Ruth Escher graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music, and continued her studies in London with renowned teacher Vera Rozsa at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She performed in numerous recitals and oratorios while in England and France, including Messiah with the London Chamber Orchestra. Critics have praised her “exquisite singing” and described her “sweet, soaring voice” as “strikingly beautiful” with “stunning purity of tone”. She is especially known for her expressive interpretations of the music of Bach, and sang the soprano arias in the St. John Passion with the New York State Baroque Orchestra. A founding member of the American Bach Choir, Ms. Escher has also appeared with the Albany Consort, Baroque Choral Guild, California Bach Society, Chanticleer, Composers Inc., Early Music Vancouver, El Mundo, Kronos Quartet, Magnificat, Music Before 1800, Oakland East Bay Symphony, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Sex Chordae Consort of Viols, Theatre of Voices and the Whole Noyse. She can be heard on recordings by Koch International Classics, Harmonia Mundi USA and Musica Omnia, including Magnificat’s recording of music by Chiara Margharita Cozzolani which was named “one of the best CDs of the year” by Gramophone Magazine. Other concerts of note include Steve Reich’s Desert Music with the San Francisco Symphony conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas, a recital of the Seven Early Songs by Alban Berg, and performances of Handel’s Nine German Arias with violinist David Wilson and cellist Elisabeth Reed.