2024 Music On Site Artists
Angélica Adams
Amahl, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Angelica Adams is an American soprano from Albuquerque, New Mexico, specializing in 20th-century works. Recently, she performed as Barbarina and Susanna in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. Currently based in Boynton Beach, Florida, she studies under Sandra Lopez-Neill. Her performances include roles with Frost Opera Theater and the Santa Fe Opera, notably in La Bohème and Sweet Potato Kicks the Sun by the Grammy award winning composer Augusta Reed Thomas. With a growing repertoire, Angelica continues to make her mark in the opera world.
Brian J. Alvarado
Ivan Turgenev, Notes on Viardot
Brian J. Alvarado’s ‘liquid baritone of great charm,’ ‘precise patter elocution,’ and ‘highly attractive legato’ (Parterre Box) has featured recently as Falke in La Chauve-Souris and the Baritone in The Four Note Opera (Festival d’art vocal de Montréal), Silvio in Pagliacci (New Rochelle Opera), Angelotti in Tosca (Opera Vermont), Eugene Johnson in Blind Injustice (Opera Theatre of the Rockies), Tom in Un ballo in maschera (Opera Project Columbus), and Mountararat in Iolanthe and Simone/Filiberto in Gianni Schicchi/Il Signor Bruschino (Bronx Opera). The Bronx native has appeared chorally at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Sawdust, and elsewhere.
Aaron Ames
Music director, Notes on Viardot
Raised in Ukiah, CA, Aaron Ames has been a pianist and musician since the age of seven. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of the Pacific and a Master of Music from Appalachian State University. He served as an adjunct faculty accompanist at Appalachian State for nine years, collaborating with vocal, instrumental, opera and musical theatre programs.
Currently, Mr. Ames and his wife Jenna live in Macomb, IL. He is pursuing a Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Coaching and Accompanying at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Emma Anderson
Pianist-Coach, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Emma Anderson is a collaborative pianist currently residing in Florida. As a graduate assistant and doctoral student in collaborative piano at FSU, Emma has enjoyed numerous opportunities performing in recitals and working as a rehearsal pianist for mainstage opera productions. Emma was most recently an instructor of Musicianship Lab I and II at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, as well as a staff accompanist, where she played regularly for numerous choirs, theater productions, student competitions, recitals, and guest artists. She subs frequently as a church musician and is a member of both IKCAS and MTNA.
Emma Arachtingi
Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni
A Minneapolis native, soprano Emma Arachtingi is the recent winner of the PSU’s Director’s Distinguished Performance Award. Arachtingi also recently performed the role of Magda in Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Rondine for Penn State Opera Theatre’s scenes program and in the Concerto Winner’s Recital with the PSU Philharmonic.
Arachtingi was the second-place winner of the 2023 Schubert Club’s Scholarship Competition. Recently, Arachtingi was in the world premiere of Paola Prestini’s Edward Tulane with Minnesota Opera, the midwest premier of Proving Up by Missy Mazzoli with Journey North Opera Co., and a Skylark Opera production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. A graduate of St Olaf College with a Bachelor of Music in Performance, Arachtingi was a member of the St Olaf Choir beginning her sophomore year.
Michael Arriaza Aroche
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Michael Arriaza, tenor, is a sophomore in vocal performance at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. At USD, he played the role of Chorley in the world premiere of Michael Ching’s Notes on Viardot. Other USD Opera credits include Alexis in scenes from The Sorcerer and Javier in scenes from Torroba’s Luisa Fernanda y Javier. His musical theatre credits include Seussical the Musical and Once Upon a Mattress among others. Michael won 2nd place at South Dakota NATS in both 1st year classical and lower collegiate musical theatre divisions. Native to Schuyler, Nebraska, he studies with Dr. Tracelyn Gesteland.
Naseer François Ashraf
Music Director, Opera Scenes Showcase
Naseer François Ashraf is a New York-based musician, originally from Rhode Island. He currently serves as a staff pianist at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, splitting his remaining time between teaching and performing around the Greater NY Region. Naseer holds a B.M. in Theory & Composition and Viola Performance from the University of Rhode Island and a M.M. in Classical Composition from SUNY Purchase, where he also earned an Artist Diploma in Piano Performance. His teachers include Stephanie Brown, Miyoko Lotto, and Sławomir Dobrzański (piano); Laura Kaminsky, Du Yun, and Eliane Aberdam (composition); and Ann Danis and Joseph Ceo (viola).
Malaina Aultman
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
American soprano Malaina Aultman was recently seen in the role of Asteria in Gluck’s La Corona with the Orchestra Instabile di Arezzo in Tuscany and as a featured soloist with AAMS Emerging Young Artist program at the Kennedy Center. Other operatic highlights include Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte, Monica in The Medium, Adele in Die Fledermaus, and the title role of Menotti’s Amelia Goes to the Ball. A winner of the Guillory Excellence in Singing Award, Malaina holds her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Louisiana Christian University and Northwestern State University of Louisiana, respectively. Malaina is excited for her future as a young artist.
Denisse Balandran
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Denisse Balandran, soprano, received her BM in vocal performance at The University of South Dakota in 2024. With the USD Opera, she has performed leading roles including Younger Pauline Viardot in Notes on Viardot, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, Morgana in Alcina, Susanna in highlights from Le nozze di Figaro, and Eva Delvigne in An Embarrasing Position. Ms. Balandran has won several awards in both classical and musical theatre styles, most notably being named as a semi-finalist in the Upper College Classical Treble division at the national level of NATS. Ms. Balandran is a student of Dr. Tracelyn Gesteland.
Josephine Barstad
Giulia, Notes on Viardot
Younger Pauline (cover), Notes on Viardot
Minnesota-based soprano Josephine Barstad is lauded for her glorious and expressive voice. She was seen in Wichita as La Contessa in Le nozze di Figaro at Wichita State University and in her Graduate Recital, where she showcased 20th century art songs and arias. Her other recent roles are the title role of Suor Angelica at both Wichita State University and Spotlight on Opera. Last seen in Duluth, Minnesota, she joined Lyric Opera of the North in their chorus for Puccini's La Bohème. She has also joined their outreach program Little Opera of the North as the title role of Rusalka in a children’s adaptation of Dvořák’s beloved opera.
Benjamin Bassett is an excellent and well-rounded musician from Katy, Texas studying to receive a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas in performance. Featured works Benjamin has been involved in are as follows: chorus member in the Fort Worth opera in the production of La Boheme by Puccini, chorus and Le Surindendent in Cendrillon by Massenet, chorus and Crebillon in La Rondine by Puccini, The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera, chorus and Frank in Die Fledermaus by Richard Strauss II. Ben’s wish in his career ahead is that he can stay healthy and perform in Europe.
Giselle Bautista
Georges Sand, Notes on Viardot
Giselle Bautista is a Mexican-American mezzo-soprano from Houston, TX. During her undergraduate studies with Baylor Opera Theatre, she performed many leading roles including the title role in Luisa Fernanda, Zita in Gianni Schicchi, and Ma Moss in The Tender Land. This season with the Moores Opera Center, she performed as Meg in Little Women and will perform the roles of La Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi and La Maestra delle Novizie in Suor Angelica. Giselle is pursuing a Master of Music in vocal performance and pedagogy at the University of Houston under the tutelage of Melanie Sonnenberg.
Benjamin Bassett
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Don Giovanni (cover), Don Giovanni
Aria Beert
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Aria Beert, mezzo soprano, hails from Rockford, Illinois. As a soon to be graduate from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s in violin and vocal performance, she has thrilled audiences with a variety of roles on the stage. Her most recent performance was performing as Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro. Her first opera performance was a collaboration between the Wichita Grand Opera and Wichita State School of Music in Carlisle Floyd’s Susanna. Ms. Beert was a featured fiddle soloist and appeared in the chorus. Other performances at the university include Woodsprite 3 in Rusalka and a combined role of Sister Dolcina and Sister Osmina in Suor Angelica.
Anthony Belin appears as Charles Dickens in his first-ever opera role in Music On Site’s
performance of Notes on Viardot. He will also sing in the Opera Scenes Showcase program. As a sophomore vocal performance major at Kansas State University, he participates in multiple choirs and receives classical training from Professor Jesus De Hoyos. During his first semester at K-State he was a member of the award winning acapella group, In-A-Chord, and is a founding member of K-State’s first student-led acapella group, Resonate.
He wants to thank his elementary and high school music teachers for recognizing and developing his talent.
Kate Bishop
Maria Malibran, Notes on Viardot
Claudie Viardot, Notes on Viardot
Kate Bishop, mezzo-soprano and stage director, is increasingly recognized for the brilliance of her instrument and artistic interpretation of music. Bishop earned both her Bachelor and Master of Music from Baylor University in 2021 and 2024. She has sung a variety of roles including Luisa Fernanda (Luisa Fernanda) with the Baylor Opera Theatre, Prince Charmant (Cendrillon) with UVAA, Hansel (Hansel and Gretel) with Opera Pannonica, and most recently, Madame de Lebon in the world premiere of Felix Jarrar’s Pompadour Porcelain with Landlocked Opera. Bishop is currently earning a second Master of Music in Opera Directing at Florida State University.
Anthony Belin
Charles Dickens, Notes on Viardot
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Isabel Blakewell
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Isabel Blakewell is a Minnesota native and has recently appeared in the title role of Suor Angelica and La Contessa in Le nozze di Figaro at Wichita State University.
Past engagements include Una Novizia in Suor Angelica, Buttercup in H.M.S. Pinafore, and Nicklausse in Les contes d' Hoffmann. She also performed in the chorus of Cavalleria Rusticana with the Lyric Opera of the North and was a featured soloist with various music ensembles at UMD.
Isabel is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Opera Performance at WSU where she studies with Dr. Cristina Castaldi.
Ellen Boll teaches at Lycoming College as Adjunct Professor of Piano, collaborates with voice students at Mansfield University, and previously taught at Penn State University as Visiting Guest Professor of Opera Coaching. She received training at summer programs including Source Song Festival, Musiktheater Bavaria, La Musica Lirica, the Collaborative Piano Institute, and Credo Chamber Music Festival. Ellen is pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Collaborative Piano at the Cleveland Institute of Music studying with Anita Pontremoli. She holds an M.M. in Piano Accompanying from Florida State University and a B.M. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Wheaton College.
Chasey Briggs
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Chasey Briggs, Soprano, is a Kansas City based singer from North Carolina. Receiving her B.A. at Wingate University, she performed roles such as Usher (Trial by Jury), Rezia (Oberon), and Adrianna (Behold the Man) one of the two collegiate debuts she participated in. Currently she is pursuing her M.M. at UMKC where she is performing the role Barbarina (Marriage of Figaro). This is Chasey’s debut at MOSI.
Ellen Boll
Pianist-Coach, Don Giovanni
Stephanie Brink
Madame Garcia, Notes on Viardot
STEPHANIE BRINK, Contralto, performs extensively in the American Southwest and beyond. Recent roles include Marcellina in Le Nozze di Figaro and Zosia in Heggie’s Two Remain (Lyric Opera of Orange County), Mrs. Ott in Susannah (Opera Fort Collins), La Zia Principessa and Zelatrice in Suor Angelica (Opera West!), and Nancy Smith in Blind Injustice (Opera Theatre of the Rockies). Other favorite roles include Dritte Dame in Die Zauberflöte, Secretary in The Consul, Announcer in Gallantry, and the title role in Lady in the Dark. She holds a performance faculty position at Colorado College and studies with renowned soprano Martile Rowland.
Soprano Jessica Broaddus is a senior currently pursuing a degree in music and theater at The University of Texas at El Paso. She has been a member of the Concert Chorale, Chamber Singers, Commercial Music Ensemble and Opera UTEP. With UTEP's choral ensembles Jessica has performed with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, Roswell Symphony Orchestra, and Leeds Cathedral Choir in England. Jessica has performed leading roles with Varna International, Opera UTEP, and the Gilbert & Sullivan Company of El Paso. This past summer she participated in Varna International’s Musika Festival playing the role of Gretel in Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel.
Gage Campos
Manuel Garcia, Notes on Viardot
Paul Viardot, Notes on Viardot
Gage Campos is a Junior Vocal Performance major at the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston. He has performed in many productions at the Moores Opera House including, The Bartered Bride, Die Fledermaus, Monsieur Chufleuri, The Merry Widow, Sondheim on Sondheim, and Little Shop of Horrors. Outside of music Gage also enjoys creating art, whether it be drawings, paintings, sculptures, and everything in between. He has a huge and loving family that has been nothing but supportive as he moves through productions and performances. Gage is also a devout believer and gives the glory for all his performances and accomplishments to God our Father in Heaven.
Jessica Broaddus
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Theodore Chang
Editor, Notes on Viardot
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Baritone Theodore Chang hails from the New York City area, where he is currently based. He earned his B.M. from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and is a student of Kim Josephson. His list of roles includes Mr. Jones in Street Scene and Antonio in Le Nozze di Figaro for Frost Opera Theatre, Masetto and Il Commendatore in Don Giovanni with Chicago Summer Opera, and Papageno in Die Zauberflöte with QSVI Opera. Upcoming engagements include his current Music on Site debut as the Editor in Notes on Viardot and chorus in L’Elisir d’Amore with Florida Grand Opera.
Benjamin Chen, baritone, is a senior undergraduate pursuing his dual Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance.
Recently, Ben performed Dandini in La Cenerentola at the Bay View Music Festival. This season with Temple University, Ben will appear as the Surintendant des plaisirs in Massenet’s Cendrillon, followed by the title role of Don Giovanni in Mozart’s Don Giovanni. He also was a 1st place winner of the 2024 National Student Auditions (NATS) Eastern Region competition, and 2nd place prize winner in Temple University’s 2024 Vocal Arts Undergraduate Voice Competition.
Baritone André Chiang has been described as “vocally commanding” (Oregonian), “handsome of voice” (Opera News), and lauded with “let’s hear more from this singer” (Washington Post) and “stood out for his chiseled tone” (Opera News). Company engagements include Portland Opera, Virginia Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, the Glimmerglass Festival, Opera Philadelphia, Opera Las Vegas, and the Louisiana Philharmonic to name a few. Chiang is an Assistant Professor of Voice at Emory University, an Instructor of Voice at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, and runs an online/in-person voice studio teaching acoustic and amplified styles. For more information, visit www.andrechiangbaritone.com.
Benjamin Chen
King Melchior, Amahl and the Night Visitors
André Chiang
Il Commendatore, Don Giovanni
Katherine Copeland
Zerlina, Don Giovanni
Soprano Katherine Copeland is thrilled to be making her debut with Music on Site for their 2024 season. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in voice at Indiana University where she studies with Deanne Meek. She has performed the role of Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, covered Musetta in La Bohème, and sang Sour Dolcina in Suor Angelica during her undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky. She made her Italian debut as the role of Carmela in Giordano’s Mese Mariano with Opera Seme.
Jarrett Cox is a tenor from Tuttle Oklahoma, currently pursuing a double master’s degree in Vocal Pedagogy and Vocal Performance at the University of Central Oklahoma. He has been in multiple productions including The Dangers of Singing, Die Fledermaus, Orfeo ed Euridice, and The Gondoliers. Jarrett is thrilled to be joining Music on Site for their 2024 Winter Festival and is thankful for the opportunity to perform. Jarrett thanks his voice teacher, Dr. DeMaio. He would also like to thank his family, friends and God for their continual support and love. It means the world to him.
Alison Crosley
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Alison Crosley is a mezzo-soprano, currently based in Philadelphia, PA. She is currently studying at the Boyer College of Music at Temple University with Dr. Kathryn Leemhuis. She was last seen in Harrower Summer Opera Workshops productions of Adamo’s Little Women, singing the role of Alma March, and their production of Floyd’s Susannah singing the role of Mrs. McLean. With Temple University Opera Theatre, she will be covering the role of Dorothée in Massenet’s Cendrillon Fall of 2024, and has previously covered the roles of Polinesso in Ariodante, Bianca in Britten’s Rape of Lucretia, Cherubino in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. She was also previously a young artist with Trentino Music Festival. While studying with the program, she performed as Third Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. Coming up this Spring, Alison will be performing Spicer Carr’s mono-opera Fluffernutter with Temple University Opera Workshop Program
Jarrett Cox
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Olivia Currier
Maria Malibran, Notes on Viardot
Claudie Viardot, Notes on Viardot
Olivia Currier is a mezzo-soprano from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She completed a season as an Apprentice Artist with the Sarasota Opera in 2023, and has since been an active operatic performer. Her most recent engagements include the role of Beppe in Mascagni’s L’amico Fritz (Amici Opera Company) and Kate Pinkerton in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (New Jersey Lyric Opera). This coming spring, she will reprise the role of Prinz Orlofsky with Opera Magnifico in Gladstone, New Jersey. Ms. Currier holds a degree from Texas Tech University and currently resides in Waco, Texas. She is in her graduate studies at Baylor University.
Madison Daigneault is a Wichita, KS native passionate about performance. She is currently attending Wichita State University to obtain her Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with an anticipated graduation date of Fall 2025. After completing these she plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration. Most recently Madison participated in Wichita State’s fall Opera Scenes program and Newton Community Theater’s production of Guys and Dolls earlier in the summer. She is looking forward to the rest of the opera season at WSU, and is excited to return to Music On Site, Inc. for her second season.
Charles Daniel
Loporello, Don Giovanni
Charles Daniel, baritone, is currently pursuing the Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Alabama where he is a student of Paul Houghtaling. The Birmingham, Alabama native is making his debut with Music On Site in its production of Don Giovanni as Leporello. Daniel was recently seen as Marcello in La Bohème with the Janiec Opera Company in Brevard, Marullo and the cover of the title role in Rigoletto with Druid City Opera, Frank in Die Fledermaus with Opera Huntsville, Belcore in L'elisir d’amore, the title role in Don Giovanni, Marco in Gianni Schicchi, and Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors with the UA Opera Theatre.
Madison Daigneault
MOSI Production Assistant
Emma Daves
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Emma Daves is an operatic soprano from Apex, North Carolina. She holds a Master of Music degree in Voice Literature and Performance from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada, and also holds dual degrees in Music Eduction and Vocal Performance from East Carolina University, where she graduated with honors. She is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate at the University of New Mexico, where she studies with James Flora and is the Graduate Assistant for the Music Appreciation course. Favorite past roles for her include Lady Billows (Albert Herring), Mabel (Pirates of Penzance), and the Sandman and Dewfairy (Hansel and Gretel).
Dylan Dean is currently a sophomore at Kansas State University studying music education and vocal performance. Some of her vocal accomplishments include being a finalist at the West Central NATS competition, and being nominated for best lead actress at the Kansas City Blue Star Awards. While this is her first production with Music On Site, her other past productions include Menotti’s Amelia Goes to the Ball (Ensemble/Maid u/s) and The Fantasticks (Luisa u/s) at K-State. She is very excited to be starting her opera journey, and would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support!
Nalani Defensor
Amahl, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Nalani Defensor is a Filipino-Salvadoran-American soprano from Conroe, Texas. She is thrilled to be a part of Music on Site’s Opera Scenes Showcase and production of Amahl and the Night Visitors. Nalani is a junior at Baylor University studying under Dr. Jamie Van Eyck. During her time at Baylor, she has been a part of Luisa Fernanda and Speed Dating Tonight!. This year, she will sing the Sandman in Hänsel und Gretel and Cendrillon in Viardot’s Cendrillon with the Baylor Opera Threatre.
Dylan Dean
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Erik DeMario
Louis Viardot, Notes on Viardot
Alfred de Musset, Notes on Viardot
Erik DeMario is a first year MM student at Northwestern University studying Voice and Opera under the tutelage of W. Steven Smith. This past summer, he was selected as a Young Artist in Musiktheater Bavaria’s Opera Studio, and spent a month training and performing in southern Germany. He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (’22) and has had numerous engagements with Virginia Opera, Commonwealth Concert Opera, The Richmond Symphony Chorus, Classical Revolution, and the Virginia Chorale. He most recently performed the role of Mr. Upfold in Northwestern Opera’s production of Albert Herring.
Tim Dennison is a tenor based in Kansas City, Missouri. In August 2024, he covered the role of the Defendant and sang in the chorus in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury with Lawrence Opera Theatre. That same month, he sang with the same company in the chorus of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Tim sang the role of Dancaïro in Bizet’s Carmen with Lawrence Opera Theatre in August 2023, and he covered the role of Ricardo in Massenet’s Chérubin with UMKC Conservatory in the Fall of 2022. He has also sung in the choruses of Acis and Galatea, Così fan Tutte, and Il trovatore. Tim earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in May 2023. He is a private student of Dr. Maria Kanyova.
Filip Duda
Younger Ivan Turgenev, Notes on Viardot
Chicago-based tenor Filip Duda’s recent opera appearances include Dr. Blind (Die Fledermaus) at Music On Site, as well as Mr. Upfold (Albert Herring), Telemaco (Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria), and Bardolfo (Falstaff) with DePaul Opera Theater. Filip was also featured as Tamino in Chicago Summer Opera's 2022 The Magic Flute. A dedicated performer of music pre-1750, Filip has performed at Chicago’s Landowska Harpsichord Society, the Five Cities Baroque Festival, and as a recitalist at Chicago’s Chiesa Nuova. He holds a degree in political science from Illinois Wesleyan University and an M.Mus. in voice from DePaul University.
Tim Dennison
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Victoria Erickson
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Praised for her "beautifully ruby-throated quality" (Classical Voice North Carolina) and her "pointed wit and sparkling tone wielded with comedic potency" (Voix des Arts), Minnesota native Victoria Erickson is a vibrant soprano. Recently, Erickson sang the title role in The Miller’s Daughter (Iowa Arts Council). Other selected roles include Harmony (Harmony, Seagle Festival), Blanche (Dialogues des Carmélites, Saltworks Opera), Liù (Turandot, NC Summer Opera), Alice Ford (Falstaff), and Pamina (Die Zauberflöte, UNCG Opera Theatre). Erickson received a grant from the DAAD-Stiftung to perform at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hamburg and Munich. http://victoriaericksonsoprano.com.
Valérie Filloux
Chorley, Notes on Viardot
Fanny Malibran (cover), Notes on Viardot
Maria Malibran (cover), Notes on Viardot
French-American mezzo-soprano Valérie Filloux has been noted for her "playful wit and charm." A recent graduate of the Maryland Opera Studio, she performed as Paula (Florencia en el Amazonas), Nancy (Albert Herring), and Florence Pike (Albert Herring). She has spent summers with the dell’Arte Opera Ensemble, Aspen Music Festival and the Janiec Opera Company at the Brevard Music Center, and made her professional and company debut with Opera Roanoke this season as Mrs. Grose in Britten’s Turn of the Screw.
Chris Drago Fistonich
Don Giovanni, Don Giovanni
Baritone CHRIS FISTONICH is a PhD Immunologist, cybersecurity analyst, and opera singer. Chris has been hailed as a "voluminous, beefy baritone" with "supple variation of dynamics" (South Florida Classical Review), as "strong" (Schmopera), and with "power" (Washington Classical Review).
Future engagements include Scarpia in Tosca with Center Stage Opera, Falke in Die Fledermaus with Opera Magnifico, and Silvio in Pagliacci with Regina Opera.
Originally hailing from Los Angeles, California, Chris received his Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology in 2012 from the University of California, Los Angeles. After graduating, Chris attended Yale University, earning a Ph.D. in Immunobiology in 2018.
Madison Fitzpatrick
Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni
Native to the small town of Hanover, MA, Madison is a Classical Soprano, Illustrator, and Writer with a fascination for the ancient world. Madi has performed notable roles such as Gabriel (The Creation, Haydn), Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Britten), Elle (La Voix Humaine, Poulenc), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi, Puccini), and Alcina (La Liberazione di Ruggiero dall’isola d’Alcina. Caccini). Madison’s excited for her upcoming performance as Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni, Mozart) with Music On Site this December 2024.
Madison graduated from the Manhattan School of Music with her Master of Music (MM) and Professional Performance Diploma (PPD) in Classical Voice under the study of Joan Patenaude-Yarnell. She has also obtained her Bachelor of Music (BM) in Classical Voice from New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Madison also carries an Oxford University certificate in Egyptology, the study of Ancient Egypt.
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Mykayla Fitzpatrick graduated with her BM in Voice Performance in 2023 from Colorado State University, where she performed Hansel and Gretel (Gretel), The Tender Land (Laurie), Cosi fan tutte (Despina), and The Old Maid and the Thief (Laetitia). She has presented research on pedagogy for voices transitioning through hormone replacement therapy, and teaches at her Fort Collins studio. Recently, she has performed with Loveland Opera Theater, performed and stage directed with Boulder Opera Company, and assistant stage directed at Quisisana Resort (Maine) and for Music on Site (Kansas). In her free time, she paints, spends time with friends, and bakes.
Jill Galvin
Fanny Malibran, Notes on Viardot
Madame Garcia (cover), Notes on Viardot
Mezzo-soprano Jill Galvin last seen in Opera Omaha’s Don Giovanni and La Traviata is excited to take the stage with MOSI. Already carving a place for herself in the operatic world, in the summer of 2023, Ms. Galvin sang the title role in Handel’s Giulio Cesare with Opera Seme. Highlights from her undergraduate work include Hansel in Hansel and Gretel, and Nancy Wilkerson and Jane Swisshelm in No Ladies in the Ladies Book. Not only was Ms. Galvin involved in operatic works during her undergrad, but she also performed with UNO’s Concert Choir in collaboration with the Omaha Symphony. She is a section leader at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral and teaches piano and voice lessons at Gretna Music Lessons.
Mykayla Fitzpatrick
Stage Director, Opera Scenes Showcase
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Qianran Gao
Music Director, Opera Scenes Showcase
Qianran Gao is a versatile pianist, performing across the U.S., China, and Europe. As an opera pianist-coach, she has worked with UMN Opera Theatre, led workshops, and provided coaching at Ithaca College. She has also collaborated with orchestras at the Boston Conservatory, University of Minnesota, Ithaca College and Virtuosi Brunenses Orchestra. As a chorus pianist, she has accompanied ensembles such as the SCAU Choir, Guangzhou International Choir, MIT-CCCS, and Ithaca College Choir. A prize-winning soloist, she has earned top honors in the Irmler Piano Contest and Brandenburg International Music Competition.
Qianran holds a Collaborative Piano Young Artist position at Ithaca College. She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s from the Boston Conservatory, and a Bachelor’s from South China Agricultural University. Her mentors include Timothy Lovelace, Aleksandr Polyakov, Jessica Shinn, Oleh Pavlov, and Ni Ye.
Dr. Tracelyn Gesteland, stage director, is Professor of Voice/Opera and holds the Walter A. and Lucy Yoshioka Buhler Endowed Chair at the University of South Dakota. Under her direction, the USD Opera has received national recognition every year since 2011, including awards from the National Opera Association and The American Prize. She has served as stage director for the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival Opera/Musical Theatre program and for the Lone Star Lyric Theater Festival production of Talk Opera, which was called “the gem of the festival” by the Houston Chronicle. A mezzo-soprano, she is also an active performer in recital, concert, and opera.
Becky Giles
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Becky Giles, a Kansas City native, is a Soprano based out of Olathe, KS. Becky performed with Hawaii Opera Theatre from 2005-2021. Becky received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from KU and has since studied with Neil Semer, NSVI Dresden, Germany, Dianna Ruggiero, Lyric Opera San Diego, Mark Morash, San Francisco Opera, Tim Shaindlin of Chicago Lyric and Yale University, and Darell Babidge of Juilliard School. Becky has a private voice studio in Olathe, KS, continues to perform and teach in the Midwest Region, and is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist specializing in voice disorders.
Tracelyn Gesteland
Stage Director, Notes on Viardot
Catherine Gispert
Zerlina, Don Giovanni
A Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Encouragement Award winner, Miami-born soprano Catherine Gispert graduated from University of Michigan and Florida State University. She recently appeared as Soprano Soloist and Street Singer in Fountain Street Church Oratorio Choir's Bernstein MASS and attended the Collaborative Piano Institute Vocal Academy. Previous roles include Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Susannah in Carlisle Floyd's Susannah, Annina in La traviata, Paní Pásková and a Hen in The Cunning Little Vixen, and a Patron in the US premiere of Aran O'Grady and Kaitlin Sullivan's Eintänzer. She resides in Grand Rapids where she performs regularly with West Michigan Opera Project.
Dr. Anthony Gray is currently Assistant Professor of Practice (Collaborative Piano) at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He previously held positions at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise and East Tennessee State University. He has been a Resident Artist at Pittsburgh Festival Opera and accompanied master classes for such artists as Marianne Cornetti, Ollie Watts-Davis and Casey Robards. As a soloist he received prizes in competitions including the Philharmonic Society of Arlington's 2021 Young Artist Competition, the 2021 Music International Grand Prix and Pittsburgh Concert Society's 2020 Major Auditions. He earned degrees from East Tennessee State University and West Virginia University.
Christopher Gray
Masetto, Don Giovanni
Christopher Gray is a bass-baritone who is pursuing an under-graduate degree in Vocal Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Stephen Morscheck at the University of North Texas. Some of Christopher’s most recent performances include Masetto in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and The Professor in Lisa DeSpain’s That Hell-Bound Train. Christopher has also achieved being a semi-finalist and the alternate finalist in the UNT Concerto Competition this year. This season, Chris will sing the role of Guglielmo in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, as well as The Sodbuster in Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up.
Anthony Gray
Music Director, Opera Scenes Showcase
Pulip Han
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Zerlina (cover), Don Giovanni
Pulip Han, a soprano from Seoul, South Korea, is currently completing her Performance Certificate in Opera Performance at Wichita State University under the guidance of Alan Held. Most recently, she performed the role of the 2nd Wood Sprite in Wichita Grand Opera’s Rusalka. Her previous roles include Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro and Suor Genovieffa in Suor Angelica at WSU. With a Master’s degree in Voice Performance from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Pulip has graced IU’s opera stage in various principal roles. She was honored with an Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition.
Carson Hardigree
Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni
Soprano Carson Hardigree is a second year Master’s Student at Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music. She studies with Professor Michelle DeYoung and is perusing a Master of Music in Voice. She is a recent graduate from Furman University (2023), where she received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education. Carson is currently preparing Rosalinde for Jacob’s production of Die Fledermaus. Carson’s pervious roles include Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni (2024 & 2022), Armida in Rinaldo (2023), Edith in The Pirates of Penzance (2023), Romilda in Xerxes (2022),and Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods (2021).
Amy Helms
Assistant Director, Don Giovanni
Amy Helms is an aspiring opera stage director from Cincinnati, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at The University of Michigan under the tutelage of professors Stanford Olsen and Caitlin Lynch. Now at Florida State University, she is pursuing a Master of Music degree in Opera Directing under the guidance of James Marvel and will be directing Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice this spring as her thesis project. In the meantime, she will also be directing excerpts from The Magic Flute for community outreach, along with select scenes in opera workshop as a Graduate Assistant.
Madison Hershberger
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Madison Hershberger is in her second year of school studying music performance and theatre, she has performed with school choirs, theatrical and community performances. Hershberger is excited to start this new chapter of performance with Music on Site.
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Baritone Paul Hindemith has been hailed as “touching and expressive” by the Washington Times and “a remarkable talent” by BroadwayWorld Kansas City. He has performed with the San Diego, Utah Festival, Ohio Light, and Fargo-Moorhead Operas as well as the Minnesota Orchestra. Having portrayed Gianni Schicchi with MOSI in 2019, Paul is thrilled to return to reprise the role of Ivan Turgenev after premiering the role at USD in April. Paul teaches at Northwest Missouri State University and holds degrees in vocal performance from the University of Minnesota, the University of Maryland, and Southern Methodist University, where he graduated summa cum laude.
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Jacob Hoefer
King Kaspar, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Tenor Jacob Hoefer hails from central Minnesota and embodies a passion for performance that began in his earliest years. He has performed roles such as Alfred in Die Fledermaus and the First Armored Man in Die Zauberflöte. Currently, he is preparing to debut as Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance this spring with NDSU Opera. Jacob has also participated in productions with the Fargo-Moorhead Opera, singing in the chorus for Turandot and La Bohème, and taking on a role as a Speed Dater in Michael Ching's Speed Dating Tonight!. Jacob is looking forward to making his MOSI debut as King Kasper.
Paul Hindemith
Ivan Turgenev, Notes on Viardot
Cheyenne Holland
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Cheyenne Holland is a soprano vocalist pursuing an undergraduate vocal performance degree at the University of Central Oklahoma under the direction of Dr. Kevin Eckard. Throughout her collegiate career, she has been lucky enough to get opportunities to sing in Italy with the Music In The Marche program and travel to China with the music ambassador of Oklahoma for a cultural exchange. She also recently acquired a job with the Painted Sky Opera Outreach Committee in Oklahoma. Some of her previous roles include Amore in Orfeo ed Euridice, Quicksilver/Hope in The Wonder Book, and the lead/lover soprano role in The Enchanted Forest children's opera.
Alan Hollinger is a Baritone from Killeen, Texas. He completed his undergraduate studies at Baylor University, where he studied with Dr. Kimberly Monzon. During his time at Baylor, he participated in the Baylor Opera Theatre, with which he sang the roles of ‘Papa Bear’ in Goldie B. Locks, ‘Wolfgang Bigbad in The Three Little Pigs, and ‘Colonel Cavalry' in Patience. He is currently pursuing his Master of Music in Vocal Performance at Baylor, continuing to study with Dr. Monzon, and will perform the roles of ‘Vater’ in Hansel und Gretel and ‘Wolfgang Bigbad’ in Little Red’s Most Unusual Day.
Emily Holter
Donna Anna, Don Giovanni
Emily Holter, soprano is a Minnesota native who currently resides in New Orleans. They obtained their undergraduate music degree in vocal performance at the University of Minnesota Duluth and their Master of Music in Vocal Performance at Texas Tech University. Most recently, they were a member of the Gate City Bank Fargo-Moorhead Young Artist Program, covering Liù in Turandot, and performing in Speed Dating Tonight. They also enjoyed participating in the CoOPERAtive Program at Ryder University and Laura Rowley’s Aria Bootcamp.
Some of Emily's favorite credits in opera include Liù in Turandot and Blanche in Dialogues des Carmélites.
Alan Hollinger
Leporello, Don Giovanni
Colt Hoselton
King Balthazar, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Colt Hoselton is a bass working out of Kansas City, Missouri. He is currently studying with Dr. Maria Kanyova at the UMKC Conservatory, where he is earning his Artist’s Certificate. Colt has performed roles such as Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, the Chief of Police in The Pirates of Penzance, and as Simone in Gianni Schicchi. Most recently, Colt was excited to participate in OIO’s summer season as Dottore Grenvil in La Traviata, Le fauteuil/L’arbre in L'enfant et les sortilèges, and in UMKC Conservatory’s 2024 fall rendition of Le Nozze di Figaro as Bartolo.
Chinese soprano Zhengyingyue (Elaine) Huang has performed with LAH-SOW Minneapolis Opera, Crittenden Opera Workshop, Landlocked Opera, Music On Site, and Lyric Opera of Orange County, singing roles included Cio-Cio-san in Madama Butterfly and titled role of Suor Angelica. She has won top prizes in competitions such as the Russian International Opera Competition, the Ordin International Competition, London International Classical Music Competition. Dr. Huang founded the Asian Classical Music Initiative (ACMI) in 2021, promoting AAAPI classical music. She holds degrees from East China Normal University, Temple University, and the University of Kansas.
Claire Marguerite Iverson
Reporter, Notes on Viardot
Claire Marguerite Iverson, a lyric-coloratura soprano based in Baltimore, received her master’s degree from the Maryland Opera Studio in May 2024. During her time there, she performed roles such as Florencia Grimaldi (Florencia en el Amazonas) and Lady Billows (Albert Herring), covered Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni), and sang scenes as Blanche (Dialogues des Carmélites) and others. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the Peabody Institute, she earned degrees in International Studies, French, and Voice Performance. In 2024, Claire appeared as Ada in Cold Mountain at the Seagle Festival and covered Johanna in Sweeney Todd.
Zhengyingyue "Elaine" Huang
Assistant Director, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Carol Jarrett
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Carol Jarrett, a soprano from Enid, Oklahoma, currently studies at the University of Oklahoma for her masters in Voice Performance. Her recent performances include Miss Jessel in Turn of the Screw (Trentino Music Festival), Oberto in Alcina (William Jewell College), The Little Flute (University of Oklahoma), and St. John’s Passion (Norman Philharmonic). This spring, Carol will perform as Jenny Smith in Kurt Weill’s The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny with the University of Oklahoma’s University Theater.
Jeong, Hayoung is a second-year student working towards a master’s degree in Orchestral conducting with Johannes Stosch at California State University, Long Beach. Before studying orchestra conducting, she received bachelor’s degree in instrumental performance in cello and a master’s degree in choral conducting in South Korea. She is cellist in Opera Italia. Also, she had awards from three competitions: Gold award at the Global Young Musicians Competition, First Prize at the UK International Music Competition, and First Prize at the Classical Music Stars International Competition. Currently, she is a Graduate assistant of the Symphony Orchestra at the University and Director of the orchestra at the beach.
Abigail Johnson
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Abby Johnson, soprano, is an undergraduate senior majoring in Vocal Performance and Spanish Studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Recently, she performed as Emma Jones in Weill’s Street Scene, and she will be featured in the Lyric Opera of the North’s production of Heggie’s The Radio Hour this January. Her greatest joy in performing is being able to serve her community, which she does through her positions as music librarian for the University Singers at UMD and as a choral scholar and cantor at a local church. She is incredibly excited to be in Wichita performing with MOSI!
Hayoung Jeong
Assistant Conductor, Notes on Viardot
Brooke Jones
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Brooke Jones, a senior Vocal Performance major at Northwestern State University from St. Rose, Louisiana, has been an active member of NSU’s Chamber Choir, Lyrica, Cane River Singers, and Opera Theater Ensemble. Her roles include Monica in Menotti’s The Medium, Dorabella in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, and Prince Orlofsky in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, performed at NSU and Texas Tech’s Matador Opera Workshop. Brooke, president of NSU’s SNATS chapter and a 2023 Southern Regional NATS finalist, will soon perform in Don Giovanni with Music On Site. She studies under Dr. Robert Cardwell and plans to pursue graduate studies in Vocal Performance or Pedagogy.
Dutch-American conductor and recipient of the Solti Career Assistance Award, Robert Kahn is currently serving as the Assistant Conductor at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. In 2022, he concluded the Conducting Fellowship at the Curtis Institute of Music, where he was mentored by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Conversant with both symphonic and operatic repertoire, Robert has served as cover conductor with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, and joined the latter orchestra on tour to Vail and Asia in the summer of 2024. He was also recently invited to assist Yannick Nézet-Séguin with the Rotterdam Philharmonic on tour, featuring Wagner’s Die Walküre. As a guest conductor, Robert conducted the Mannes School of Music’s (Un)Silent Film production featuring Metropolis in concert, as well as Music On Site's production of Die Fledermaus.
Olivia Kellett
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Olivia Kellett is an operatic soprano with a passion for creating classical music experiences that can be enjoyed by everybody. Portraying roles such as Diane in Orphee aux Enfers, Giulietta in I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, and Erste Dame in The Magic Flute, she strives to be an opera ambassador and share her love of the artform with lifetime music buffs and first-time listeners alike through authentic emotional portrayals. Most recently, she partook in the Dutch National Opera’s Opera Forward Festival, an event focusing on new and innovative works.
Robert Kahn
Conductor, Don Giovanni
Zachary Bligh Kelly
Editor, Notes on Viardot
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Zachary Kelly is a Baritone from rural Connecticut who is passionate about stagecraft and loves to create beautiful music. Zach has just recently graduated from Ithaca College with his Bachelors in Vocal Performance. He has done plenty of chamber music - most notably Einstein on Mercer Street by Kevin Putz - and performs art song and oratorio whenever given the chance. His Opera roles include Krakamiche in Le Dernier Sorcier by Viardot at Ithaca College Opera and Geronimo in The Secret Marriage by Cimarosa with Opera Seme.
Chicago soprano Cameron Kidd is an emerging artist with a deep love for poetry and theatrical storytelling. Her previous roles from the standard operatic repertoire include the titular role in Massenet’s Cendrillon, and the role of Jennie in Kurt Weill’s Street Scene.
She was a winner of the Illinois Wesleyan University Concerto/Aria competition, resulting in a collaboration with the IWU Symphony Orchestra as the soprano soloist for a performance of “Es lebt eine Vilja” from Lèhar’s Die Lustige Witwe. Cameron has also toured internationally as a soloist with the Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate & Alumni Choir throughout Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and South Africa.
Zachary Kierstead
Pianist-Coach, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Zachary Kierstead is a pianist and vocal coach based in Columbia, Missouri. Grateful to be in a location with many wonderful musicians and musical opportunities, Mr. Kierstead enthusiastically brings high-quality collaboration to all level of musical individuals, educational and professional.
He is Departmental Collaborative Pianist and Instructor of Piano at Central Methodist University. In these roles he teaches piano classes and lessons, accompanies students in all capacities, and coaches the Opera Workshop.
Mr. Kierstead has served in a pianist/coach position with: Music on Site, Opera in the Ozarks, Landlocked Opera, Opera Workshop at Central Methodist University and Show-me Opera at Mizzou.
Cameron Kidd
Giulia, Notes on Viardot
Reporter (cover), Notes on Viardot
Faith Kopecky
Reporter, Notes on Viardot
Heralded by the Brooklyn Discovery, as “visually and vocally another bright ray,” Michaela Larsen’s voice is “plangent [and] coupled with excellent stagecraft”. Originally from Michigan, she completed her undergraduate degree in Music Education at Michigan State University–all while learning the operatic craft through roles such as: Adele, Strauss’s Die Fledermaus; Eurydice, Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld; Vitellia, Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito.
In 2021, Mrs. Larsen relocated to New York to pursue a Master’s in Vocal Performance, and is currently completing her Doctorate–both degrees from Stony Brook University. Recent credits include: Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro) Sunnyside Opera in Tampa, FL, Stony Brook Opera Theatre, and Vienna Summer Music Festival; Hermia (Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Chicago Summer Opera; Sāvitri (Gustav Holst’s Sāvitri); Venus (John Blow’s Venus and Adonis) and Nancy (Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring) with Stony Brook Opera Theatre.
Alexandra LaVake is an international award winning soprano who graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelors in Vocal Performance. She is currently at Baylor University working on her Masters of Music. She has had the honor of playing Alexandra Bergson in O Pioneers, Despina in Così fan Tutte, Sandmann in Hänsel und Gretel, Barbarina in The Marriage of Fígaro, Daisy in Side Show, and more. She has directed scenes from A Midsummer Night's Dream and A Bayou Legend, and hopes to continue her performance and directing career in the future.
Alexandra LaVake
Stage Director, Opera Scenes Showcase
Floating Assistant Director
Daniel Laverriere
Masetto, Don Giovanni
Daniel Laverriere, baritone, is a graduate student at Temple University and a graduate of the University of Southern Maine. Recent roles include Le Roi, Cendrillon, Temple Opera Theater; Frank, Die Fledermaus, Quisisana Resort; Mercutio, Roméo et Juliette, Senator McCarthy, Fellow Travelers, Seagle Festival; Schaunard, Bar Crawl Bohème, Opera in the Pines; Belcore (cover), L’elisir d’amore, Opera Maine. He has been a soloist with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra, and the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra. Daniel was named Opera Maine’s Ellen Chickering Young Artist for 2023.
Dr. Jiyeon Lee has received awards in multiple international competitions and appeared in most of Seoul’s major recital venues. She performed a recital in celebration of the publication of Fauré Song Book Vol.1 (Peter’s Edition) with French music specialist Roy Howat in London and worked as repetiteur including for Daejon Opera. She was a 2024 NATS collaborative piano intern. She received graduate degrees from Sung-Shin Women’s University, the Royal Academy of Music in London and West Virginia University. Dr. Lee was on the faculty at Soong-Sil University Conservatory, UVA-Wise, and ETSU. She is currently on the faculty at JALC and works at SIU.
Juhyun Lee
Music Director, Opera Scenes Showcase
Dr. Juhyun Lee is an accomplished collaborative pianist and has been on the faculty at Colorado State University since 2018. She has been affiliated with the Ralph Opera Center since 2019 and has played for auditions and masterclasses for opera productions such as Prague Summer Nights, Steamboat Opera, and Denver Lyric Opera Guild. Dr. Lee was the primary pianist for saxophone studios at the New England Conservatory, Boston University, and Boston Conservatory. She joined the faculty at Luzerne Music Center (2023) and performed at the International Horn Symposium (2024). She holds an M.M. from Longy School of Music and a DMA from Arizona State University.
Jiyeon Lee
Pianist-Coach, Don Giovanni
Michaela Larsen
Pauline Viardot, Notes on Viardot
Samuel Leopold (Baritone) is a sophomore studying vocal performance under Dr. John Stephens at the University of Kansas. His most recent appearance was in Italy as ‘Conte Robinsone’ in Opera Seme’s production of Il Matrimonio Segreto. He has also appeared in the chorus for Opera Kansas’s H.M.S.Pinafore, KU Opera’s Sweeney Todd, KU Opera’s Dido and Aeneas, and many other musical theater shows throughout his years. Additionally, he sings with the KU Chamber Choir, who plan to compete internationally next summer. He is very excited to perform in his hometown of Wichita with Music on Site this season!
Jessica Lewis
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Donna Anna (cover), Don Giovanni
Jessica Lewis is an up-and-coming soprano astounding audiences with her shimmering and agile coloratura. Known for her Königin der Nacht (Die Zauberflöte), Jessica is establishing a reputation as a young singer who performs especially demanding roles with aplomb, including Violetta (La Traviata), Lucia (Lucia di Lammermoor), and Olympia (Les Contes d’Hoffmann). In winter 2022, she made her Carnegie Hall debut. Passionate about bringing opera to new audiences, Jessica frequently performs with Cleveland Burlesque as a musical guest. She currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio with her cat, Rosie, and enjoys reading and hiking in her spare time.
Shuyi Li
Amahl, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Shuyi Li, soprano, from Beijing, China, is a first year DMA student and Teaching Fellow at the University of North Texas. Ms. Li earned her master’s degree in vocal performance from Indiana University and her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Eastman School of Music and Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing. Most recently Ms. Li has performed the roles of Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte) and Gretel (Hänsel und Gretel) with UNT Opera. Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Suor Genovieffa / Una conversa (Suor Angelica) with Bay View Music Festival. Cupid (Orpheus in the Underworld) with Hawaii Performing Arts Festival. Kate (The Pirates of Penzance) with Cedar Rapids Opera.
Samuel Leopold
Masetto, Don Giovanni
Yu-Hsuan Lu
Pianist-Coach, Notes on Viardot
YU-HSUAN LU, is an active collaborative pianist. Ms. Lu has an affinity with opera and the voice. She has performed regularly with musicians around the US, Taiwan and China. She was a pianist-coach at the Music On Site for the production of Carmen in 2022. Yu-Hsuan is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in collaborative piano at University of North Taxes, where she is a graduate assistant for UNT Opera. She holds two Master of Music degrees in Collaborative Piano and Performance from Cleveland Institute of Music. She has held associate professor of piano in Huaiyin Normal University, China in 2017.
Lorenzo Magi
Pianist-Coach, Don Giovanni
Lorenzo Magi is an Italian solo and collaborative pianist, vocal coach, and conductor. He graduated from Luigi Cherubini Conservatory of Music in Florence with an undergraduate degree in music and a masters in solo piano performance. He worked as a pianist and coach at Maggio Musicale Fiorentino during the 2016-2017 season.
He won awards in national and international competitions as a soloist and ensemble player. He most recently conducted the Italian premiere of La Corona and Il Parnaso Confuso by Christoph Willibald Gluck.
Steiger Manson is an undergraduate voice major at South Dakota State University. Previously, Steiger has been involved with South Dakota State’s Opera Workshop where he played Prince Charming in Pauline Viardot’s Cendrillion. He has also sung in the chorus of La Boheme with Teatro Lirico d’Europa. In addition to his time on stage, Steiger has participated in many regional and national level competitions where he was most recently named a semifinalist in the NATS National Student Auditions. After graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in Vocal Performance.
Steiger Manson
King Kaspar, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Christopher Markgraf
Il Commendatore, Don Giovanni
Christopher Markgraf, Bass, is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University in vocal performance and music education. Upcoming performances include Don Giovanni (Il Commendatore) with Music on Site, Rigoletto (Sparafucile), and the Faure Requiem Op. 48 (bass soloist). In 2025, Christopher will perform in Les Contes d’Hoffman (Lindorf, Crespel, and cover Coppelius) with Texas Tech University Opera. Past performances include Albert Herring (Superintendent Budd), Don Giovanni (Il Commendatore), Die Zauberflöte (Sarastro), and Le Nozze di Figaro (Bartolo and Antonio). Christopher has also sung as the bass soloist in Beethoven Symphony No. 9.
Joseph McBrayer
Don Ottavio, Don Giovanni
Joseph McBrayer, originally from Dallas, Georgia, has been recently praised by critics as “strong and virile.”
Known mostly for his work on the operatic stage in the Italian repertoire, he has recently performed the roles of Beppe (Pagliacci), Gastone (La Traviata), Paolino (El Matrimonio Secreto), Gherardo (Gianni Schicchi), and Goro (Madama Butterfly) while working on productions with companies such as Florida Grand Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Marble City Opera, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.
He studied voice performance at Kennesaw State University with Dr. Oral Moses and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music with Alice Hopper.
Hayley Lipke McBrayer
Donna Anna, Don Giovanni
Praised for her “fire” and “vocal drama,” Wisconsin native Hayley Lipke McBrayer is emerging into the opera scene as a “praise-worthy soprano”. Lipke has entertained audiences in iconic roles such as Fiordiligi (Cosí fan tutte), Donna Anna (Don Giovanni), Violetta Valéry (La Traviata), Mimi (La Bohème), Cio-Cio San (Madama Butterfly), Gertrud Mutter (Hänsel und Gretel), Rosalba Montealban (Florencia en al Amazonas), Desire Armfeldt (A Little Night Music), and Gertie Cummins (Oklahoma!) with companies such as Florida Grand Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Cedar Rapids Opera, Quisisana, and Indiana University Opera Theatre.
Lipke received her B.M. and M.M. in Vocal Performance from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University under the tutelage of Jane Dutton and Gary Arvin. She is also a proud alumna of the Young Artist Programs at Indianapolis Opera, Cedar Rapids Opera, Quisisana, and Florida Grand Opera.
Ellie McBride
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
American soprano Ellie McBride, known for her exuberant stage personality, frequently performs on the concert and opera stage. Some of her favorite roles include Melpomene in Il parnaso confuso with Opera Seme, Rosita in Luisa Fernanda and Dater #8 in Speed Dating Tonight! with Baylor Opera Theatre. In addition to opera, Ellie also loves performing in musicals. Some of her favorite musical roles have been Bridget from Bring It On and Rona from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Ellie is a senior Vocal Performance Major at Baylor University and is studying with Dr. Deborah Williamson.
Spencer McIntire
Leporello, Don Giovanni
Based in Kansas City, Baritone Spencer McIntire is excited to be returning to the MOSI stage as Leporello in MOSI’s production of Don Giovanni. Spencer completed his Master’s of Music and a Performer’s Diploma at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music under the tutelage of Peter Volpe. While at IU, Spencer was seen on the IU Opera Theater stage as Dashwood in Little Women and Dick Deadeye in H.M.S. Pinafore. Other MOSI credits include Frank (Die Fledermaus), Guglielmo (Così fan tutte), and King Melchior (Amahl and the Night Visitors). Spencer was last seen onstage in Opera Kansas’s production of H.M.S. Pinafore as Dick Deadeye.
Chris Melton
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Don Ottavio (cover), Don Giovanni
Chris Melton (Ensemble/Don Ottavio cover) is a Master of Music candidate in Vocal Performance at Kansas State University making his Music on Site debut in this production. Chris completed his undergraduate study at the New England Conservatory of Music in 2019 where he studied under Bradley Williams and performed in productions including Don Giovanni and Die Zauberflote by Mozart and L’Incorazione di Poppea by Monteverdi. This past Summer Chris performed the role of Tito in La Clemenza di Tito by Mozart with the Croatian Opera Academy. He would like to thank his teacher, Reginald Pittman, his castmates, and his friends and family for their support.
Hope Metts
Donna Anna, Don Giovanni
Hope Metts is a soprano known for her expressive, metallic voice and her vivacious stage presence. Her upcoming roles include Donna Anna, Gretel from Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, and the title role in Handel’s Alcina. Hope has also performed scenes as Lucia from Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and Gilda from Verdi’s Rigoletto. She was named the winner of the 2024 Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Soloist Competition and later performed the Mad Scene from Lucia di Lammermoor with them. Hope has also appeared as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah and Vivaldi’s Gloria. Hope got her Bachelors from Iowa State University, and a Masters from Carnegie Mellon University under the tutelage of Maria Spacagna.
Xavier Moore
King Kaspar, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Tenor Xavier Moore is often praised for his rich, full voice and engaging stage presence. Having received a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Pittsburg State University and a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from University of Arkansas, Mr. Moore has a lengthy performance history of opera and song recitals. He has recently been featured in productions with PSU Opera Workshop and Heartland Opera Theatre. Mr. Moore currently serves as Adjunct Lecturer of Voice at Pittsburg State University.
Virginia Moretti
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Born in Arezzo on July 11, 2003, Virginia Moretti began her musical journey at age 13, joining the Children’s Choir at Maggio Musicale Fiorentino under M°Lorenzo Fratini and M°Sara Matteucci. She performed in productions such as Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 and Bizet’s Carmen. In 2018, she joined the youth choir at Teatro dell’Opera in Rome, singing at prestigious events, including the G20 concert. In 2023, Virginia performed scenes from Suor Angelica and Falstaff with Opera Seme. A winner of the Laura Pasqualetti competition, she will debut as Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi at Teatro Petrarca in 2023. She studies at the Conservatorio R. Franci in Siena.
Ramon Mosate Jr.
Page, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Hello, my name is Ramon Mosate Jr! My homebase is Wichita, KS. I have a BMA in Voice and BA in Psychology in progress at Wichita State University. I have been singing opera for almost 7 years now. Through a variety of Baritone, Tenor, Countertenor, and Mezzo-Soprano repertoire, I’ve worked with the likes of Alan Held, Michael Sylvester, Whitney Reader, Emily Pulley, and now all the coaches at MOSI! Where I might’ve been seen recently is as Sultan Achment from Candide and ensemble in Rusalka with Wichita Grand Opera. I’ve also done various operas at Wichita State Opera and been a featured soloist for Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Wichita Choral Society. Roles for 2025 are yet to be announced on my platforms!
Ethan Nott
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Ethan Nott is a baritone from La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is a recent graduate from the Catholic University of America and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Business. Ethan’s recent performance credits include John Sorel/The Secret Police Agent from The Consul and Belcore from L’elisir d’amore.
Tina O'Malley
Younger Pauline Viardot, Notes on Viardot
Originally from Minneapolis, soprano Tina O’Malley most recently performed Quatre Chansons de Ronsard with the Peabody Symphony Orchestra as first place winner of the Sylvia Green Competition and premiered a new micro opera with TellTale Opera Theater. Other recent notable roles include Clorinda (La Cenerentola) and Tzeitel (Fiddler on the Roof) with Bay View Music Festival, Adele (Die Fledermaus) with Peabody Institute, Armida (Rinaldo) with Chicago Summer Opera, and Susanna (Le Nozze di Figaro) with FIO Italia. Currently based in Baltimore, Tina studies under acclaimed soprano Elizabeth Futral and recently earned her MM in Vocal Performance at the Peabody Institute.
Mikaela Pace
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Mikaela Pace is a Native American soprano based in Austin, TX. Notable roles include Tonina (Prima la musica e poi le parole), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Laurie Moss (The Tender Land), and Rose Maurant (Street Scene). Company credits include Gilbert & Sullivan Austin Society, One Ounce Opera, Red River Lyric Opera, Matador Opera Workshop, LOLA, and Music in the Marche. Mikaela received her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance (2023) at Baylor University in Waco, TX and her Bachelor of Music Performance - Voice degree (2021) at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. Website: www.mikaelapace.com.
Zhihui Pang
Don Ottavio, Don Giovanni
Tenor Zhihui Pang, originally from China, is pursuing a GAC-Opera program at the University of North Texas under Dr. Carol Wilson. He earned his master’s in voice from Indiana University, where he studied with Professor Deanne Meek and coach Gary Arvin. Pang’s operatic roles include Prunier (La Rondine), Liberto (The Coronation of Poppea), the Governor (Candide), Tamino (The Magic Flute), Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi), and Don José (Carmen). He won the 2023 Verdi Award at the Orpheus Vocal Competition. This season, Pang will perform Ferrando (Così fan tutte), Eisenstein (Die Fledermaus), and Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni).
Hannah Park
Stage Director, Opera Scenes Showcase
Hannah Park, mezzo-soprano, is currently completing her M.M. in Vocal Performance at Baylor University, studying under Dr. Jamie Van Eyck. During her time with the Baylor Opera Theatre, she has performed as Mariana in Luisa Fernanda and as Stephanie the Waitress in Speed Dating Tonight!, and is looking forward to the role of Hänsel in Hänsel und Gretel in February. Hannah recently completed her B.M. in Vocal Performance at The University of Alabama, where she was seen in the roles such as Ruggiero in Alcina, the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors. In addition to performing, Hannah has choreographed dance scenes in Luisa Fernanda, and recently made her directing debut with the Baylor Opera Scenes Showcase.
Eli Parrish
Chorus Master, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Eli Parrish (b. 2001) is a conductor, composer, and clarinetist whose work spans original compositions, contemporary premieres, and classical repertoire. He has conducted across the U.S. and Europe, with performances at venues like Teatro Amilcare Ponchielli in Italy and the Schwartz Center. A graduate of Emory University, Eli coordinates orchestral logistics with the Dekalb Symphony Orchestra. He has participated in the Mostly Modern Festival and the Darmstadt Festival and attended the Zlín, Czechia International Conducting Institute, conducting the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic. His accolades include the Louis B. Sudler Prize and the John and Mary Virginia Foncannon Conducting Award.
Clara Passmore
Music Director, Opera Scenes Showcase
Clara Passmore is a collaborative pianist in the Piedmont Triad area of NC. She is a recent graduate of the Collaborative Piano program at UNCSA, where she studied under Dr. Allison Gagnon receiving a Master of Music and a Professional Artist Certificate. Clara received her B.M. in Piano Performance at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA., studying with Dr. Taeseong Kim.
Clara has attended Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, the Collaborative Piano Institute, and Opera Lucca. Other performances include The Nutcracker Ballet, Sensemayá with the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Miracle, and Stravinsky’s 1945 Firebird suite for Ballet and Orchestra.
Michelle Pérez
Mother, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Michelle Pérez is prized for her technical mastery, stylistic versatility, and compelling characterization. A Mexican-American soprano from the Rio Grande Valley, recent roles have included La Contessa in Le nozze di Figaro, Anne Truelove in The Rakes Progress, Marie in La fille du régiment, and Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel. As a 2023 Concerto Competition winner she performed Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 with the ASU Orchestra. She is in demand as a recitalist and collaborator across the United States. Michelle is pursuing a doctoral degree in voice at ASU and is thrilled to perform with Music on Site!
Emily Perry
Zerlina, Don Giovanni
American soprano Emily Perry is most known for her shimmering high notes and bubbly, flexible voice. Perry is a graduate of Baylor University and South Dakota State University with degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education. Emily grew up in Brookings, SD, and currently resides in Pensacola, FL. Along with her husband, Micah, she performs with Pensacola Opera. This year, she had role debuts as Ida in Die Fledermaus, Carolina in Luisa Fernanda, Wilhelmina in Listen, Wilhelmina!, and Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi. Perry has also been selected a Voces8 Scholar for the 2024-2025 season.
Elsa Persson
Chorley, Notes on Viardot
Claudie Viardot (cover), Notes on Viardot
Elsa Persson is a performing artist specializing in theatre and opera. She was raised in the St. Croix Valley area of Minnesota and Wisconsin. She is currently attending the University of Minnesota Duluth pursuing two Bachelor degrees in Acting and Music. She is an awarded singer, earning the Matinee Musicale scholarship, the Omnibus Returning Student scholarship, and being a two time finalist in the Minnesota chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition. Elsa has worked on a variety of shows this year before Notes on Viardot, including Street Scene, The Importance of Being Earnest, and La Boheme.
Benjamin Pessognelli
Pianist-Coach, Notes on Viardot
Pianist Benjamin Pessognelli is an accomplished performer with extensive experience in solo and collaborative music. After earning his undergraduate degree in Piano Performance from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, he received a full Graduate Assistantship to accompany the West Chester University Opera Theatre and receive his Master’s in Piano Pedagogy. He performed in Pauline Viardot’s chamber operetta Cendrillon and Vittorio Giannini’s radio opera Beauty and the Beast. He has also studied and performed harpsichord in Alcina and served as rehearsal pianist for Candide. Currently, he is a Resident Artist at Indianapolis Opera, preparing as rehearsal pianist for their fall production of The Barber of Seville.
Jackeline Petichakis
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Jackie Petichakis is a 21-year-old young artist from Miami, FL, currently in her third year of pursuing a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance at Florida State University. Her classical voice journey began at New World School of the Arts High School in Miami, FL, where she studied under the direction of acclaimed vocalists. Now, under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Springer at FSU, she is exploring the mezzo-soprano repertoire. Her favorite aria is Sesto’s intense opening aria “Svegliatevi nel core” from Handel’s Giulio Cesare. Outside of opera and classical voice, Jackie also takes an interest in musical theatre and jazz repertoire.
Amy Phillips
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Amy Philips, a mezzo-soprano and music educator based in Memphis, Tennessee, is known for her versatile performances in opera and musical theater. She holds a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from McNeese State University, where she was awarded the Juliet Hartner Endowed Vocal Scholarship, and a Master’s of Music in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Memphis. Notable roles include Mèrcedes in Carmen with Chicago Summer Opera, and performances with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Upcoming engagements include caroling with Opera Memphis and a choral residency in London. Amy also runs a voice studio, coaching Memphis actors, dancers, and directors, and offers masterclasses at Playhouse on the Square.
Jackson Phillips
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Il Commendatore (cover), Don Giovanni
Jackson Phillips is a bass from Montgomery, Texas. He is looking forward to joining Music on Site’s production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, as well as their Opera Scenes Showcase. Jackson is a 3rd year undergraduate at Baylor University, studying under Dr. Van Eyck. Jackson has been involved with Baylor Opera Theater’s productions of Torroba’s Luisa Fernanda, and as “Pat the Bassoonist” in Michael Ching’s Speed Dating Tonight! In Baylor Opera Theater's 2024-2025 year, Jackson will be playing “Mr. BigBad” in their Outreach program Little Red’s Most Unusual Day.
KJ Phillips
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Kwynn “KJ” Phillips is a distinguished baritone celebrated for their electrifying voice and dynamic stage presence. Known for versatility across genres, they have performed at notable young artist programs including “Spotlight on Opera” and “The Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival.” In Europe, Phillips sang at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Vatican City and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Notable roles include Gianni Schicchi, The Stepmother in Cendrillion, and Charles Dickens in the world premiere of Notes on Viardot. They teach voice at Arkansas State University while pursuing a doctorate at the University of Memphis. Outside music, Phillips enjoys time with pets, reading, and cooking.
Samuel Phillips
King Melchior, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Samuel Phillips recently graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. He currently studies with Dr. Christopher Withrow and previously studied with Dr. Angela Yoon. He has appeared in several Samford opera scenes and mainstage productions, including Mozart’s The Magic Flute (Papageno), Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors (Melchior), and recently in the world premiere of Dragon’s Breath (Dewitt), a children’s opera by composer Evan Mack and librettist Joshua McGuire. Sam has also worked as a soloist with Opera Birmingham, performing in the children’s opera Billy Goats Gruff. Sam is currently pursuing a graduate degree in music at Samford University.
Alexandra Pierce
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Alexandra is extremely excited to be making her opera debut with Music On Site Inc. She is currently studying vocal performance at Sam Houston State University. So far during her college career, she won 3rd place for the freshmen women’s division at TEXOMA NATS and has performed roles in multiple opera scenes programs. She has been awarded a spot in the Texas Leadership Scholarship cohort at her university, was a two time TMEA All-State choir member, and has performed in numerous states. She is grateful to God, her family, and her mentors for always believing in her dreams.
Laura Pritchard
Stage Director, Opera Scenes Showcase
Assistant Director, Don Giovanni
Laura Pritchard, mezzo-soprano, works actively as a soloist, teacher, and stage director. She has performed roles including Florence Pike in Albert Herring, Carmen in Carmen, Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, Third Lady in Die Zauberflöte, and Zita in Gianni Schicchi. Pritchard’s directing and assistant directing credits include Amahl and the Night Visitors (University of Alabama), Le Nozze di Figaro (Red River Lyric Opera), and The Gondoliers (UA). In February, Laura will act as stage director for UA’s production of Hansel and Gretel. Laura is on faculty at the University of Alabama as Instructor of Voice and Associate Director of Opera.
Davian Raggio
Don Ottavio, Don Giovanni
Praised for his vocal beauty and powerful command of the stage, American tenor Davian Raggio was last seen debuting the role of Marco in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers in his second summer with the Ohio Light Opera. Mr. Raggio has been cultivating a career in opera, operetta, and musical theater. Some of Mr. Raggio’s recent roles include Alfred in Die Fledermaus, Big Jule in Guys and Dolls, Fabrizio in Light in the Piazza, Javier in Luisa Fernanda, and Il Contino Belfiore in La finta giardiniera. Mr. Raggio is excited to return for his 4th season with MOSI.
Justin Ramm-Damron
Il Commendatore, Don Giovanni
Justin Ramm-Damron, Bass-Baritone, is excited to be joining Music on Site for their production of Don Giovanni. Justin has performed roles with several reputable opera companies in the United States such as Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Sarasota Opera, Central City Opera, Bronx Opera, Opera Magnifico, New Jersey Lyric Opera, and St Petersburg Opera. He is currently a Resident Artist with Shreveport Opera where he will be singing the roles of Angelotti/Jailor in Puccini’s Tosca, Zuniga in Bizet’s Carmen, and Daters in Ching’s Speed Dating Tonight!.
Victoria Ratsch
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Mezzo Soprano Victoria Ratsch is currently based in La Crosse, WI, where she is pursuing a BFA in Vocal Performance and Music Theory. Her repertoire spans across many genres and languages, including classic works by Mendelssohn, Scarlatti, and Mozart, as well as an array of musical theater works. As a performer she is interested in not just learning how to sing the notes well, but how to captivate audiences and make them feel something. Dedicated to a life of entertainment, Victoria aims to continue studying performance through graduate school, from which she will pursue performance indefinitely.
Micaela Rebb
Desiree, Notes on Viardot
Voice Student, Notes on Viardot
Georges Sand (cover), Notes on Viardot
Micaela Rebb (She/Her/Hers) is excited to return to MOSI in Notes on Viardot and opera scenes! In 2022 Micaela earned her Masters of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University, where she also received two Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education in 2019. A few of her favorite performed opera roles include Pemphredo in Okoye’s We’ve Got Our Eye on You, Geraldine in Barber’s A Hand of Bridge, and The Dew Fairy in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel. Micaela currently resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she is the Faculty Event Operations Coordinator at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance within the Concerts & Events Office.
Jamie Reimer
Mother, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Soprano Jamie Reimer, known for her rich tone and expressive storytelling, has performed in opera, oratorio, and recitals across four continents. She recently won the Gold Prize as Best Professional Singer at the 2024 London Virtuoso Competition. Notable performances include Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and Liszt’s Christus. Favorite operatic roles include Fiordiligi, Contessa Almaviva, and Anna Maurrant. Alongside pianist Stacie Haneline, Reimer regularly performs internationally, with their collaboration on Words Like Freedom earning acclaim. A specialist in contemporary American art song, Reimer is the Richard H. Larsen Distinguished Professor of Music at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Zachary J. Reinert
Manuel Garcia, Notes on Viardot
Charles Dickens, Notes on Viardot
Zach began his undergrad at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2018. Upon graduating with a Bachelors in music he worked for a disposal company willing to give him long periods of leave to pursue his ambitions in the fine arts. He has performed everywhere from Wichita, to DisneyWorld, even overseas. Most recently, in the summer of 2024 he performed the role of Paolino in Il Matrimonio Segreto by Domenico Cimarosa with Opera Seme and Spazio Seme in Arezzo, Italy. After this program he’ll be returning to Wichita in Opera Kansas’ production of Proving Up by Missy Mazzoli.
Arianna Rice
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Arianna Rice is a senior music studies major at South Dakota State University. She most recently made her international opera debut playing the part of Apollo in Gluck’s Il Parnaso Confuso. Previously, she played the role of Maguelonne in Pauline Viardot’s Cendrillon and has competed in multiple regional voice competitions. In addition to performing in a variety of cabaret shows, Arianna has most recently played Clopin on The Hunchback of Notre Dame. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master's in Vocal Performance.
Evan Richards
Floating Assistant Conductor
Evan Richards, a conductor and tenor from Southern California, serves as Assistant Conductor of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra and studies at Chapman University’s Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music under Danko Druško and Patrick Goeser. Musical engagements have seen him in Austria, Canada, China, Czechia, Hong Kong, Italy, Poland, Taiwan, and most of the United States. Last season- Opera Seme Young Artist conductor/tenor, Almaviva with Pacific Symphony, music preparation for Opera Chapman, and Tenor Soloist (Le Roi David). He’s excited to support the artists in all three mainstage productions as a Conducting Intern in his first season at MOSI.
Alexia Rivera
Fanny Malibran, Notes on Viardot
Pauline Viardot (cover), Notes on Viardot
Alexia Rivera is a Mexican-American mezzo-soprano from Houston, Texas. She is excited to make her MOSI debut in the role of Fanny in Notes on Viardot. Alexia is a junior at Baylor University studying with Dr. Jamie Van Eyck. At Baylor University, she has performed the role of Talkative Girl in Speed Dating Tonight!. This year, she will sing the Witch in Hänsel und Gretel and Barigoule in Viardot’s Cendrillon with Baylor Opera Theatre. Alexia was a recent winner of the Baylor Symphony Orchestra Aria Competition and she won 2nd Place in the sophomore treble division at the National NATS competition in Knoxville, TN.
Abigail Rockhill-Beckler
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Abigail Rockhill-Beckler is a soprano originally from Orange City, Iowa. Some of her roles on the operatic stage include Suor Genoveffa (Suor Angelica), June Jinkins (An Embarrassing Position), Nella (Gianni Schicchi), and most recently, Georges Sand and Maria Malibran in the world premiere of Notes on Viardot. Abigail received her B.M. in Vocal Performance from Bethel University and will graduate from the University of South Dakota with degrees in Vocal Performance and Music History in 2025. She teaches voice lessons and an undergraduate music appreciation course for USD. Abigail currently lives in Vermillion, SD with her husband and their cat.
Christopher Rodriguez
Don Giovanni, Don Giovanni
Christopher Robert Briggs Rodriguez is an emerging baritone whose recent roles include Il Conte (Le nozze di Figaro), Pandolfe (Cendrillon), Aeneas (Dido and Aeneas), and Sam (Trouble in Tahiti). He has premiered roles such as Houdini in Robert Paterson’s New York Stories and Everybody in Evan Mack’s Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena. Active in concert and oratorio, he has sung with ensembles like the American Modern Ensemble and Fantasmi Ensemble. Christopher holds a DMA from the University of North Texas and serves as voice faculty at University of the Incarnate Word and Our Lady of the Lake in San Antonio, Texas.
Jordan Roth
King Balthazar, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Returning for his sixth season with MOSI, internationally recognized bass-baritone Jordan Roth has performed roles with community theatre establishments, academic opera programs, and professional companies. His favorite roles include Vater in Hänsel und Gretel, Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Orfeo in L’Orfeo, and Bunthorne in Patience. In 2022, Roth made his international debut as Nardo in Opera Seme's La finta giardiniera in Arezzo, Italy. Earlier this year, he performed his first Spanish role as Vidal in Baylor Opera Theatre’s Luisa Fernanda. Roth is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Voice Performance at Baylor University, studying under Mark Diamond.
Isabella Ruano
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Isabella Ruano (chorus) is a Senior Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance double major from Oklahoma City University. Her previous credits include: An Evening With Kelli O’Hara (vocalist), Ballad of Baby Doe (Elizabeth Doe), Die Zauberflöte (Pamina), Suor Angelica (Genovieffa), Pieta (Genovieffa), La Corona (Meleagro), and Legally Blonde (Delta Nu). Isabella is so grateful to be participating in MOSI and hopes you enjoy the show! IG: isabellacruano WEB: isabellaruano.com
Tim Sanchez
Répétiteur, Notes on Viardot
Tim Sanchez is a freelance pianist based in the DFW metroplex. He serves as a studio pianist at the University of North Texas and is an accompanist for both the Dallas Women’s Chorus and the National Children’s Chorus. Additionally, he is the Director of Music Ministry at Westwind Church in Keller, Texas, and is a pianist for Opera Arlington's Outreach Program. Tim holds dual Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Theory and Music Education from the University of North Texas.
Nicole Santos
Pianist-Coach, Notes on Viardot
Nicole M. Santos is a pianist pursuing her M.M. in Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. As a graduate teaching assistant, she serves as an accompanist for the USD Symphonic Choir, Choral Conducting classes, and the USD Opera Program. She will graduate in May 2025. Ms. Santos completed her undergraduate studies at USD, graduating summa cum laude with her B.M. in Piano Performance in May 2021. During her time at USD, she has collaborated with vocal and instrumental colleagues for recitals, rehearsals, and auditions. She is a student of Dr. Eun-Hee Park.
Carissa Scroggins
Mother, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Carissa Scroggins is a versatile performer, having appeared in operas, oratorios, and concerts nationwide. Recent roles include Bianca in La Rondine (2023), with upcoming performances in southern Illinois and a concert with the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. She is also hosting a music festival at Southern Illinois University, where she serves as Voice Area Coordinator, opera director, and Assistant Professor of Practice in Voice. Dr. Scroggins earned her Doctor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado in 2021 and completed the 2024 NATS Intern Program. Her research focuses on lullabies as art songs, and she is writing a children’s opera.
Joseph Sevig
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Joseph Sevig, originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a classical vocalist currently living in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he is pursuing a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance at the University of New Mexico. He received a Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance from Concordia University in 2018 and has been working as a singer and teacher since then. Joe was recently seen in Le Nozze di Figaro with UNM Opera Theater, La Traviata at the Bayview Music Festival, and in Gianni Schicchi and Tosca with the Soo Opera Theater. Joe is also currently serving as a section leader at First Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque.
Alex Paul Sheerin
Stage Director, Don Giovanni
Alex Paul Sheerin (he/him) is a stage director based on Long Island, NY. He currently serves as Director of Opera at Queens College (Aaron Copland School of Music), Artistic Director of Hofstra Opera Theater, and director of the opera division at the Queens Summer Vocal Institute. Previously the young artist director in residence at Indianapolis Opera, he directed Madama Butterfly and several virtual programs. His directing credits include Hänsel und Gretel, Alcina, Die Fledermaus, Rigoletto, Carmen, and The Magic Flute. Alex has received awards from the National Opera Association, including their Directing Fellowship. He returns to Music On Site for Don Giovanni.
Hayley Shoemaker
Pauline Viardot, Notes on Viardot
Known for her "vibrant and sonorous" sound, mezzo-soprano Hayley Shoemaker is equally at home on the operatic, musical theatre, concert, and recital stages. Highlights of her many stage experiences include the title role in Bizet's Carmen with Lawrence Opera Theatre, Dido (Dido and Aeneas) with Heartland Opera Theatre, Frida Image (El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego) with Opera Omaha, Bradamante (Alcina) as a resident artist at William Jewell College, and Prince Charmant (Cendrillon) with Opera in the Ozarks. Most recently, Hayley traveled to Eutin, Germany where she reprised the role of Carmen in the 2024 Eutiner Festspiele.
Emily Nicolle Sipes
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Donna Elvira (cover), Don Giovanni
Originally from Columbus, Indiana, soprano Emily Sipes is a recent graduate from the master’s program in voice at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
Sipes’ recent credits include Wellgunde in Wagner’s Das Rheingold with Luke Housner’s Summer Opera Workshop, Eva Crowley in An American Dream with IU Opera Theatre, the chorus of Indianapolis Opera’s production of Carmen, and Sorella Cercatrice I in Suor Angelica with La Musica Lirica. She has sung various scenes such as Cendrillon in Cendrillon, Laetitia in The Old Maid and the Thief, Alice Ford in Falstaff, and Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus.
She is a private voice instructor in Greenwood, Indiana and is a current staff singer at the First United Methodist Church in her hometown. This is her first season with Music On Site, Inc.
Isabella Stollenmaier
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Praised for her “colorful, fun, and grounded” singing, soprano Isabella Stollenmaier is well versed in operatic and concert repertoire. Recent highlights include Giovanna in Ernani (North Carolina Opera), Wowkle in La Fanciulla del West (North Carolina Opera), Flosshilde and Erda Das Rheingold with Luke Housner/LAHSOW, and covering Flora in La Traviata with North Carolina Opera. Roles of note include Grimgerde in Die Walküre with Manhattan Opera Studio and Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni with Wilmington Symphony Orchestra. Her oratorio features include St. John‘s Passion and Messiah with the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra as well as a soloist in Vienna, Austria in Vivaldi‘s Gloria under the baton of Erwin Ortner, Arnold Schoenberg Chor. Isabella trains with teachers such as James Smidt and Amanda Majeski and teaches her own private studio.
Elise Strain
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Sparkling soprano, Elise strain is a junior in pursuit of a Bachelor of Music degree in voice from Louisiana State University studying under tenors Robert Grayson and Paul groves. During her time at LSU she has performed three seasons with the Turner- Fischer Center for opera. Her most notable roles with the Turner - Fischer center include Carrie in Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Carousel (Cover), Erster Knabe in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and the Kitchen Maid in Griffin Candey’s La Casa De Bernarda Alba. outside of LSU she had the honor of participating in the Austrian American Mozart academy where she debuted Madame Silberklang in Mozart's Der Schauspieldirektor. Her upcoming engagements include Adele in Strauss' Die Fledermaus as well as participating in Music On Site Inc.
Josh Styskal
Assistant Stage Director, Notes on Viardot
Josh Styskal, baritone, is a senior musical arts major at the University of South Dakota. He has performed and served on the crew of USD Opera for the past four years, playing roles such as Amantio di Nicolao in Gianni Schicchi, Count Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro, Willis Parkham in An Embarrassing Position, and Paul Viardot in the world premier production of Notes of Viardot. Returning to MOSI for a second year, he is thrilled to assist with stage directing Notes on Viardot. Josh is a student of Dr. Juan Carlos Mendoza.
Erin Sura
Madame Garcia, Notes on Viardot
Mezzo -Soprano Erin Sura recently performed Fricka (Das Rheingold), and 2nd Norn (Götterdämerung) TUNDI productions; Mrs. Fairfax (Jane Eyre) Lake Country Playhouse; Tisbe (Cenerentola) Barn Opera/Vermont Opera; Ruth (Pirates of Penzance) Madison Savoyards; 2nd Wood Sprite (Rusalka) Milwaukee Opera Theatre; Komponist/Dryade (Ariadne auf Naxos) Tundi Productions; and solo animal/ensemble (L’Enfant et les sortilege) Florentine Opera. Other notable roles include the title role in Carmen, Mother (Amahl and the Night Visitors); Mad Margaret (Ruddigore), Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus), 2nd Lady (Magic Flute), Jo (Little Women), and Dido (Dido and Aeneas.) Ms. Sura regularly performs with Wisconsin opera companies including Florentine Opera Co., Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Fresco Opera Theatre, Brew City Opera, and Madison Savoyards. Upcoming roles include 2nd Wood Sprite Rusalka) Milwaukee Opera Theatre.
Logan Tarwater
King Melchior, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Baritone Logan Tarwater is thrilled to be making his debut with Music On Site. He recently appeared as Lovec in Wichita Grand Opera’s Rusalka and Masetto in Lawrence Opera Theater’s Don Giovanni. Other notable performances include Figaro in Wichita State University’s Le nozze di Figaro and Mr. Twister in Opera Kansas’ Mr. Twister and the Tale of Tornado Alley. Logan, currently pursuing a Master’s in Opera Performance at WSU under Alan Held, has also performed with Annapolis Opera and Loudoun Lyric Opera. He spent summer 2022 at Brevard Music Center, singing in Man of La Mancha and Carmen.
Sarah Thune
Music Director, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Pianist and vocal coach Sarah Thune, originally from Des Moines, Iowa, recently completed her DMA in Collaborative Piano at the University of Michigan under Martin Katz. She also holds degrees from the University of Colorado Boulder (M.M. Collaborative Piano), Syracuse University (M.M. Piano Performance), and Drake University (B.M. Piano Performance). Prior to Michigan, Ms. Thune taught and freelanced, holding répétiteur roles with Ballet Arizona and Interlochen Arts Academy. Performance highlights include concerts at the Anchorage Music Festival, Civic Music Association of Des Moines, and the Musical Instrument Museum. She is currently Visiting Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano at Tarleton State University in Texas.
Ina Torres O'Ryan
Georges Sand, Notes on Viardot
Ina Torres O’Ryan, a Maryland native, is a freelance mezzo-soprano and cellist currently studying at the University of Memphis with Prof. Mary Wilson and Dr. Kimberly Patterson. She is a DMA candidate whose research lies in music for singing cellists. Prior to moving to Tennessee, Ina lived in Minnesota, where she was a rostered cellist and chorus member of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony and Opera while completing her bachelor’s at Concordia College. When Ina is not involved in music, she enjoys working with ceramics and baking with her partner.
Sofia Vidali
Younger Pauline Viardot, Notes on Viardot
Sofia Vidali is a multicultural soprano with Mexican and Italian heritage from San Diego, California. She is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma in Vocal Performance at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where she also earned her Master’s in Vocal Performance. Previously, she obtained her Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from Chapman University. This past summer, in collaboration with the Pergolesi Spontini Foundation, Sofia took on the lead role in Baldassare Galuppi’s Il Filosofo di Campagna at the Festival of International Opera Italia in Urbania, Italy. This fall, she will portray Lucy in Menotti’s The Telephone in collaboration with the Frost Small Chamber Ensemble and Pat Nixon in Frost Opera Theater’s Eye on American Opera.
Mitchell Waggoner
Manuel Garcia, Notes on Viardot
Paul Viardot, Notes on Viardot
Ivan Turgenev (cover), Notes on Viardot
Originally from right here in Wichita, KS, Mitchell is so excited to be returning home with Music on Site. Mitchell is currently a Senior at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma finishing up his Bachelors of Music and Music Education in Voice. Most recently, Mitchell was seen at OU singing “Beppo” in Donizetti’s Rita and “Ramiro” in Ravel’s L’heure Espagnole. This Summer, Mitchell made his Italian Debut with FIO-Italia singing “Marco” in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and “L’aumônier” in Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites. Mitchell would like to thank his friends, family, boyfriend, and mentors for their endless support.
Grace Walker
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Don Giovanni
Grace Walker, soprano, is a Senior Vocal Performance Major at Southern Arkansas University. Some of Grace's previous credits at SAU include Next to Normal (Natalie), Sister Act (Sister Mary Patrick), Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), and All My Sons (Kate Keller). Grace recently worked with Spotlight on Opera where she performed in Suor Angelica (Conversa 1, Cercatrice 2), Gianni Schicchi (Il Notaio), and Madama Butterfly (chorus). In 2024, she will present her senior recital and appear as Lucy in The Telephone. After graduation, Grace plans to attend graduate school to pursue her M.M. in Vocal Performance.
Rebecca Walsh
Amahl, Amahl and the Night Visitors
An experienced improviser and versatile soprano, Rebecca Walsh splits her time between Houston and Waco, Texas. No stranger to the stage, Ms. Walsh has most recently performed as Patience in Patience, Duchess Carolina in Luisa Fernanda, and will soon be performing as Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel. Praised for her wonderful pianissimo high notes, Ms. Walsh received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Baylor University and is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Voice Performance at Baylor. She is a student of Dr. Deborah Williamson.
Sydney Wang
Répétiteur, Don Giovanni
Sydney Wang (b. 2002) is a Los-Angeles based collaborative pianist and composer. Wang is a staff pianist at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where she works primarily with the voice department, accompanying UCLA opera singers in lessons, rehearsals, and concerts. She is currently a rehearsal pianist with the Santa-Monica based Verdi Chorus, and has accompanied rehearsals with the UCLA Chamber Singers and UCLA Chorale. In addition to her work with singers, Wang has extensive experience performing with instrumentalists.
As a composer, Wang has written for acclaimed artists and ensembles including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pasadena Symphony, and Salastina.
Tyler Warwas
Manuel Garcia, Notes on Viardot
Tyler Warwas is an up and coming tenor based in Denton, Tx. Recently, he has sung the role of Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni) with Varna International Music Academy. In the coming months, he will sing the role of Garcia (Notes on Viardot) with Music on Site, Dr. Blind (Die Fledermaus) with UNT Opera and will be making his debut in directing by Assistant Directing Mazoli’s Proving Up with UNT Opera. Currently, Mr. Warwas is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance at the University of North Texas and studies voice under the direction of Dr. Carol Wilson.
Pete Wesoloski
Don Giovanni, Don Giovanni
Chicago-based Peter Wesoloski has been praised as possessing “a clear-ringing baritone…with emotional depth and variety of vocal color” (Chicago Classical Review). He was featured in the world premiere of The Life and Death(s) of Alan Turing with Chicago Opera Theater as well as their acclaimed production of Shostakovich’s The Nose last season. Prior credits with Music on Site include Falke (Die Fledermaus), Don Alfonso (Cosí fan tutte), and Papageno (Die Zauberflöte). In addition to opera, Peter is dedicated to the art of song and sings at the Liederstube in Chicago with pianist Eugenia Cheng, and has performed in salons and recitals in London, Amsterdam, Auckland and Sydney. Peter is thrilled to be invited back to Music on Site as he is an avid supporter of the company and their mission to broaden opera’s reach and make it exciting and available to all.
Maryn West
Desiree, Notes on Viardot
Voice Student, Notes on Viardot
Giulia (cover), Notes on Viardot
Maryn West is a lyric soprano pursuing her undergraduate degree in vocal performance at the University of North Texas. Maryn’s recent roles include Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni and the Sandman in Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel. Maryn is a past finalist in the Schmidt Collegiate Vocal Competition as well as a semi-finalist in the UNT Concerto Competition. This season, Maryn will sing the role of the Littler Zegner Daughter in Mazzoli’s Proving Up as well as assistant directing Strauss’ Die Fledermaus with UNT Opera.
Rachel Whatley
Music Director, Opera Scenes Showcase
Rachel Whatley holds two master’s degrees in Piano Performance and Vocal Coaching from OCU, where she now works as a staff pianist. Her career has led her to many opportunities including Opera of the Ozarks and Interlochen Arts Camp, as well as two programs in Italy: Oper’Arezzo and La Musica Lirica. Her favorite opera collaboration experiences include The Scarf, Gianni Schicchi, Suor Angelica, Così fan tutte, and Le Nozze di Figaro. In the spring, she is slated to music direct a production for OCU’s student-led opera program (OPERAtions) and perform Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil with the OKC Chamber choir.
Brandon Wruck
King Balthazar, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Brandon Wruck, bass-baritone is pursuing his BM in Vocal Performance at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Brandon has undertaken several roles, including Dr. Falke in Act II of Die Fledermaus and Captain Corcoran in H.M.S Pinafore. Most recently, Brandon performed the role of Frank Marraunt in UMD’s fall production of Street Scene.
Mr. Wruck was the recipient of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Bakke Scholarship as the Bass section leader for five semesters.
Brandon received third place in his category in 2021 and first place in 2023 in the Minnesota chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition.
William Wynne
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Singer William Wynne is a recent graduate from UMass Lowell with a bachelor’s degree in World Languages. Despite being a non-music major, his passion for music is strong, and he has dedicated almost all his free time in the training and perfection of his artistry. He is classically trained and has a profound interest in Western classical repertoire and folk music from his native China. He has regularly participated in the university’s choirs and various ensembles and made his duet debut through the opera workshop. He is excited for his upcoming participation and performance through Music On Site!
Leah Yackanech
Featured Artist, Opera Scenes Showcase
Ensemble, Notes on Viardot
Leah Yackanech is a third year voice performance student at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (CCM). She participated in the 2024 Chorworks Young Artist Program, Kennedy Center Young Associates Program, the Washington National Opera Summer Opera Institute, and the Belcanto Bootcamp program. Likewise, she was in the CCM Opera d'Arte 2023 Program. In 2022, she earned first place in the King's Peak International Music Competition. Additionally, she has placed earlier in NATS, CS Music Competition, the Schmidt Vocal Arts Competition, and the American Music Talent International Competition. Additionally in 2022, she was the College Connects President and Podcast Manager for the National Opera Teens Program of OPERA America.
Oliver Yan
Assistant Conductor, Don Giovanni
Hong Kong's new generation of orchestral conductor and classical saxophonist; Chung Hoi YAN (Oliver) is active in musical activities worldwide. Oliver Yan is the current co-director of the University of Kansas Philharmonic Orchestra (KUPO) and the Assistant Conductor of the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra (KUSO). He actively conducted wind ensembles, chamber orchestras, and symphony orchestras in the United States, Italy, Bulgaria, Korea, and Hong Kong. Last summer, he served as the assistant conductor in the Chicago Summer Opera in the production of Dido and Aeneas, Orfeo ed Euridice, and Don Giovanni.
Olivia Yokers
Stage Director, Amahl and the Night Visitors
Olivia Yokers is a director, performer, and educator. She recently joined the faculty of Stetson University as Director of Opera and Assistant Professor of Music. Her recent engagements include assistant directing Die Fledermaus with MOSI, and directing Handel’s Acis and Galatea at Stetson University and Pasatieri’s La Divina with UNLV Opera Theater. Ms. Yokers holds a Master of Music degree from Indiana University and is completing her Doctorate in Music at UNLV. She is a Body Mapping licensure trainee with the Association for Body Mapping Education and has trained with the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium.