A midsummer night's dream
Fully staged with orchestra
Act I
Night has fallen in the woods outside Athens. Oberon, King of the Fairies, is quarrelling with Tytania, his queen, over a young boy who is under her protection. She refuses to give him up. Oberon sends his servant Puck to find a magic flower, whose juice, sprinkled on Tytania’s eyelids, will make her fall in love with the first creature she sees upon waking. He plans to steal the boy while she is under the spell.
Lysander and Hermia have escaped from the city and its law, which allows Hermia’s father to force her into marriage with Demetrius. They decide to elope and set off into the woods. Demetrius, who loves Hermia, chases after her, himself pursued by Helena, who is hopelessly in love with him. But Demetrius scornfully rejects her and runs off into the forest. Oberon, who has witnessed their argument, orders Puck to seek out Demetrius and make him fall in love with Helena with the help of the magic juice.
Six working men have also left the city to discuss in secret a play they hope to perform at the wedding of Theseus, Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. There is some disagreement over casting, with Bottom, the weaver, and Flute, the bellows-mender, finally agreeing to play the parts of Pyramus and Thisbe, the star-crossed lovers of the play’s title. Quince, the carpenter, as well as the author and director of the play, hands out scripts, and all agree to meet later that night to rehearse.
Exhausted and lost, Lysander and Hermia lie down to sleep. Puck, who thinks he has found Demetrius, sprinkles the juice of the magic flower on Lysander’s eyes. Demetrius appears, still pursued by Helena, and angrily abandons her. Alone and in despair, she sees the sleeping Lysander and wakes him. Under the effect of the spell, he immediately declares his love. Helena is furious and runs off, thinking he is making fun of her. Lysander follows. Hermia awakes from a terrible dream to find herself alone.
In the heart of the forest, the fairies help their mistress Tytania to sleep. Oberon steals in to put the juice on her eyes, hoping she will “wake when some vile thing is near.”
Act II
Later that night, Quince and his men meet to rehearse. Puck, seeing them at work, decides to amuse himself by turning Bottom into an ass. At the sight of this strange and terrifying transformation, the others run off. Bottom sings out loud to keep his courage up. This wakes Tytania, who immediately falls in love with him. With the help of the fairies, she manages to coax him to bed.
Oberon is delighted to find Tytania in love with an ass. But when Demetrius arrives, still in pursuit of Hermia, he realizes Puck has made a mistake. Demetrius falls asleep, and Oberon pours the juice on his eyes. The arrival of Helena and Lysander wakes Demetrius, who now declares his passion for Helena. When Hermia appears as well, only to be rejected by Lysander, Helena is convinced that the men have planned it all to mock her. The four quarrel furiously. Enraged at Puck, Oberon gives him an antidote to administer to Lysander. Puck leads the lovers away through the forest until they fall asleep and puts the herb on Lysander’s eyes.
Act III
Shortly before dawn, Oberon releases Tytania from the spell. Daybreak rouses the four lovers, who are finally reconciled—Demetrius with Helena and Lysander with Hermia. Bottom, restored to human shape, wakes from what he thinks was a strange dream. He wanders off while his friends search for him. They’re about to give up when he returns with news that their play has been chosen to be performed at court.
Back in Athens, the four lovers ask Theseus’s forgiveness for their disobedience to the law. Theseus decides that they shall be married together with him and Hippolyta. Quince and his players finally give their performance of “Pyramus and Thisbe,” and the three couples retire to bed. Oberon, Tytania, and the fairies bless the sleeping household—with Puck having the last word.
Night has fallen in the woods outside Athens. Oberon, King of the Fairies, is quarrelling with Tytania, his queen, over a young boy who is under her protection. She refuses to give him up. Oberon sends his servant Puck to find a magic flower, whose juice, sprinkled on Tytania’s eyelids, will make her fall in love with the first creature she sees upon waking. He plans to steal the boy while she is under the spell.
Lysander and Hermia have escaped from the city and its law, which allows Hermia’s father to force her into marriage with Demetrius. They decide to elope and set off into the woods. Demetrius, who loves Hermia, chases after her, himself pursued by Helena, who is hopelessly in love with him. But Demetrius scornfully rejects her and runs off into the forest. Oberon, who has witnessed their argument, orders Puck to seek out Demetrius and make him fall in love with Helena with the help of the magic juice.
Six working men have also left the city to discuss in secret a play they hope to perform at the wedding of Theseus, Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. There is some disagreement over casting, with Bottom, the weaver, and Flute, the bellows-mender, finally agreeing to play the parts of Pyramus and Thisbe, the star-crossed lovers of the play’s title. Quince, the carpenter, as well as the author and director of the play, hands out scripts, and all agree to meet later that night to rehearse.
Exhausted and lost, Lysander and Hermia lie down to sleep. Puck, who thinks he has found Demetrius, sprinkles the juice of the magic flower on Lysander’s eyes. Demetrius appears, still pursued by Helena, and angrily abandons her. Alone and in despair, she sees the sleeping Lysander and wakes him. Under the effect of the spell, he immediately declares his love. Helena is furious and runs off, thinking he is making fun of her. Lysander follows. Hermia awakes from a terrible dream to find herself alone.
In the heart of the forest, the fairies help their mistress Tytania to sleep. Oberon steals in to put the juice on her eyes, hoping she will “wake when some vile thing is near.”
Act II
Later that night, Quince and his men meet to rehearse. Puck, seeing them at work, decides to amuse himself by turning Bottom into an ass. At the sight of this strange and terrifying transformation, the others run off. Bottom sings out loud to keep his courage up. This wakes Tytania, who immediately falls in love with him. With the help of the fairies, she manages to coax him to bed.
Oberon is delighted to find Tytania in love with an ass. But when Demetrius arrives, still in pursuit of Hermia, he realizes Puck has made a mistake. Demetrius falls asleep, and Oberon pours the juice on his eyes. The arrival of Helena and Lysander wakes Demetrius, who now declares his passion for Helena. When Hermia appears as well, only to be rejected by Lysander, Helena is convinced that the men have planned it all to mock her. The four quarrel furiously. Enraged at Puck, Oberon gives him an antidote to administer to Lysander. Puck leads the lovers away through the forest until they fall asleep and puts the herb on Lysander’s eyes.
Act III
Shortly before dawn, Oberon releases Tytania from the spell. Daybreak rouses the four lovers, who are finally reconciled—Demetrius with Helena and Lysander with Hermia. Bottom, restored to human shape, wakes from what he thinks was a strange dream. He wanders off while his friends search for him. They’re about to give up when he returns with news that their play has been chosen to be performed at court.
Back in Athens, the four lovers ask Theseus’s forgiveness for their disobedience to the law. Theseus decides that they shall be married together with him and Hippolyta. Quince and his players finally give their performance of “Pyramus and Thisbe,” and the three couples retire to bed. Oberon, Tytania, and the fairies bless the sleeping household—with Puck having the last word.
Oberon
EeMing Chua
Born and raised in Malaysia, EeMing Chua is an emerging countertenor. He is gaining recognition for his vocal power and unique tone color, as well as his dramatic commitment and commanding stage presence. He is currently pursuing his M.M. in Vocal Performance at the Chicago College of Performing Arts. EeMing holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from the Eastman School of Music, and also a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the Oklahoma State University. His vocal flexibility allows him to perform a variety of works, including singing Mozart tenor roles: Bastien in Bastien und Bastienne and Monsieur Vogelsang in Der Schauspieldirektor. As a diverse performer, his appearance in the musical She Loves Me marked his exceptional acting ability. Equally committed to new music, he is performing the premiere of a newly composed opera with the Chicago College of Performing Arts in the Fall. He is also very active in the field of stage directing and stage managing. EeMing currently lives in Chicago, and continues his voice studies with Mark Crayton.
Oberon
Patrick Terry
Born and raised in Janesville, Wisconsin, Patrick earned his Bachelor’s of Music from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in the winter of 2014 where he studied with Adriana Zabala. Patrick sang in the chorus of the Minnesota Opera world premieres of Cuomo’s Doubt and Puts’s Silent Night. Patrick also was selected to participate in the Minnesota Opera’s first iteration of their Educational Collaboration and Coaching of Opera (ECCO) training program. With the Mill City Summer Opera Patrick appeared in the chorus of Pagliacci and worked for two summers as their Education Coordinator. His concert work included singing the Alto Soloist in the Vivaldi Gloria and Bach’s Magnificat with the Minnesota Oratorio Society. Patrick is currently in the Master’s program at the Royal Academy of Music in London where he studies with Michael Chance and Ian Partridge. Since September, he has received a High Commendation in the Blythe-‐Buesst Aria Competition, sang in Duke’s Hall in the final round of the Nancy Nuttall Early Music Prize, came in second place in the Joan Chissell Schumann Lieder Competition, and won the Maureen Lehane Vocal Award held at Wigmore Hall. This spring Patrick participated in a workshop series with the British Youth Opera and was seen touring England with the Merry Opera Company’s staged production of Handel’s Messiah. Other engagements include singing the Alto Soloist in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion at the Romsey Abbey and appearing in “A Celebration of Fauré’s Songs”, a concert to launch the first volume of the new Peters critical edition of Fauré’s complete songs, edited by Dr. Roy Howat and Dr. Emily Kilpatrick.
Tytania
Katrina Van Maanen
Katrina Van Maanen a native of Birmingham Michigan is thrilled to appear as Tytania in Chicago Summer Opera’s production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Recent stage credits include: Noémie in Cendrillon with Opera MODO Mary Willis Tweedy in Carlisle Floyd’s Cold Sassy Tree Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute Elena in Nino Rota’s Il cappello di paglia di Firenze with Moores Opera Center Marianne in Rossini’s Il Signor Bruschino with Lone Star Lyric Festival Contessa di Ceprano in Verdi’s Rigoletto Lidochka in Shostakovich’s Moscow Cheryomushki and Fanny in Rossini’s La cambiale di matrimonio with Moores Opera Center Josephine in Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore and Lady Psyche in Princess Ida with University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society Mme. Silberklang in Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor with the Austrian American Mozart Academy Iola Stover in Jason Robert Brown’s Parade with Farmer’s Alley Theater Pamina in The Magic Flute and Second Woman in Dido & Aeneas at Western Michigan University. Concert credits include the role of Berta in a semi-staged production of Il barbiere di Siviglia with First United Methodist Church Birmingham MI and Richard Strauss’ Ophelia Lieder with Opera Theater Pittsburgh Summerfest. Miss Van Maanen was named the Regional winner of the 2014 Classical Singer University Competition in Houston TX. In 2013 she was granted the prestigious Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts Fellowship from the University of Houston and was the recipient of a vocal scholarship from the Houston Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Past awards include: 2012 Finalist at the Franco-American Vocal Academy’s Grand Concours de Chant 2010 & 2011 Finalist at the Nicholas Loren Vocal Competition Harper C. Maybee Scholarship from Western Michigan University winner of the 2008 Michigan Federation of Music Club Elizabeth Gardner Voice Award. Miss Van Maanen holds a Masters of Music in vocal performance from University of Houston and a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Western Michigan University. She currently studies with Ms. Melanie Sonnenberg in Houston TX.
Tytania
Mizuho Takeshita
“Sang with fluid coloratura” - Vivien Schweitzer, The New York Times
Japanese Soprano, Mizuho Takeshita is one of the most exciting young singers in today’s operatic realm. She envelops her audience with vocal legato and musical intellect. Her energy and passion for singing has led Ms. Takeshita to develop a flourishing musical career.
Most recently, Mizuho gave her Lincoln Center Debut at Alice Tully Hall singing with the Mannes Orchestra. She was selected by the Martina Arroyo Foundation’s Prelude to Performance to sing the part of Olympia in Offenbach’s “Tales of Hoffmann” to which she “aced Olympia's roulades with crystalline accuracy and blazing sustained notes above the staff.” – The Metropolitan Opera Guild. She is the Eastern District Winner of the 2013 Metropolitan National Council Audition in addition to the Iizuka Music Competition and the Tokyo International Music Competition. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degree from Ochanomizu University in Japan and a Professional Study Diploma from Mannes College The New School for Music studying in the studio of Amy Burton.
She recently concluded Russian opera performance of title role in Snow Maiden by Rimsky-Korsakov in Washington DC and this success led her another engagement singing title role of Iolanta in this June. She is greatly excited to appear as the role of Tytania in Britten’s Midsummer Night’s Dream in Chicago Summer Opera in the summer.
Japanese Soprano, Mizuho Takeshita is one of the most exciting young singers in today’s operatic realm. She envelops her audience with vocal legato and musical intellect. Her energy and passion for singing has led Ms. Takeshita to develop a flourishing musical career.
Most recently, Mizuho gave her Lincoln Center Debut at Alice Tully Hall singing with the Mannes Orchestra. She was selected by the Martina Arroyo Foundation’s Prelude to Performance to sing the part of Olympia in Offenbach’s “Tales of Hoffmann” to which she “aced Olympia's roulades with crystalline accuracy and blazing sustained notes above the staff.” – The Metropolitan Opera Guild. She is the Eastern District Winner of the 2013 Metropolitan National Council Audition in addition to the Iizuka Music Competition and the Tokyo International Music Competition. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degree from Ochanomizu University in Japan and a Professional Study Diploma from Mannes College The New School for Music studying in the studio of Amy Burton.
She recently concluded Russian opera performance of title role in Snow Maiden by Rimsky-Korsakov in Washington DC and this success led her another engagement singing title role of Iolanta in this June. She is greatly excited to appear as the role of Tytania in Britten’s Midsummer Night’s Dream in Chicago Summer Opera in the summer.
Cobweb
Kateri Gormley
Soprano Kateri Gormley, a native of New York, has been praised for her “irresistible” performance as Susanna in Opera McGill’s production of Le Nozze di Figaro (L’Opéra No. 3, Spring 2015). Her recent appearances with Opera McGill also include Suor Genovieffa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, Lucy in Menotti’s The Telephone, and Fairy Chorus in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other opera credits include Antonia in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Anna in Die Lustigen Weiber von Windsor with the Hillman Opera Company, Flora in Turn of the Screw with the Western New York Chamber Orchestra, and Mabel in Pirates of Penzance with Operalytes in Buffalo, NY. Last summer, Kateri gave a recital tour throughout Montreal and New York with pianist Amanda Hall. The recital, Summers of Love, featured French and American art songs of the 20th century. As a concert soloist, Kateri has performed Haydn’s Missa Sancti Nicolai with the Western New York Chamber Orchestra, as well as several concerts throughout Luxembourg and Germany with the Vianden International Music Festival. Kateri recently graduated from McGill University in Montreal with a Masters Degree in Voice and Opera Performance. She has two Bachelor of Music Degrees in Voice Performance and Music Education from SUNY Fredonia.
Cobweb/ Hermia Cover
Ellen McMullin
Mezzo-soprano Ellen McMullin is a student of Jane Bunnell at DePaul University. She has previously studied with Julia Bentley. Ellen has been a member of DePaul Opera Theatre since 2012, and has been seen in productions of La Bohème, Iolanthe, and The Magic Flute. She has performed as a guest artist with the Disquiet Music Ensemble, which premiers the works of upcoming composers in Chicago. She is excited to be making her Chicago Summer Opera Debut this June!
Mustardseed/Puck
Kristin Hagan
Soprano Kristin Hagan will be making her Chicago debut performing the roles of Puck and Mustardseed in Benjamin Britten’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. She recently made her Boston debut performing the role of Fortuna from Monteverdi’s L'incoronazione di Poppea this past December in the Longy School of Music’s Opera Scenes Gala. Her most recent engagements include the roles of Cherubino from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and Frasquita from Bizet’s Carmen in the Cleveland Institute of Music’s Opera Scenes Gala. Ms. Hagan also appeared as Papagena in the Cleveland Institute of Music’s Fall 2013 production of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte.
Pursuing an interest in contemporary music, Ms. Hagan studied and performed George Crumb’s Madrigals Book II and Madrigals Book III with the CIM New Music Ensemble. She performed these works at the Cleveland Museum of Modern Art as well as Mixon Hall and Kulas Hall to high acclaim. Ms. Hagan has also premiered the chamber work Janie by Nicholas Landrum.
A native of Georgia, Kristin Hagan is currently pursuing a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, studying voice with Anna Gabrieli. Ms. Hagan received her Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music with departmental honors for Voice. She received her Bachelor’s of Music from Westminster Choir College, graduating summa cum laude.
Ms. Hagan’s upcoming projects include performing works by Milton Babbitt in the Longy School of Music’s Modern American Music Recital. She will also be appearing in multiple recitals as a guest in Longy’s Pickman Hall.
Pursuing an interest in contemporary music, Ms. Hagan studied and performed George Crumb’s Madrigals Book II and Madrigals Book III with the CIM New Music Ensemble. She performed these works at the Cleveland Museum of Modern Art as well as Mixon Hall and Kulas Hall to high acclaim. Ms. Hagan has also premiered the chamber work Janie by Nicholas Landrum.
A native of Georgia, Kristin Hagan is currently pursuing a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, studying voice with Anna Gabrieli. Ms. Hagan received her Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music with departmental honors for Voice. She received her Bachelor’s of Music from Westminster Choir College, graduating summa cum laude.
Ms. Hagan’s upcoming projects include performing works by Milton Babbitt in the Longy School of Music’s Modern American Music Recital. She will also be appearing in multiple recitals as a guest in Longy’s Pickman Hall.
Moth / Tytania Cover
Samantha Farmilant
Samantha Farmilant received her Master of Music from Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) and a Bachelor of Arts in College Musical Studies and French from Oberlin College. At CIM, Ms. Farmilant received great acclaim for her performance of Queen of the Night in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. She covered the leading role of Carolina in Cimarosa’s Il matrimonio segreto and performed the role of Fire in Ravel’s L’Enfant et les sortilèges. International credits include Suor Genovieffa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Ascanio in Pergolesi’s Lo frate ‘nnamorato. Upcoming performances include Porgy and Bess at the Ravinia Festival, under Bobby McFerrin, Lucy in The Telephone with Floating Opera Project, and “OoTCHI brings the heat” with Opera on Tap Chicago. Ms. Farmilant currently lives in Chicago, IL and studies with Maria Lagios.
Peaseblossom / Helena Cover
Amber Monroe
Amber Monroe, soprano, will be entering her third year of study at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she studies with Professor of Singing, Marlene Rosen. Amber made her Oberlin Opera Theatre debut in the spring of 2014 as Lady Billows in Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring, conducted by Maestro Christopher Larkin. Recently, she has been featured in scenes of Britten’s Turn of the Screw as Miss Jessel. Amber has also been seen the Old Lady in the 2015 winter production of Michael Torke’s Strawberry Fields, musically directed by Daniel Michalak.
In summer 2011, Amber participated in the Italian Opera Study Abroad Program in Pisa, Italy, where she had the opportunity to study classical voice, Italian diction, and stage performance with Italian soprano, Maria Billeri. Amber returned to Italy in the summer of 2013 for the Oberlin in Italy Program in Arezzo, where she performed as Seleuce in a scene from Handel’s opera Tolomeo. Amber has participated in master classes with notable artists such as Lawrence Brownlee, Danielle Orlando, and Francois Clemmons.
In summer 2011, Amber participated in the Italian Opera Study Abroad Program in Pisa, Italy, where she had the opportunity to study classical voice, Italian diction, and stage performance with Italian soprano, Maria Billeri. Amber returned to Italy in the summer of 2013 for the Oberlin in Italy Program in Arezzo, where she performed as Seleuce in a scene from Handel’s opera Tolomeo. Amber has participated in master classes with notable artists such as Lawrence Brownlee, Danielle Orlando, and Francois Clemmons.
Lysander
Nathan Ward
Missourian Nathan Ward comes from an eclectic musical background, drawing on study of piano, cello, and composition to inform his singing. Currently pursuing a master's degree from Northwestern University under Karen Brunssen, where he has recently performed as Howard Boucher in Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking, and Richard Dauntless in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Ruddigore, Nathan has also recently collaborated as a soloist in Mozart’s Requiem, Kile Smith’s Vespers with the Bienen Contemporary/Early Vocal Ensemble, and Benjamin Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings.
Before graduating from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in voice performance, he performed in Show-Me Opera's productions of Cosí fan tutte, (Ferrando) La Cenerentola (Don Ramiro), and The Merry Widow, (Saint-Brioche), and became a recurring soloist with the Mizzou New Music Ensemble and the Bach Collegium Choir. Influential teachers include Ann Harrell and Braeden Harris.
Before graduating from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in voice performance, he performed in Show-Me Opera's productions of Cosí fan tutte, (Ferrando) La Cenerentola (Don Ramiro), and The Merry Widow, (Saint-Brioche), and became a recurring soloist with the Mizzou New Music Ensemble and the Bach Collegium Choir. Influential teachers include Ann Harrell and Braeden Harris.
Lysander
Brian Fimoff
Brian Fimoff (Lysander) Brian’s stage credits include Assassins and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with the ATC Repertory Company, Next Thing You Know with the Towle Theatre, and Merrily We Roll Along with the Yale Dramatic Association. He has also performed at Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret. Brian toured the world with the Whiffenpoofs and is currently a member of the Chicago Artists Chorale. Thanks to Kip and Stacy!
Demetrius
Sean Sullivan
Mr. Sullivan's career began as a member of both the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and the Children’s Chorus of the Los Angeles Opera. He made his solo operatic debut as Young Prince Hrothgar in the world premiere of Elliott Goldenthal’s Grendel at the Los Angeles Opera, a role he repeated in NY at The New York State Theater under the auspices of the Lincoln Center Summer Festival. While attending Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, his roles included Mr. Peachum in John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera orchestrated by Benjamin Britten and Carl Olsen in Weill’s Street Scene. As a student at California State Northridge, Sean played Antonio in Mozart’s Le Nozze de Figaro, the roles of David in Barber’s A Hand of Bridge and The Mysterious Man in Sondheim’s Into the Woods. In 2010 he sang the role of Inspector Hubbard in the New York workshop of Joseph Simeone's Dial M for Murder at the DaCapo Theater. Later that year he sang Masetto in Livermore Valley Opera’s production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. This year Sean sang the role of John Connelly in the workshop of David T. Little’s new opera JFK with the American Lyric Theater. He also had the pleasure of singing with Mannes Opera as the Notary in Puccini’s Gianni Schicci as well as the Seward in the New York premier of Jonathan Dove’s Flight. Sean is vey excited to be singing the role of Demetrius with Chicago Summer Opera and he is incredibly grateful to all his mentors, friends and family for all of their support.
Hermia
Erin Moll
Mezzo soprano, Erin Moll, is an up-and-coming young artist who has been praised for her dynamic stage presence and musical expressivity. On the operatic stage and in concert, Erin has been seen portraying such roles as Carmen & Mercedes (Carmen), Dorabella (Così fan tutte), Hansel (Hansel & Gretel), Cherubino (Le Nozze di Figaro), Nicklausse (Les Contes d’Hoffmann), Rosina (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Maddalena (Rigoletto), Gianetta (L’Elisir d’amore), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Hannah Wilson (Ballymore), Edith & Kate (Pirates of Penzance), among others. In 2012, she made her international debut in Paris, France as the Strawberry Seller in Britten’s Death in Venice with La petite Philharmonie de Poche de Paris. Last December, Erin made her NYC debut as Dorabella in a concert version of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte. During the next school year, she is performing in a one woman version of Mozart’s Magic Flute as part of an educational outreach tour with Chicago Opera Playhouse. Upcoming roles include Dorabella (Cosi fan tutte), Kate Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly), Hansel (Hansel & Gretel), Sally (A Hand of Bridge), Constancia (El Huesped del Sevillano) and Third Lady (The Magic Flute). She is extremely excited to be joining the cast of Midsummer Night’s Dream with Chicago Summer Opera!
In addition to her operatic work, Erin appears frequently in concert as a soloist. While in Michigan, she sang in over 20 concerts with the Ann Arbor chapter of the non-profit organization Opera on Tap, a group dedicated to making opera more accessible to everyone. A newcomer to Chicago, Erin was recently named Co-Managing Diva of the Chicago Opera on Tap Chapter. Her numerous concert engagements include most recently the solos in Bach's Magnificat, Hasse's Miserere, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mozart's Coronation Mass and Haydn’s Missa in tempori belli. In 2012, Erin was honored with the opportunity to sing for Nobel Peace Prize Winner and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, while in Geneva, Switzerland. Last February, Erin was the featured soloist in the U.S. Premiere of Mexican composer Georgina Derbez’s El iba a otro mundo.
Erin recently joined the team of Chicago Opera Theater’s Opera for All program where she works with 4th and 5th grades bringing opera into Chicago schools. Erin received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Illinois Wesleyan University and her Diplôme Supérieur d'Exécution at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. Erin currently resides in Chicago where she studies voice with Metropolitan Opera tenor, Harold Meers.
In addition to her operatic work, Erin appears frequently in concert as a soloist. While in Michigan, she sang in over 20 concerts with the Ann Arbor chapter of the non-profit organization Opera on Tap, a group dedicated to making opera more accessible to everyone. A newcomer to Chicago, Erin was recently named Co-Managing Diva of the Chicago Opera on Tap Chapter. Her numerous concert engagements include most recently the solos in Bach's Magnificat, Hasse's Miserere, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mozart's Coronation Mass and Haydn’s Missa in tempori belli. In 2012, Erin was honored with the opportunity to sing for Nobel Peace Prize Winner and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, while in Geneva, Switzerland. Last February, Erin was the featured soloist in the U.S. Premiere of Mexican composer Georgina Derbez’s El iba a otro mundo.
Erin recently joined the team of Chicago Opera Theater’s Opera for All program where she works with 4th and 5th grades bringing opera into Chicago schools. Erin received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Illinois Wesleyan University and her Diplôme Supérieur d'Exécution at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. Erin currently resides in Chicago where she studies voice with Metropolitan Opera tenor, Harold Meers.
Hermia
Christine Roberts
Mezzo-soprano Christine Roberts from Wichita, Kansas recently completed her Bachelor of Music degree at DePaul University where she studied with Jane Bunnell. Competition successes include first place in both the Chicago NATS Junior Division and the DePaul Kleinman Vocal Competition, as well as being selected as a vocal finalist with the N.F.A.A. Young Arts Competition. Past credits include Iphigénie in Gluck’s Iphigénie en Tauride, Iolanthe in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe, and The Third Lady in Mozart’s The Magic Flute all with DePaul University Opera Theatre.
Helena
Stephanie Johnson
Soprano Stephanie Johnson is currently a Masters student at Manhattan School of Music where she studies with Cynthia Hoffmann. Stephanie is thrilled to be singing Helena in Chicago Summer Opera’s production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Past engagements include singing the role of Giannetta in L’elisir d’amore with Lyrique-en-Mer summer music festival in France, and covering the role of Servilia in La Clemenza di Tito with Undercroft Opera in Pittsburgh. Stephanie has also taken part in the Ezio Pinza Council for American Singers, Sherrill Milnes’ VoicExperience Program in Savannah, and the Carmel Bach Young Artist Competition. Stephanie has had the distinct pleasure of participating in masterclasses conducted by renowned artists such as mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux, soprano Maria Chiara, and baritone Sherrill Miilnes. During this past year Stephanie was accepted into MSM’s opera department for both semesters and given the opportunities to work one on one with Dona Vaughn in her Workshop Class and to sing in the Outreach Performances.
A native of Carmel, California, Stephanie recently earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University where she studied voice with Maria Spacagna.
A native of Carmel, California, Stephanie recently earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University where she studied voice with Maria Spacagna.
Helena
Melody Joy Rubin
M E L O D Y J O Y R U B I N, S O P R A N O is currently pursuing her BM in Vocal Performance with Cherie Caluda and Eric Trudel at The Hartt School, University of Hartford, in West Hartford, CT. She is a member of the Hartt Chamber Singers and has performed with the Hartt Opera Theater. She has also performed with Opera Tampa under the baton of Anton Coppola and Connecticut Concert Opera, under the baton of Maestro Doris Lang Kosloff. Past roles include First Lady in Die Zauberflöte, Blonde in Die Entführung aus den Serail, Noémie in Cendrillon, and Célie in Pasatieri’s Signor Deluso. Upcoming, she will be performing the role of Helena in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Chicago Summer Opera. Additionally, Melody performs pop, jazz, and musical theater and enjoys collaborating with recording artists and composers at The Hartt School.
Theseus
Yunpeng Jiang
Baritone Yunpeng Jiang is a first-‐year Master’s degree candidate at Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Mark Oswald. Previous credits include Le nozze di Figaro (Figaro) with Central Conservatory, Carmina Burana (Chorist) with China National Opera House，Don Giovanni (Il Commendatore) with Manhattan School of Music. Scenes work include Don Giovanni (Don Giovanni), Die Zauberflöte (Papageno) with Central Conservatory, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Hans Sachs), Rigoletto (Rigoletto), Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Figaro), Lucia di Lammermoor (Henry), La Cenerentola (Dandini), Così fan tutte (Guglielmo) with Beethoven Festival Orchestra, Sacco and Vanzetti (Bartolomeo Vanzetti) with Manhattan School of Music
Hippolyta
Jessica Rodriguez
A native of Los Angeles, CA, she began her love of studying voice at the age of thirteen under the instruction of Soprano, Melodee Fernandez. She has performed in the CSULA Opera productions of Dido & Aeneas, L’ile de Tulipatan, El Duo de la Africana and sang the role of Peggy in Lee Hoiby’s This is the Rill Speaking. Since completing graduate school she has participated in the Santa Monica College Opera workshop and has performed the role of Aurora in Doña Francisquita (scenes), Sesto in Giulio Cesare (scenes), covered the role of Dorabella in Così fan tutte, one of her favorites, Hansel in Hansel and Gretel (scenes) and Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier (scenes).
“Gonzalez-Rodriguez…warm tones and a lyrical upper range showed her voice to be flexible and easy to listen to” –Laurie D. Goldenhersh, LaurisList.com. She has also performed in the Center Stage Opera production of Suor Angelica as Suor Dolcina and with the Independent Opera Company as the Third Witch in Verdi’s Macbeth, in The Merry Widow as Praskowia and Zozo, and as Antonia’s Mother in The Tales of Hoffman. She performed the role of Nancy in Albert Herring as part of the LA Opera Britten/100 celebration with the Repertory Opera Company. She recently performed in Pacific Opera Project’s fun and inventive production of La Calisto and as Hansel in Black Tie Opera’s Hansel and Gretel. She could also be seen in Nickelodeon’s “Parental Discretion, Episode-Singing School,” which aired this past season.
Jessica also has a B.A. in Vocal Performance from Mount Saint Mary’s College and received a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from California State University, Los Angeles. She thanks all of the incredible support of her voice instructor, Dr. David Connors and her family and friends.
“Gonzalez-Rodriguez…warm tones and a lyrical upper range showed her voice to be flexible and easy to listen to” –Laurie D. Goldenhersh, LaurisList.com. She has also performed in the Center Stage Opera production of Suor Angelica as Suor Dolcina and with the Independent Opera Company as the Third Witch in Verdi’s Macbeth, in The Merry Widow as Praskowia and Zozo, and as Antonia’s Mother in The Tales of Hoffman. She performed the role of Nancy in Albert Herring as part of the LA Opera Britten/100 celebration with the Repertory Opera Company. She recently performed in Pacific Opera Project’s fun and inventive production of La Calisto and as Hansel in Black Tie Opera’s Hansel and Gretel. She could also be seen in Nickelodeon’s “Parental Discretion, Episode-Singing School,” which aired this past season.
Jessica also has a B.A. in Vocal Performance from Mount Saint Mary’s College and received a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from California State University, Los Angeles. She thanks all of the incredible support of her voice instructor, Dr. David Connors and her family and friends.
Bottom
Timothy Madden
Bass-baritone Timothy Madden (Nick Bottom) recently returned to the Kansas City-area after studying at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. While at UNL, he sang Gregorio in Roméo et Juliette by Charles Gounod, King Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti, and others in works by Bernstein, Mozart, and UNL Director of Orchestras, Tyler White. He also served as assistant director and rehearsal conductor to William Shomos for a production of Albert Herring by Benjamin Britten; directed and conducted an outreach production of Amahl and the Night Visitors for Lincoln Public Schools; and designed, directed, and conducted his own production of Die Zauberflöte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
In August, he will sing Maximilian in Candide with Emerald City Opera and conductor Andres Cladera. In recent performances, Timothy sang The Ogre in a production of El gato con botas with the Kansas City Opera Institute and was the bass soloist for Bach's Mass in G minor with the Kansas City American Guild of Organists' Schola Cantorum and the KC Baroque Consortium.
He continues to study with Professor Donna Harler-Smith, professor of voice at UNL, and maintains his own voice studio in Kansas City.
In August, he will sing Maximilian in Candide with Emerald City Opera and conductor Andres Cladera. In recent performances, Timothy sang The Ogre in a production of El gato con botas with the Kansas City Opera Institute and was the bass soloist for Bach's Mass in G minor with the Kansas City American Guild of Organists' Schola Cantorum and the KC Baroque Consortium.
He continues to study with Professor Donna Harler-Smith, professor of voice at UNL, and maintains his own voice studio in Kansas City.
Quince
Jack Cotaling
Jack James Cotaling is an emerging artist from Detroit, Michigan, working as both a bass and stage director. He is a recent graduate of Western Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in music and French in 2014. As a singer, Cotaling has performed in a diverse number of productions, including the role of the father-in-law in Milhaud’s The Poor Sailor, Mr. Jenks in The Tender Land, and as a featured soloist in the world premiere of Justice Partial, an avant-garde work commissioned for the Kalamazoo Laptop Orchestra. Cotaling is also a frequent performer of sacred music, singing in the all professional choir at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Detroit, and has performed as a soloist in churches throughout Michigan and over radio broadcasts.
Cotaling’s interest as a director started in 2014 when he served as the assistant director to Western Michigan University’s opera workshop program under the direction of Dr. Carl Ratner. Later that year he served as an assistant to Italian director Paolo Miccichè during his internationally staged production of Le jugement dernier at the Festival d’Opéra de Québec. In winter of 2015, Cotaling joined Opera MODO, a young artist program in Detroit, working as an assistant director, and assisting with French diction for their production of Massenet’s Cendrillon. He has also worked as a stage manager, both with Opera MODO and the University of Michigan. In spring of 2015, Cotaling returned to Opera MODO as a director, staging productions of Bon Appétit! and Krispy Kremes and Butter Queens.
In addition to his studies at Western, Cotaling has studied French at l’Université Laval in Québec City, Canada, and has also studied in the opera studio at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. He currently studies privately with Dr. John-Paul White at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. In September, Cotaling will be starting his Master of Music in voice and opera performance at McGill University in Montréal, Canada.
Cotaling’s interest as a director started in 2014 when he served as the assistant director to Western Michigan University’s opera workshop program under the direction of Dr. Carl Ratner. Later that year he served as an assistant to Italian director Paolo Miccichè during his internationally staged production of Le jugement dernier at the Festival d’Opéra de Québec. In winter of 2015, Cotaling joined Opera MODO, a young artist program in Detroit, working as an assistant director, and assisting with French diction for their production of Massenet’s Cendrillon. He has also worked as a stage manager, both with Opera MODO and the University of Michigan. In spring of 2015, Cotaling returned to Opera MODO as a director, staging productions of Bon Appétit! and Krispy Kremes and Butter Queens.
In addition to his studies at Western, Cotaling has studied French at l’Université Laval in Québec City, Canada, and has also studied in the opera studio at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. He currently studies privately with Dr. John-Paul White at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. In September, Cotaling will be starting his Master of Music in voice and opera performance at McGill University in Montréal, Canada.
Flute
William Ottow
William Ottow, a tenor from La Crosse, Wisconsin, is currently a senior at UW-Madison studying with Jim Doing. His roles thus far include Tamino in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and the title role in Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring with UW Opera and Hilarion in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Princess Ida with the Madison Savoyards. In concert he has performed the Tenor Solo in Gian Carlo Menotti’s Missa ‘O Pulchritudo” with UW Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers and Chorale. He also performed in the chorus of Madison Opera’s Fidelio and Barber of Seville and Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre’s Don Giovanni where he was a Young Artist during the 2014-15 season. He has twice placed runner up and once second runner up at Wisconsin’s NATS competition. A La Crosse Central High School graduate, he sang for 3 years in Central’s storied Robed Choir as well as Grand Central Station Show Choir under the direction of Mike Esser. William has performed partial roles in Opera Workshops at the UW and at Viterbo University in La Crosse, including roles from Beethoven’s Fidelio, Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore and Lucia di Lammermoor, Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte, and Don Giovanni, and Britten’s A midsummer night’s dream among others. William is also a member of the Madison Choral Project.
Snout
Jonathon Larson
Tenor, Jonathon Joseph Larson is based in Chicago and is excited about his new production, playing Snout in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He earned his B.A. in Music from Augustana College in 2010 and his Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from North Park University in 2015. While at North Park, he studied under Jeffery Ray and participated in many master classes, including ones conducted by Ellen Hargis, Kurt Link, Ann Baltz, and Kostis Protopapas. His Roles have included: Snout from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Tamino and Monostatos from The Magic Flute, Don Basilio from Le Nozze di Figaro, and Gastone from La Traviata, and has performed in scenes from Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Lucia di Lammermoor, Carmen, Cosi fan tutte, and Don Giovanni. Jonathon is also an avid recitalist and promotes works by Slavic composers such as Paderewski, Myslivacek, Karłowicz, and Moniuszko. In addition, Jonathon sings at St. John Berchman’s Parish in Chicago and is an active member of the Chicago chapter of Opera on Tap. You can see him next in his upcoming performances of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Chicago Summer Opera, and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly with Main Street Opera.
Starveling
Zico Shaker
As a young boy, Zico was taken in by 78 year old singing teacher Dr Stuart Ward, and began his journey
learning to sing. Zico went on to sing as a soloist for Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Dutch
Reisoper, English National Opera, BBC Radio 2, and English Touring Opera. After a late voice break, Zico
resumed his studies as an undergraduate at the Royal Academy of Music in London. While there, he studied with
Elizabeth Ritchie and conductor Gareth Hancock. Zico completed his studies June, 2015 and believes his
greatest achievement to date to be completing this whilst being a carer for the now 92 year old Stuart.
Whilst studying at the Academy, Zico performed arias and scenes for The Royal Academy of Music opera scenes.
Zico has a deep love for Italian and French repertoire and has participated in masterclasses with Claudio di
Segni, Carlo Gaifa and Matteo della Fratte. In September Zico looks forward to a masterclass with his favorite
baritone Bruno Praticò, and then performing tudor songs for BBC 2. Zico is very excited to be a part of Chicago
Summer Opera's performance of a Midsummer Night's Dream.
learning to sing. Zico went on to sing as a soloist for Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Dutch
Reisoper, English National Opera, BBC Radio 2, and English Touring Opera. After a late voice break, Zico
resumed his studies as an undergraduate at the Royal Academy of Music in London. While there, he studied with
Elizabeth Ritchie and conductor Gareth Hancock. Zico completed his studies June, 2015 and believes his
greatest achievement to date to be completing this whilst being a carer for the now 92 year old Stuart.
Whilst studying at the Academy, Zico performed arias and scenes for The Royal Academy of Music opera scenes.
Zico has a deep love for Italian and French repertoire and has participated in masterclasses with Claudio di
Segni, Carlo Gaifa and Matteo della Fratte. In September Zico looks forward to a masterclass with his favorite
baritone Bruno Praticò, and then performing tudor songs for BBC 2. Zico is very excited to be a part of Chicago
Summer Opera's performance of a Midsummer Night's Dream.