Who We Are

Lyric Edge is a Los Angeles-based choral ensemble that presents programs celebrating the past and present to curious audiences, while centering the artist experience, in order to push classical music towards a more accessible and creative future.

Maura Tuffy conducts singers in an ornate church.

About the Founders

Maura Tuffy

Artistic Director

Praised for her ability to produce “monumental” work (New Classic LA), conductor and soprano Maura Tuffy has established herself as a dynamic artistic leader. This season, she made her conducting debuts with Beth Morrison Projects and Bach Vespers at Holy Trinity Lutheran NYC. Recently, she conducted the Los Angeles workshop performance of Derrick Skye’s Song of the Ambassadors and West Coast performances of Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles. The latter earned third place in the 2023–2024 San Francisco Classical Voice Audience Choice Awards: Best Choral Performance in Los Angeles.

An avid ensemble singer, Tuffy has appeared with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Seraphic Fire, Conspirare, Bach Collegium San Diego, Ensemble Altera, Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble, and Yale Choral Artists. She currently serves as Adjunct Faculty at Fullerton College and Citrus College. www.mauratuffyartist.com

Artistic Director Maura Tuffy.

Kiyono McDaniel

Executive Director

Kiyono McDaniel is a passionate advocate for the arts and a seasoned fundraising professional dedicated to expanding access to transformative musical experiences. As Executive Director of Lyric Edge, she brings visionary leadership to the organization, fostering innovative collaborations and championing emerging voices in choral music.

In addition to her leadership at Lyric Edge, Kiyono plays a vital role in two of Los Angeles’s most esteemed arts institutions. As the Annual Fund Manager for the Los Angeles Master Chorale, she drives critical fundraising efforts that sustain one of the nation's leading professional choirs. She also supports youth engagement and artistic excellence for the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, helping nurture the next generation of vocal talent.

Kiyono holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Music from Chapman University, where she graduated magna cum laude. Her interdisciplinary background informs her holistic approach to arts leadership, combining emotional insight with strategic thinking.

With a deep belief in the power of music to unite and uplift, Kiyono is committed to strengthening the cultural vitality of Los Angeles through inclusive, impactful, and forward-thinking artistic initiatives.

Executive Director Kiyono McDaniel.

Videos

Artistic Director Maura Tuffy poses in a moment of conducting.

Gallery

Maura Tuffy conducts a 17-member choir in an ornate church.