Brian Burnett

In 2003 Brian Burnett and his family were drawn to St. Bartholomew’s thanks to Rev. Bill Tully’s rectorship. Since then, they have been committed members of the church, enrolling their daughter in St. Bart’s preschool and Chorister programs.  Originally from Southern California, Brian moved to the East Coast to pursue a master's degree, and has since launched careers as a learning and development professional, educational technologist, and digital media producer. He has served on the MMPAF board since 2011, utilizing his professional skills to build and maintain the organization's website. In his free time, he plays the drums and percussion with several groups, and enjoys the extensive cultural experiences that New York City has to offer.

Gregory Donovan

Gregory Donovan grew up in Colorado and has been a New Yorker since 2006. He's an avid concertgoer, and his musical interests include learning the piano, musical typesetting, and studying (privately and through Juilliard's extension division) ear-training, harmony, and counterpoint. Dividing his time between the city and upstate, Greg works in data management and software engineering and is excited to bring his skills in marketing, technology, and problem solving to help people find and enjoy incredible music in concerts at St. Bart’s.

Kari Parks

Kari Parks has been a part of the St. Bartholomew’s community since 2014, drawn to the parish for its warm greetings, interesting sermons, thoughtful liturgy, and excellent music. A piano and clarinet player since childhood, she graduated from UC San Diego with a BA in Political Science and a minor in music performance. While attending law school at Northwestern, she joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Overture Council, chairing the Nominating Committee and serving on the Membership Committee. She has also served on the board of the Nouveau Classical Project. Kari lives in Queens with her spouse and their pitbulls.

Caitlin Riggsbee

Caitlin Riggsbee came to St. Bartholomew’s in 2005 when she joined St. Bart’s Chorister program. Throughout the years she was a chorister, she had many incredible and formative experiences, including performing on the Today Show, singing at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and contributing to the various concerts performed at the church (such as the Joyous Christmas Concert). A graduate of Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, Caitlin is a documentary producer who has worked on projects for PBS, HBO, and Disney+. She proudly serves on UArt’s Alumni Council and lives in Philadelphia with her partner and their cats.

Jake St. John

Jake is a former touring drummer and music-industry business manager who was drawn to St. Bart’s for its excellent music program. Currently working as Chief Operating Officer for Ensemble Performing Arts, a national owner-operator of neighborhood music and dance schools, Jake is also a dedicated eater, an expert sleeper, and the servant of two relatively spoiled but very loving NYC rescue dogs. Jake graduated with honors from Vassar College, holds a Master of Music from New York University, and formerly played cello in the String Orchestra of Brooklyn.

Marshall Taylor

Marshall Taylor’s relationship with St. Bartholomew’s began in 1982 when he joined the choir. Over the next several years, he sang bass, occasionally played the organ, performed for the Queen,  and fell in love with the church. Professionally,  Marshall has had a notable career in advertising, with clients such as Burger King, Dannon, Jell-O, the US Postal Service, and Advil among others, and is perhaps best known for his award-winning work on MetLife’s campaign with the Peanuts gang. He has been part of MMPAF since its inception and previously served as Chair of the Great Music Committee. Marshall has written 2 children’s books (published by Tricycle Press) and has sung with the Empire City Men’s Chorus for seventeen years.

Darren H. Wong

Originally from San Francisco, Darren Wong has had a lifelong love of music. Growing up, he studied piano and in adulthood developed a deep love of choral music. He has sung with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, Trinity Choir Boston, The Copley Singers, and most recently with St. Bartholomew’s Choir. A scientist by training, Darren is an executive biotech R&D leader in Manhattan. He and his husband, Craig, joined the St. Bartholomew’s community in 2022 and was attracted to St. Bart’s not only for its spectacular building and music program, but also for its vibrant community.

Paolo Bordignon, Artistic Director

Paolo Bordignon, serves as Artistic Director of the Mid-Manhattan Performing Arts Foundation, is Organist & Choirmaster at St. Bartholomew’s Church, and harpsichordist of the New York Philharmonic. 

He has recently performed with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Camerata Pacifica, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Mark Morris Dance Company, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Festival appearances include Aspen, Bard, Bridgehampton, Jackson Hole, Palm Beach, Parlance, and Vail. He has been a frequent recitalist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, including a 10-recital residency.

Born in Toronto of Italian heritage, Paolo attended St. Michael’s Cathedral Choir School before attending the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He is an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music, a Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and he earned Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the Juilliard School.