Liza Calisesi Maidens ’10, assistant professor in the School of Theatre and Music, University of Illinois — Chicago, is committed to expanding the choral canon by uncovering and publishing overlooked works by women and composers of color, earning national recognition for her efforts and continuing her mission through new research and collaborations. Calisesi Maidens’ work earned her the 2024-25 Rising Star in Humanities, Arts, Design and Architecture at University of Illinois — Chicago. Her recent album Expanding the Choral Canon, recorded with Bella Voce, features historically significant yet underrecognized composers. Read more UIC Today.