A native of Chicago, IL, Carling FitzSimmons has established herself as a masterful singer, conductor, and arts educator. As a leader of young singers, Carling has worked for Pro Musica Youth Chorus, Chicago Public Schools, Merit School of Music, and as the Artistic Director of Spirito Singers, a feminist youth choir based in the western suburbs. A sought-after guest conductor and clinician, Carling has worked with the William Ferris Chorale and the Northwest Choral Society, as well as Goshen College, Kenyon College, Loyola University, American Federation Pueri Cantores, and Young Naperville Singers.​

Lauded for her “sweet-toned singing", Carling maintains an active performing career, appearing with chamber ensembles throughout Chicago. Carling is also the founder and Artistic Director of La Caccina, an ensemble that champions and performs diverse, innovative repertoire for women's voices. Under her guidance, La Caccina has established itself as Chicago’s premier treble ensemble, performing in a diverse range of styles, inspiring the next generation of musicians, and commissioning new works. Through La Caccina, Carling has proven herself to be a champion of new music and an innovative conductor, earning praise for her “visionary and generous” leadership. She holds BAs in music and English from Kenyon College and an MM in choral conducting from Michigan State University.