Joshua Stafford has stepped down as Director of Sacred Music at Chautauqua following several years of service. He began his tenure in 2020 as Director of Sacred Music and the Jared Jacobsen Chair for the Organist. His responsibilities included planning daily worship and leading the Chautauqua Community Choir and Motet Choir, among others. During his time at Chautauqua, the choirs continued to develop in artistic excellence and played a central role in the Institution’s worship life. Stafford also appeared as a soloist with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, contributed to Old First Night celebrations and presented live improvisations for silent films in the Amphitheater. 

“Joshua Stafford’s leadership of Sacred Music at Chautauqua has been marked by extraordinary artistry, deep pastoral care and a strong commitment to worship,” said Deborah Sunya Moore, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer at Chautauqua Institution. “His work strengthened the sacred music program and supported the life of the worshiping community.” 

Sonya Subbayya Sutton worked as an organist and choirmaster in Episcopal Churches for nearly forty years, before retiring in 2025. In recent years she has specialized in interim music ministry around the country, working and consulting with music programs during periods of transition.

Sonya has served as the Music Director of the World Bank/IMF Chorus since 2013. In addition, she frequently collaborates with other instrumentalists as an accompanist and chamber musician. She has directed choirs in eight European tours and cathedral residencies and participated as organist or singer in four more. She is a Past President of the Association of Anglican Musicians and currently serves on the Episcopal Church’s Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music. She is a board member for the Boulanger Initiative, an organization which serves to promote the work of women composers. Sonya earned degrees in piano and arts administration from the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati.

“I’m honored to be asked to serve as interim director of sacred music for the 2026 Summer Assembly. Like many, I felt an immediate connection when I first came to Chautauqua in 2002 to work with Jared Jacobsen. Eugene and I returned often over the years before buying a home on the grounds in 2022. During this period of transition, it’s a joy to continue the work that Jared — and more recently Josh Stafford — carried forward with such care. I look forward to honoring Chautauqua’s deep roots while exploring creative possibilities for the future,” said Sonya Subbayya Sutton. 

Sutton lives in Washington, D.C. and divides her time between Washington and Chautauqua with her husband, Eugene Sutton, who serves as Chautauqua’s Senior Pastor and is the retired Episcopal Bishop of Maryland.