Mike McCarthy is widely regarded as one of the premier choral conductors in the United States. Specializing in music of the Renaissance, Baroque, and modern-day classical, Mike's work with choirs finds inspiration through text-driven narratives, inviting singers to participate not as storytellers but as characters in the narrative. His own experience as a singer with world-class choirs such as the Monteverdi Choir and The Sixteen gives him a unique perspective from both sides of the podium, allowing him to draw from singers their full range of vocal colors to evoke the very essence of the text.

McCarthy’s work with orchestras has taken a similar approach to his work with vocalists, resulting in a dynamic synergy between singer and instrumentalist that has drawn acclaim of audiences and reviewers alike.