Helena von Rueden is a 4th year graduate student at UCSB in the combined MM/DMA program. Studying choral conducting under Professor Michel Marc Gervais, Helena is the Conductor of the UCSB Women’s Chorus. She conducts a cappella and accompanied works ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century.  Helena is also  studying Vocal Performance with Benjamin Brecher, completing her Masters in 2011.  Outside of the University, Helena is the Choral Director at First Congregational Church of Santa Barbara, and sings opera, art song, and oratorio regularly in the Santa Barbara area.