Multi-instrumentalist and composer Jim Dalton is on the faculty of the Boston Conservatory in the music theory and music education departments and is a busy freelance performer in various ensembles from chamber groups to symphonies and in theater and opera pit orchestras. His compositions have been performed around the U.S., Canada and in Europe (including an award-winning choral piece) and published in several anthologies. He is the author of two (music) books and is working on new compositions and books for the coming year.

Maggi Smith-Dalton began her singing career in cabarets and night clubs, and has maintained a parallel career as a historian. In addition to her U.S. concert work she has been a soloist with large choirs, hosted NPR public radio classical music shows, and has sung abroad. She is also a published author (history, prize-winning short story) and a weekly history columnist for the Boston Globe. Her first book of Salem history was published in 2010 (Stories and Shadows From Salem's Past) and she is working on a second book of Salem history to be published in 2012, as well as a book on music in Salem's history with her husband, Jim.