Biography
Russia: Early Life, Education, and Teaching Career
Born in Russia, Dr. Zhanna Lehmann initiated her musical journey after graduating from the renowned Kazan State Conservatory in Kazan, Russia.
In Kazan State Conservatory, known for producing influential conductors, performers, and composers, Dr. Lehmann pursued Bachelor and Master’s degree in Choral conducting under the guidance of notable conductors, including Semen Kazachkov and Milyausha Tamindarova.
Her academic experience in Kazan connected her with the historical and liturgical aspects of music in the city, where she sang in one of the largest Orthodox churches, St. Nicholas.
Returning to her hometown of Dimitrovgrad, Dr. Lehmann commenced her teaching career at a prestigious music school. She taught music theory and piano at various skill levels, and directed several youth choirs, which achieved numerous awards at regional music festivals.
Her exceptional administrative and organizational skills led to her promotion as an Assistant Principal, where she managed school functions while continuing to teach and conduct.
The United States:
Education and Career
In 2004, Dr. Lehmann relocated to the United States and built a private studio for piano and voice students.
She continued a professional career acquiring a Doctorate in Music Arts with a focus on Choral Conducting and Piano Pedagogy at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL. She studied conducting with Fred Stoltzfus, Donald Nally, and Donald Schleicher. The dissertation topic was “Alfred Schnittke’s Quest For A Universal Musical Language in Penitential Psalms,” 2018.
Dr. Lehmann taught at the University of Illinois conducting course, music theory and aural skills, and directing the choirs. Currently, she teaches the various musical disciplines at the Danville Area Community College and Schlarman Academy, Danville, IL.
The Illinois Orthodox Choir
Using the choir at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church as a foundation, Dr. Lehmann established the Illinois Orthodox Choir, involving local singers of various denominations interested in performing Orthodox music.
This choir performed at local institutions and outreach concerts, featuring the works of modern choral and Byzantine style composers.
The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
In 2016, Dr. Lehmann became a lead instructor for the Sacred Music Institute organized by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese.
Where she leads classes for choir conductors and provides voice lessons, and presentations on specific topics.
Her involvement continues as she works with various Orthodox Church choirs in revitalizing their music ministry, and ultimately became a member of the Department of Sacred Music of the Antiochian Archdiocese in 2022.
In 2024 Dr. Lehmann became a faculty member of the newly formed The Antiochian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Online Music School where she teaches Choral Conducting for Experienced Conductors.
St. Moses The Black Fellowship (FSMB)
In 2021, Dr. Lehmann collaborated with the composer and religious leader Abbess Katherine Weston, focusing on the composition of Orthodox choral pieces based on the African-American spiritual melodies. This partnership resulted in the production of the CD "Christ Our Balm in Gilead" in 2021.
Dr. Lehmann works as a music editor and consultant for A. Katherine Weston’s composition “Jubilee Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.” She conducted the Liturgical choir of the St. Moses the Black Fellowship for the debut of the Jubilee Liturgy at the FSMB National Conference in Houston, October 2023. The work on the Liturgy was continued and more hymns were added in 2024. The Jubilee Liturgy under Lehmann’s direction took place at the FSMB Conference in Indianapolis in October, 2024.
Research and Conferences
Dr. Lehmann has presented at numerous national, international, and regional conferences on various topics within the field of choral music and music theory.
Her chapter, "The Voice of the Heart," is featured in the book "Jubilation! On Sacred Music Cultures," published in 2022.
Her research interests encompass the Soviet choral music of the late 20th century, particularly of the choral works of Alfred Schnittke. The other area of interest is the Byzantine chanting.
Personal Life
Dr. Lehmann is married with two children and resides in Central Illinois with a few cats and dogs, a chihuahua and great Dane.