful experience of choral music. Founded in 2011, YPCC brings together young professionals from diverse backgrounds to connect, inspire, and grow through dynamic musical experiences.

About Cincinnati Pride:
Cincinnati Pride provides the Greater Cincinnati LGBTQIA+ community and allies a forum that promotes inclusion and acceptance while affirming individuality. Through inspiring programs, educational outreach, and collaboration with local organizations and businesses, Cincinnati Pride celebrates the diverse culture and rich history of the LGBTQIA+ community.

(CINCINNATI – May 30, 2024) The board and staff of the Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC), a Cincinnati-based organization that connects young professionals through music, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Matthew Moquin-Lee as its new artistic director, effective July 1, 2024.

Moquin-Lee (he/him) is a versatile conductor and accomplished singer hailing from Mississippi. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Choral Music Education from the University of North Texas’ College of Music, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. 

With a passion for building organizational structures and fostering community, Moquin-Lee has garnered extensive experience in the arts industry. His training under esteemed choral conductors, including Drs. Joe Miller, Brett Scott, Jerry McCoy, and Richard Sparks, has greatly shaped his conducting expertise.

Moquin-Lee currently serves as worship arts director at First Lutheran Church Cincinnati as well as visiting director of choral activities at Xavier University. 

Beyond his musical endeavors, Moquin-Lee is deeply committed to community work, advocating for marginalized communities and speaking out against societal injustices. Recognized as a visionary conductor and creative artist, he relishes opportunities where his passion for music intersects with social justice causes. Recent partnerships include the Ohio Innocence Project, Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition and Faith Communities Go Green. He lives in Westwood, Cincinnati, with his spouse Tyler and their two dogs, Luther and Benny.

“I am thrilled to step into the role of artistic director for YPCC,” Moquin-Lee said. “This opportunity is a tremendous honor, and I am eager to collaborate with such a dynamic and talented group of singers. YPCC’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community through choral music aligns perfectly with my own passion for creating meaningful musical experiences and connecting people through the power of song and positive change. Together, we will explore a wide-ranging repertoire, innovate with engaging performances, and strengthen our ties to the Cincinnati community. I am excited to bring my vision, energy, and expertise to YPCC and look forward to the incredible musical journey we will embark on together.”

YPCC Board Chair Matt Heston expressed his excitement and confidence in Moquin-Lee’s direction. “The YPCC board and audition committee were thrilled by Matthew’s energy, enthusiasm, conducting skill, and vision for YPCC’s future,” he said. “Matthew has proven himself to be thoughtful, engaging, and exciting. We are looking forward to YPCC’s growth under his leadership.”

(CINCINNATI – January 4 , 2024) – The board and staff of Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC) announces the appointment of Cy Wood as the new Executive Director of the organization known as a prominent Cincinnati choral ensemble with a distinguished commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Following nearly a decade of success as an actor, producer, special events coordinator, and creative director in New York, Wood has spent the last seven years educating students in music and theater at Butler Tech School of the Arts in Hamilton, Ohio.

Wood, an ardent proponent of the thriving arts and music scene in Cincinnati, succeeds Stephanie Renny, Interim Executive Director and a member of the choir since its inception in 2011. “We’re excited to welcome Cy Wood to YPCC,” said Renny. “His passion for music combined with his leadership skills and diverse music production experience will strengthen YPCC’s mission to connect and build a strong community of local singers and music aficionados in Cincinnati.”

Wood began his new position on January 2nd, with YPCC preparing for the annual Spring Concert Hopes & Dreams, a choral performance held at First Lutheran Church on Tuesday, March 12. As Executive Director, Wood will work with YPCC staff and board members to produce YPCC’s four annual hallmark events that include Spring, Fall, Holiday, and Gala concerts along with performances presented by the YPCC Chamber Choir, YPCC Carolers, and YPCC On Call Ensemble. Wood will also work to strengthen partnerships and sponsorships with prominent local organizations.

“To help lead this amazing organization is equally thrilling and humbling for me. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team and artists at YPCC by continuing and growing the tradition of excellence in choral music, fostering creativity, and building meaningful connections within the Cincinnati community,” said Wood. “Music is so important in our lives, and YPCC is a force of musical goodness for anyone who wants to fill their artistic chalice to the brim-- whether they be a performer or audience member. As a life-long advocate of ensemble singing, I am excited to begin this wonderful journey with these young professionals."

Having made his mark on Broadway and in Disney Productions globally, Wood has demonstrated his artistic skills as a professional actor, producer, special events coordinator, and creative director. He is also a respected member, coach, and educator of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), and sings baritone in the quartet MixTape. Furthermore, he holds certification as a judge in the Performance Category for the BHS, often collaborating with ensembles on an international level. Wood earned his Bachelors of Fine Arts from Brigham Young University, specializing in music, dance, and theater with an emphasis in music education. During his free time, he appreciates the tranquility of lakeside living with his husband, Dustin, and their two cats, Teddi and Cleo.

About YPCC

Young Professionals Choral Collective is an innovative choral ensemble that combines Cincinnati’s love of singing, socializing, and culture for young professionals ages 21 to 45. YPCC cultivates an inclusive community through the joyful experience of choral music and is composed of over 1,200 singers who create and share high-quality music in an accessible, fun, and social way. YPCC also creates strong connections to local businesses and arts organizations through post-rehearsal outings, unique concert collaborations, and shared resources with stellar Cincinnati arts organizations. YPCC: Young Professionals Choral Collective is supported by the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the ArtsWave Community Campaign, the Ohio Arts Council, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and the Cincinnati Opera. YPCC singers have contributed to the Cincinnati arts scene with memorable choral performances and community engagement for more than a decade.