Valerie Muller Torkelson, a Franklin Lakes native, grew up at MBS and has been serving as Cantor since 1999. As an active performer in regional, national and international concert, opera, and musical theater, she has appeared on the concert stage and in leading roles in many theatrical productions throughout the country, and across the globe. Most recently she has appeared as a guest soloist with St. Peter By the Sea Orchestra and, as an active member of New Jersey Alliance of Performing Artists, she has appeared in various concerts throughout the state. Valerie has twice performed for the troops in Asia, and has been honored to be an annual guest artist to perform the National Anthem at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo --- “The Daddy of them All!”

Valerie regularly sings throughout the Archdiocese of Newark. She has performed benefit concerts for the Office of Vocations, has cantered for the Women’s Commission Annual Day of Reflection, and has led the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy for various Archdiocesan events. Valerie also has taught voice classes through regional after-school programs, and she enjoys giving private voice lessons (when her schedule permits!). Valerie has released three CDs: Lights, a collection of sacred music; Spirit of the Season, the Christmas album; and Stages - songs from stage and screen. She is a graduate of Northwestern University where she earned a degree in Voice and Opera Performance.