Italy Program Hosts

The hosts of the Italy: A Harmony of the Arts are faculty from the Department of Music and the Department of Languages. Their personal and academic experiences contribute greatly to an understanding and appreciation of Italian culture and musical arts.

Professor Emerita  Andria  Chiodo  taught Italian language, literature, and culture at the University of Dayton  from 1968 to her retirement in May 2011.  In addition to teaching Italian, she has taught English as a Second Language both in Dayton and in Italy, directed the University of Dayton’s Interdepartmental Summer Study Abroad Program, served two terms as chairperson of the Department of Languages, and served for three years as an Assistant Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Andria has traveled to Italy numerous times, first as a student and later as a teacher, translator, and program leader both for student groups and groups of older adults.  Always eager to return, she is drawn by Italy’s boundless artistic and cultural treasures.

Dr. Linda Snyder is Professor of Music and Coordinator of Voice Performance Studies at the University of Dayton. She has served as chair of the Department of Music and as Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, and is a professional singer, accompanist and director of opera and musical theatre. Dr. Snyder has performed throughout much of the United States and Western Europe, and most recently in Germany and China. A native of Dayton, she is well-known locally as a soprano soloist with various organizations. She also is Director of the Schuster Center Celebration Choir.

Dr. Snyder is well-acquainted with the Italian musical scene, having studied and performed in Florence and traveled frequently throughout the country.  She has served on the faculties of the Interlochen Arts Festival (MI), Illinois Wesleyan University, New York University, as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Opera Association, and since 1995 as co-director of UD's Encore Vienna travel program.