Die Zauberflöte
June 19 & 20, 2014 at 7:30 PM
The Cast
Anna Hittle
Pamina
Anna Hittle, Soprano, is a native of Iowa and received her Bachelor’s of Music Education from South Dakota State University. This May, Ms. Hittle graduated from Louisiana State University with her Master’s of Music. Recently, Ms. Hittle made her debut as Mrs. Mister in The Cradle Will Rock at Louisiana State University Opera Theatre. Ms. Hittle has performed the roles of Helena in Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Countess in the Marriage of Figaro scene, and the Female Chorus in Rape of Lucretiascene, Wanda in La Grande Duchesse de Gerolstein and Alice in Alice in Wonderland.
Pamina
Anna Hittle, Soprano, is a native of Iowa and received her Bachelor’s of Music Education from South Dakota State University. This May, Ms. Hittle graduated from Louisiana State University with her Master’s of Music. Recently, Ms. Hittle made her debut as Mrs. Mister in The Cradle Will Rock at Louisiana State University Opera Theatre. Ms. Hittle has performed the roles of Helena in Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Countess in the Marriage of Figaro scene, and the Female Chorus in Rape of Lucretiascene, Wanda in La Grande Duchesse de Gerolstein and Alice in Alice in Wonderland.
Natalie Logan
Pamina
Natalie Logan, Soprano, is a native of Dallas, Texas. She is thrilled to be making her debut with Chicago Summer Opera as Pamina in Die Zauberflöte.
Her full operatic roles include Tytania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Flora in The Turn of the Screw, Julie in The New Moon, Sister Mister in The Cradle Will Rock, Dodo in The Merry Widow, Lillia Pastia in La Tragèdie de Carmen, Goldilocks in Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Lay Sister in Suor Angelica; and her partial operatic roles include Susanna in Le nozze di figaro, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Clorinda in La Cenerentola, Ceres in The Tempest, Belezza in L’Egisto, Witch in Into the Woods, and Second Lady inDido and Aeneas.
She has performed with Opéra Louisiane, LSU Opera, LSU Opera Outreach, the Bay Area Summer Opera Theatre Institute in San Francisco, California, The Boston Conservatory Vocal Choral Intensive program, First United Methodist Church in Cedar Hill, Texas, and St. Josheph’s Cathedral in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Most recently, Ms. Logan was a Semi-finalist of the 2014 Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition and performed on stage of the beautiful Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas. Recipient winner of the 2013 Ruth and Dan Bivins Music Club of Baton RougeScholarship Award, she is a two-time Southern Regional NATS winner and a Semi-finalist of the Classical Singer Competition.
Ms. Logan holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University, where she studied with Robert Grayson. She is thrilled to begin pursuing her Master of Music degree in Voice Performance at The Boston Conservatory this fall.
Pamina
Natalie Logan, Soprano, is a native of Dallas, Texas. She is thrilled to be making her debut with Chicago Summer Opera as Pamina in Die Zauberflöte.
Her full operatic roles include Tytania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Flora in The Turn of the Screw, Julie in The New Moon, Sister Mister in The Cradle Will Rock, Dodo in The Merry Widow, Lillia Pastia in La Tragèdie de Carmen, Goldilocks in Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Lay Sister in Suor Angelica; and her partial operatic roles include Susanna in Le nozze di figaro, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Clorinda in La Cenerentola, Ceres in The Tempest, Belezza in L’Egisto, Witch in Into the Woods, and Second Lady inDido and Aeneas.
She has performed with Opéra Louisiane, LSU Opera, LSU Opera Outreach, the Bay Area Summer Opera Theatre Institute in San Francisco, California, The Boston Conservatory Vocal Choral Intensive program, First United Methodist Church in Cedar Hill, Texas, and St. Josheph’s Cathedral in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Most recently, Ms. Logan was a Semi-finalist of the 2014 Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition and performed on stage of the beautiful Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas. Recipient winner of the 2013 Ruth and Dan Bivins Music Club of Baton RougeScholarship Award, she is a two-time Southern Regional NATS winner and a Semi-finalist of the Classical Singer Competition.
Ms. Logan holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University, where she studied with Robert Grayson. She is thrilled to begin pursuing her Master of Music degree in Voice Performance at The Boston Conservatory this fall.
David Fair
Tamino
David Fair (Tamino), recently completed the Artist Diploma program at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he also received his Professional Studies Diploma in 2012. At CIM, Mr. Fair performed the title role in Handel’s Xerxes, Edwin in Trial by Jury, Le Prince Charmant in Cendrillion, Le Chevalier in Dialogues of the Carmelites, Le Petit Vieillard in L’Enfant et les Sortilèges, and Tamino in Die Zauberflöte last Fall. Other roles have included the Mayor in Albert Herring and Beppe in Pagliacci with Opera in the Ozarks, Parpignol in La Boheme and Gastone in La Traviata with Undercroft Opera, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi with BASOTI, and the Crab Man in Porgy and Bess with Opera Theater of Pittsburgh. He has twice sung the role of Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with the Canton Symphony Orchesta. Mr. Fair is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and received his undergraduate degree in Theater from the University of Maryland College Park.
Tamino
David Fair (Tamino), recently completed the Artist Diploma program at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he also received his Professional Studies Diploma in 2012. At CIM, Mr. Fair performed the title role in Handel’s Xerxes, Edwin in Trial by Jury, Le Prince Charmant in Cendrillion, Le Chevalier in Dialogues of the Carmelites, Le Petit Vieillard in L’Enfant et les Sortilèges, and Tamino in Die Zauberflöte last Fall. Other roles have included the Mayor in Albert Herring and Beppe in Pagliacci with Opera in the Ozarks, Parpignol in La Boheme and Gastone in La Traviata with Undercroft Opera, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi with BASOTI, and the Crab Man in Porgy and Bess with Opera Theater of Pittsburgh. He has twice sung the role of Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with the Canton Symphony Orchesta. Mr. Fair is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and received his undergraduate degree in Theater from the University of Maryland College Park.
Jesse Nordstrom
Tamino
Jesse Nordstrom is an up-and-coming lyric tenor from Seattle, WA. His past roles include Count Libenskof in Rossini’s Il viaggio a Reims (Roosevelt University CCPA, April 2014) Charles in Paul Hindemith’s The Long Christmas Dinner (Roosevelt CCPA) and John Cheever in Robert Ward’sThe Crucible (Pepperdine University). In January, Jesse was an honorable mention in the 2014 Coeur d’Alene Symphony Young Artist Competition. In 2012, Mr. Nordstrom competed as a national finalist at the MTNA Student Performance Competitions in New York City. His teachers include Dr. Henry Price and his current teacher: Matthew Chellis. Mr. Nordstrom received hisgraduate education at Roosevelt University (CCPA) after completing his undergraduate studies at Pepperdine University.
Tamino
Jesse Nordstrom is an up-and-coming lyric tenor from Seattle, WA. His past roles include Count Libenskof in Rossini’s Il viaggio a Reims (Roosevelt University CCPA, April 2014) Charles in Paul Hindemith’s The Long Christmas Dinner (Roosevelt CCPA) and John Cheever in Robert Ward’sThe Crucible (Pepperdine University). In January, Jesse was an honorable mention in the 2014 Coeur d’Alene Symphony Young Artist Competition. In 2012, Mr. Nordstrom competed as a national finalist at the MTNA Student Performance Competitions in New York City. His teachers include Dr. Henry Price and his current teacher: Matthew Chellis. Mr. Nordstrom received hisgraduate education at Roosevelt University (CCPA) after completing his undergraduate studies at Pepperdine University.
Eunje Cho
Papageno, Armed Man
Eunje Cho, baritone, a native of South Korea, is currently pursuing an Performance Diploma in Vocal Performance at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music where he studies with Carol Vaness. He earned Bachelor of Music in The Korea National University of Arts where he studied with Hans Choi(Hyun-soo Choi). Roles there have included Marquis D’obigny in La Traviataat Indiana University, and The Japanese Soldier in Heart of a Heroat Philadelphia Constitution Center. He was a featured soloist inMozart C Major Mass, Die Schöpfung, The Seven Last Words of Christ, and Mendelssohn’s Elijah. This coming summer, He will be performing the role of Papageno and One of Men in Armor in Die Zauberflöte with Chicago Summer Opera.
Papageno, Armed Man
Eunje Cho, baritone, a native of South Korea, is currently pursuing an Performance Diploma in Vocal Performance at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music where he studies with Carol Vaness. He earned Bachelor of Music in The Korea National University of Arts where he studied with Hans Choi(Hyun-soo Choi). Roles there have included Marquis D’obigny in La Traviataat Indiana University, and The Japanese Soldier in Heart of a Heroat Philadelphia Constitution Center. He was a featured soloist inMozart C Major Mass, Die Schöpfung, The Seven Last Words of Christ, and Mendelssohn’s Elijah. This coming summer, He will be performing the role of Papageno and One of Men in Armor in Die Zauberflöte with Chicago Summer Opera.
Danial Grambow
Papageno, Speaker
Daniel Grambow received his Masters of Music at the Cleveland Institute of Music. His operatic credits include: Geronimo (Il matrimonio segreto), Peter (Hänsel und Gretel),Peachum (The Beggar’s Opera), Pish-Tush (The Mikado) and Schaunard (La Bohème). This summer, he played Papageno in Die Zauberflöte at Tuscia Opera Festival in Viterbo, Italy. He has sung with Main Street Opera (Hansel and Gretel & Gianni Schicchi), Music at Unity Temple (Trial by Jury), Vox 3 Collective (Maskarade), Candid Concert Opera (La Cenerentella), Gilbert and Sullivan Society (H.M.S. Pinafore), and Kor Productions (La Bohème) since moving to Chicago in 2013. At Inspiration Point, Arkansas, he received the Marie Prudie Brown Emerging Young Artist Award (2008).
Papageno, Speaker
Daniel Grambow received his Masters of Music at the Cleveland Institute of Music. His operatic credits include: Geronimo (Il matrimonio segreto), Peter (Hänsel und Gretel),Peachum (The Beggar’s Opera), Pish-Tush (The Mikado) and Schaunard (La Bohème). This summer, he played Papageno in Die Zauberflöte at Tuscia Opera Festival in Viterbo, Italy. He has sung with Main Street Opera (Hansel and Gretel & Gianni Schicchi), Music at Unity Temple (Trial by Jury), Vox 3 Collective (Maskarade), Candid Concert Opera (La Cenerentella), Gilbert and Sullivan Society (H.M.S. Pinafore), and Kor Productions (La Bohème) since moving to Chicago in 2013. At Inspiration Point, Arkansas, he received the Marie Prudie Brown Emerging Young Artist Award (2008).
Rebekah Kroesing
Papagena
Soprano Rebekah Kroesing, a Waterford, MI native, attended Albion College for her undergraduate degree, and received a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Voice Performance. She studied with Emily Benner while she was there and was in many ensembles during her undergraduate career. Her senior year, she won the concerto competition and performed with the Albion Symphony Orchestra at their spring concert. She is also a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, an all-girls music fraternity. Rebekah has just graduated from Bowling Green State University this past May with a Master of Music in voice performance and studied with Dr. Jane Schoonmaker Rodgers. While at Bowling Green, she had a quarter-time assistantship where she worked in the music office, the curriculum lab, and Bowling Green High School teaching private voice lessons and leading sectionals for the choir. Rebekah also participated in operas such as Gilbert and Sullivan’s Princess Ida and Pirates of Penzance, Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow, and was cast in the role of Ida in Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. She also participated in the Opera Scenes program and played Rosalinda 1 in Act 2 of Die Fledermaus. Rebekah has received many awards and was a recipient of the Helen Sue Koether Music Memorial Scholarship, Briton Award, and Irene Bedient Scholarship as well as the Music History Award, and Voice Award. Rebekah’s future plans are to take a year off from school and freelance around the Midwest area, and then pursue an Artist’s Diploma.
Papagena
Soprano Rebekah Kroesing, a Waterford, MI native, attended Albion College for her undergraduate degree, and received a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Voice Performance. She studied with Emily Benner while she was there and was in many ensembles during her undergraduate career. Her senior year, she won the concerto competition and performed with the Albion Symphony Orchestra at their spring concert. She is also a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, an all-girls music fraternity. Rebekah has just graduated from Bowling Green State University this past May with a Master of Music in voice performance and studied with Dr. Jane Schoonmaker Rodgers. While at Bowling Green, she had a quarter-time assistantship where she worked in the music office, the curriculum lab, and Bowling Green High School teaching private voice lessons and leading sectionals for the choir. Rebekah also participated in operas such as Gilbert and Sullivan’s Princess Ida and Pirates of Penzance, Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow, and was cast in the role of Ida in Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. She also participated in the Opera Scenes program and played Rosalinda 1 in Act 2 of Die Fledermaus. Rebekah has received many awards and was a recipient of the Helen Sue Koether Music Memorial Scholarship, Briton Award, and Irene Bedient Scholarship as well as the Music History Award, and Voice Award. Rebekah’s future plans are to take a year off from school and freelance around the Midwest area, and then pursue an Artist’s Diploma.
David Govertsen
Sarastro
Chicago native David Govertsen recently completed his tenure as a member of the Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago where his mainstage assignments included roles in The Magic Flute, Boris Godunov, Werther and Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. He returned to Lyric this season to sing the Bonze in Madama Butterfly.
In addition to his work on the Lyric stage, this season Mr. Govertsen appeared as the Apparition in Macbeth with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Riccardo Muti. Other operatic highlights of the season include Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola with Candid Concert Opera, Zaccaria in Nabucco with da Corneto Opera, Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte with Petite Opera Productions, and the title role in Gianni Schicchi with Main Street Opera.
Mr. Govertsen made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2011 as the Herald in Otello with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Riccardo Muti. He is an alumnus of both the Santa Fe Opera and Central City Opera apprentice programs and holds degrees from Northwestern University, Northern Illinois University and the College of DuPage. Locally in Chicago he has performed dozens of roles, among them the title roles in Don Giovanni, Le Nozze di Figaro and Don Pasquale, the Four Villains/Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Sarastro/Die Zauberflöte, Colline/La Bohème, Basilio and Bartolo/Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Sparafucile/Rigoletto, Padre Guardiano/La Forza del Destino, Nick Shadow/The Rake's Progress, and Friedrich Bhaer/Little Women. Upcoming engagements include returns to Lyric and Santa Fe as well as a debut with Chicago Opera Theater.
Sarastro
Chicago native David Govertsen recently completed his tenure as a member of the Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago where his mainstage assignments included roles in The Magic Flute, Boris Godunov, Werther and Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. He returned to Lyric this season to sing the Bonze in Madama Butterfly.
In addition to his work on the Lyric stage, this season Mr. Govertsen appeared as the Apparition in Macbeth with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Riccardo Muti. Other operatic highlights of the season include Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola with Candid Concert Opera, Zaccaria in Nabucco with da Corneto Opera, Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte with Petite Opera Productions, and the title role in Gianni Schicchi with Main Street Opera.
Mr. Govertsen made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2011 as the Herald in Otello with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Riccardo Muti. He is an alumnus of both the Santa Fe Opera and Central City Opera apprentice programs and holds degrees from Northwestern University, Northern Illinois University and the College of DuPage. Locally in Chicago he has performed dozens of roles, among them the title roles in Don Giovanni, Le Nozze di Figaro and Don Pasquale, the Four Villains/Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Sarastro/Die Zauberflöte, Colline/La Bohème, Basilio and Bartolo/Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Sparafucile/Rigoletto, Padre Guardiano/La Forza del Destino, Nick Shadow/The Rake's Progress, and Friedrich Bhaer/Little Women. Upcoming engagements include returns to Lyric and Santa Fe as well as a debut with Chicago Opera Theater.
Sean Douglas
Monostatos & Armed Man
Sean Douglas, tenor, has performed such roles as Rodolfo in La bohème, Nadir in Les pêcheurs de perles, The Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto, Ferrando in Così fan tutte, Ernesto in Don Pasquale, and Noah in Children of Eden. Mr. Douglas has also been a featured soloist in such works as Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, and in Mozart’s Requiem. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Slippery Rock University, where he studied with Colleen Gray. Mr. Douglas is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at the Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College, under the tutelage of baritone Mitchell Hutchings.
Monostatos & Armed Man
Sean Douglas, tenor, has performed such roles as Rodolfo in La bohème, Nadir in Les pêcheurs de perles, The Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto, Ferrando in Così fan tutte, Ernesto in Don Pasquale, and Noah in Children of Eden. Mr. Douglas has also been a featured soloist in such works as Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, and in Mozart’s Requiem. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Slippery Rock University, where he studied with Colleen Gray. Mr. Douglas is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at the Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College, under the tutelage of baritone Mitchell Hutchings.
Gabriel Pang
Monostatos & Armed Man
Whether swearing revenge as Don Octavio, or engaging in comic moments as Torquamada, Singaporean tenor Gabriel Pang, just loves singing opera onstage!
Having moved to Boston in 2011 to pursue a Graduate Performance Diploma in Vocal Performance and Opera at Longy School of Music of Bard College, he has sung the role of Torquamada (Ravel's L'heure Espagnole), and partial roles like Don Octavio, Slender (Merry Wives of Windsor), Roldofo (La Bohème), Fritz (L'amico Fritz), Prunier (La Rondine), and Guillot (The Lantern Marriage).
Around the Boston region, Gabriel Pang has also sung in concerts for Longwood Opera and in opera choruses such as Odyssey Opera's debut production of Wagner's Rienzi, Boston Opera Collaborative's Cenerentola and La Bohème, and North End Music and Performing Arts Center's Carmen.
Gabriel is currently studying with Donna Roll, and coaches with Thomas Enman and Noriko Yasuda.
Monostatos & Armed Man
Whether swearing revenge as Don Octavio, or engaging in comic moments as Torquamada, Singaporean tenor Gabriel Pang, just loves singing opera onstage!
Having moved to Boston in 2011 to pursue a Graduate Performance Diploma in Vocal Performance and Opera at Longy School of Music of Bard College, he has sung the role of Torquamada (Ravel's L'heure Espagnole), and partial roles like Don Octavio, Slender (Merry Wives of Windsor), Roldofo (La Bohème), Fritz (L'amico Fritz), Prunier (La Rondine), and Guillot (The Lantern Marriage).
Around the Boston region, Gabriel Pang has also sung in concerts for Longwood Opera and in opera choruses such as Odyssey Opera's debut production of Wagner's Rienzi, Boston Opera Collaborative's Cenerentola and La Bohème, and North End Music and Performing Arts Center's Carmen.
Gabriel is currently studying with Donna Roll, and coaches with Thomas Enman and Noriko Yasuda.
Shelley Taxel
Queen of the Night
Shelley Taxel has most recently appeared as Ophelia in Ambroise Thomas' adaptation of Hamlet, and as Madame Herz in Mozart's comic singspiel, The Impresario, both at the Opera Training Institute of Chicago. She appeared as Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto for the Opera Institute of Chicago during the company’s inaugural season of 2010. And in 2011, Shelley appeared at the Beck Center for the Arts in Cleveland, OH as Andrea, The Valkyrie, and Archangel Michael in Jerry Springer the Opera. Shelley has also appeared as Lucia (Lucia di Lammermoor), Manon (Manon), Violetta (La Traviata), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), Erste Dame (Die Zauberflote), Arsena (The Gypsy Baron), First Touriere (Suor Angelica), in scenes programs for Operatic Adventures of Cleveland, Emerald City Opera Young Artist Institute, and The Cleveland Institute of Music. She appeared as Ms. Pinkerton at Emerald City Opera, and was cover to Laetitia (The Old Maid and the Thief) in the company’s 2009 season.
Shelley Taxel earned her M.M in Vocal Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and her B.M in Vocal Performance from Duquesne University. Notable instructors include Jane Eaglen, Tracy Watson, Sunny Joy Langton, and co-founder of the New Millennium Orchestra Francesco Milioto.
Queen of the Night
Shelley Taxel has most recently appeared as Ophelia in Ambroise Thomas' adaptation of Hamlet, and as Madame Herz in Mozart's comic singspiel, The Impresario, both at the Opera Training Institute of Chicago. She appeared as Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto for the Opera Institute of Chicago during the company’s inaugural season of 2010. And in 2011, Shelley appeared at the Beck Center for the Arts in Cleveland, OH as Andrea, The Valkyrie, and Archangel Michael in Jerry Springer the Opera. Shelley has also appeared as Lucia (Lucia di Lammermoor), Manon (Manon), Violetta (La Traviata), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), Erste Dame (Die Zauberflote), Arsena (The Gypsy Baron), First Touriere (Suor Angelica), in scenes programs for Operatic Adventures of Cleveland, Emerald City Opera Young Artist Institute, and The Cleveland Institute of Music. She appeared as Ms. Pinkerton at Emerald City Opera, and was cover to Laetitia (The Old Maid and the Thief) in the company’s 2009 season.
Shelley Taxel earned her M.M in Vocal Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and her B.M in Vocal Performance from Duquesne University. Notable instructors include Jane Eaglen, Tracy Watson, Sunny Joy Langton, and co-founder of the New Millennium Orchestra Francesco Milioto.
Brooke Tolley
Queen of the Night
Brooke Tolley is lyric coloratura soprano from Virginia. As a member of Opera Roanoke’s Young Artist Apprentice Program she made her professional debut as Kate Pinkerton in their production of Madama Butterfly in the spring of 2011, under the baton of Scott Williamson. Also as an Apprentice Artist, she has participated productions of Il Trovatore, Carmen, Der fliegende Holländer, and the Pirates of Penzance. As a recent Young Artist with Asheville Lyric Opera she performed four times a week for two months in a scenes and outreach program where she sang roles such as Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni), Frasquita (Carmen), Lakmé (Lakmé) and Musetta (La bohème) as well as covering the role of Carrie in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Carousel. In the fall of 2013, she returned to Opera Roanoke to cover The Queen of the Night in their production of The Magic Flute. Upcoming performances include the Plaintiff in Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera, Trial by Jury with Opera Roanoke and the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute with Chicago Summer Opera. Brooke holds a bachelor of music degree from Liberty University and a master of music degree from Radford University.
Queen of the Night
Brooke Tolley is lyric coloratura soprano from Virginia. As a member of Opera Roanoke’s Young Artist Apprentice Program she made her professional debut as Kate Pinkerton in their production of Madama Butterfly in the spring of 2011, under the baton of Scott Williamson. Also as an Apprentice Artist, she has participated productions of Il Trovatore, Carmen, Der fliegende Holländer, and the Pirates of Penzance. As a recent Young Artist with Asheville Lyric Opera she performed four times a week for two months in a scenes and outreach program where she sang roles such as Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni), Frasquita (Carmen), Lakmé (Lakmé) and Musetta (La bohème) as well as covering the role of Carrie in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Carousel. In the fall of 2013, she returned to Opera Roanoke to cover The Queen of the Night in their production of The Magic Flute. Upcoming performances include the Plaintiff in Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera, Trial by Jury with Opera Roanoke and the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute with Chicago Summer Opera. Brooke holds a bachelor of music degree from Liberty University and a master of music degree from Radford University.
Toni Esker
First Lady
Toni Esker, lyric soprano, is known for her expressive musicality and dark, rich tone. She recently had the pleasure of singing Giulietta in a new production of Tales of Hoffmann: Retold, with Opera Theater of Pittsburgh. Toni holds a Masters Degree in Voice Performance from Northwestern University where she studied with Sunny Joy Langton, Alan Darling, Ken Smith, and Richard Boldrey. While at Northwestern, Toni was seen as Zemfira in Aleko, First Gossip in The Ghosts of Versailles, First Spirit in The Magic Flute and was a finalist in the 2010 Concerto Competition. Toni also holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education from Eastern Illinois University where she was seen as Micaëla in Carmen and was a two time Concerto Competition winner. Toni has received multiple honors from competitions with NATS, Bel Canto Foundation in Chicago, and has also sung in master classes for acclaimed singers such as Eugene Perry and Mary Dunleavy. As a soloist in demand, Toni has also performed in Schubert’s Mass in C Major, and Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, Handle’s Messiah, and Vivaldi’s Gloria.
First Lady
Toni Esker, lyric soprano, is known for her expressive musicality and dark, rich tone. She recently had the pleasure of singing Giulietta in a new production of Tales of Hoffmann: Retold, with Opera Theater of Pittsburgh. Toni holds a Masters Degree in Voice Performance from Northwestern University where she studied with Sunny Joy Langton, Alan Darling, Ken Smith, and Richard Boldrey. While at Northwestern, Toni was seen as Zemfira in Aleko, First Gossip in The Ghosts of Versailles, First Spirit in The Magic Flute and was a finalist in the 2010 Concerto Competition. Toni also holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education from Eastern Illinois University where she was seen as Micaëla in Carmen and was a two time Concerto Competition winner. Toni has received multiple honors from competitions with NATS, Bel Canto Foundation in Chicago, and has also sung in master classes for acclaimed singers such as Eugene Perry and Mary Dunleavy. As a soloist in demand, Toni has also performed in Schubert’s Mass in C Major, and Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, Handle’s Messiah, and Vivaldi’s Gloria.
Andrea Hansen
First Lady
Originally hailing from the state of Washington, Andrea Hansen recently completed her Master’s degree in Voice Performance at Texas State University under the instruction of Brigitte Bellini. While completing her undergraduate at Central Washington University under the instruction of Gayla Blaisdell, Andrea performed as Laurie Moss in Aaron Copland’s The Tender Land and as Tatyana in the compelling finale of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin. In recent years, Andrea has had the great privilege of performing as Sadie from Carlisle Floyd’s first opera Slow Dusk, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, and Blanche de la Force in Dialogues of the Carmelites. In scenes productions, Andrea has performed as the title role in Floyd’s Susannah and as the temperamental Bianca in Vittorio Giannini’s sweeping adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew, both with Texas State Opera Theatre. Andrea is looking forward to making both her Chicago debut as the First Lady with Chicago Summer Opera, and her debut in Austin later this summer as Countess Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro with Spotlight on Opera.
First Lady
Originally hailing from the state of Washington, Andrea Hansen recently completed her Master’s degree in Voice Performance at Texas State University under the instruction of Brigitte Bellini. While completing her undergraduate at Central Washington University under the instruction of Gayla Blaisdell, Andrea performed as Laurie Moss in Aaron Copland’s The Tender Land and as Tatyana in the compelling finale of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin. In recent years, Andrea has had the great privilege of performing as Sadie from Carlisle Floyd’s first opera Slow Dusk, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, and Blanche de la Force in Dialogues of the Carmelites. In scenes productions, Andrea has performed as the title role in Floyd’s Susannah and as the temperamental Bianca in Vittorio Giannini’s sweeping adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew, both with Texas State Opera Theatre. Andrea is looking forward to making both her Chicago debut as the First Lady with Chicago Summer Opera, and her debut in Austin later this summer as Countess Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro with Spotlight on Opera.
Jamie Balter
Second Lady
Jamie Balter is thrilled to be making her debut with Chicago Summer Opera as Second Lady in Die Zauberflöte. Jamie is entering her senior year at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance, studying with mezzo-soprano, Robynne Redmon. Jamie has also been mentored at the Frost School of Music by bass-baritone, Kevin Short. Jamie has performed the following roles in scenes: Turn of the Screw (Mrs. Grose), Così fan tutte (Dorabella), Le Nozze di Figaro (Countess), Die Fledermaus (Prince Orlofsky), and Falstaff (Alice). In addition, Jamie has performed in Die Zauberflöte, Jackie O, and The Mikado. After this production, Jamie will be in the Young Victorian Opera Theatre’s production of The Gondoliers in Baltimore, Maryland.
Second Lady
Jamie Balter is thrilled to be making her debut with Chicago Summer Opera as Second Lady in Die Zauberflöte. Jamie is entering her senior year at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance, studying with mezzo-soprano, Robynne Redmon. Jamie has also been mentored at the Frost School of Music by bass-baritone, Kevin Short. Jamie has performed the following roles in scenes: Turn of the Screw (Mrs. Grose), Così fan tutte (Dorabella), Le Nozze di Figaro (Countess), Die Fledermaus (Prince Orlofsky), and Falstaff (Alice). In addition, Jamie has performed in Die Zauberflöte, Jackie O, and The Mikado. After this production, Jamie will be in the Young Victorian Opera Theatre’s production of The Gondoliers in Baltimore, Maryland.
Stephanie Greene
Second Lady
Stefanie Greene, mezzo-soprano, has impressed audiences throughout the Midwest with her dynamic performances. In addition to performing Zweite Dame in Die Zauberflote with Chicago Summer Opera, she will make her European debut as Frau Reich in Nikolai's Die Lustigen Wieber von Windsor with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar in July 2014. Notable opera roles include Mama McCourt/Augusta Tabor (Cover)/The Ballad of Baby Doe, Hippolyta/A Midsummer Night's Dream, Meg Page (cover)/Falstaff, and Nella/Gianni Schicchi, in addition to extensive operatic and musical theater repertoire at the University of Rochester, University of Illinois, and at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Scenes include Annio/La Clemenza di Tito, Marcellina/ Le Nozze di Figaro, Mallika/Lakme, and Donna Elvira/Don Giovanni. Young Artist training programs include the Westchester Summer Vocal Institute, Westminster Chamber Choir, and BASOTI (Bay Area Summer Opera Theater Institute). Ms. Greene is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Vocal Performance at North Park University, studying with Dr. Karen Bauer.
Second Lady
Stefanie Greene, mezzo-soprano, has impressed audiences throughout the Midwest with her dynamic performances. In addition to performing Zweite Dame in Die Zauberflote with Chicago Summer Opera, she will make her European debut as Frau Reich in Nikolai's Die Lustigen Wieber von Windsor with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar in July 2014. Notable opera roles include Mama McCourt/Augusta Tabor (Cover)/The Ballad of Baby Doe, Hippolyta/A Midsummer Night's Dream, Meg Page (cover)/Falstaff, and Nella/Gianni Schicchi, in addition to extensive operatic and musical theater repertoire at the University of Rochester, University of Illinois, and at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Scenes include Annio/La Clemenza di Tito, Marcellina/ Le Nozze di Figaro, Mallika/Lakme, and Donna Elvira/Don Giovanni. Young Artist training programs include the Westchester Summer Vocal Institute, Westminster Chamber Choir, and BASOTI (Bay Area Summer Opera Theater Institute). Ms. Greene is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Vocal Performance at North Park University, studying with Dr. Karen Bauer.
Kaitlin Galetti
Third Lady
Kaitlin Galetti, mezzo-soprano, is a passionate and deeply invested performer, completing both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Vocal Performance. Most recently, she performed Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Hermia in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Sally in A Hand of Bridge. Her supporting roles include Dritter knabe in Die Zauberflöte, Peep-Bo in The Mikado, and Flora in La traviata. She has also distinguished herself as a flexible and versatile performer, singing under the direction of multiple professional directors, such as Gary Briggle, Bill Theisen, and Georges Delnon. In 2010, Ms. Galetti took the stage in Milan, Italy singing Dorabella in the University of Iowa Mozart Festival’s production of Così fan tutte, where she performed under the direction of Joachim Rathke.
Equally important in her career is Ms. Galetti’s ensemble work. She has given multiple collaborative recitals, and sung with elite University Choirs. Currently, she is a member of Schola Cantorum, the professional sacred choir of The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, the Mosaic Vocal Ensemble, and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Chorus.
The continuously high caliber of Ms. Galetti’s academics and performances has earned her many awards. Her scholarships include the Harold Stark Music Award and Opera Fellowship award. She was also the recipient of the highly competitive Stanley Undergraduate Research award, as well as the Dean’s Merit Scholarship, which funded her studies abroad. Phi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society includes Ms. Galetti in their membership of distinguished students of music, since 2010.
Third Lady
Kaitlin Galetti, mezzo-soprano, is a passionate and deeply invested performer, completing both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Vocal Performance. Most recently, she performed Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Hermia in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Sally in A Hand of Bridge. Her supporting roles include Dritter knabe in Die Zauberflöte, Peep-Bo in The Mikado, and Flora in La traviata. She has also distinguished herself as a flexible and versatile performer, singing under the direction of multiple professional directors, such as Gary Briggle, Bill Theisen, and Georges Delnon. In 2010, Ms. Galetti took the stage in Milan, Italy singing Dorabella in the University of Iowa Mozart Festival’s production of Così fan tutte, where she performed under the direction of Joachim Rathke.
Equally important in her career is Ms. Galetti’s ensemble work. She has given multiple collaborative recitals, and sung with elite University Choirs. Currently, she is a member of Schola Cantorum, the professional sacred choir of The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, the Mosaic Vocal Ensemble, and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Chorus.
The continuously high caliber of Ms. Galetti’s academics and performances has earned her many awards. Her scholarships include the Harold Stark Music Award and Opera Fellowship award. She was also the recipient of the highly competitive Stanley Undergraduate Research award, as well as the Dean’s Merit Scholarship, which funded her studies abroad. Phi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society includes Ms. Galetti in their membership of distinguished students of music, since 2010.
Maegan Pollonais
Third Lady
Maegan Pollonais is a Mezzo-Soprano from the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean. Having excelled in the Biennial Music Festival of Trinidad and Tobago, she always nursed the hope that one day she would be able to continue her musical training. This hope was realized when she attended Plattsburgh State University of New York in 2008.
At SUNY Plattsburgh, Pollonais played the role of Second Lady in Purcell’s Baroque opera, “Dido and Aeneas”. She was also the soloist for many of the Champlain Valley Voices Concert series..Pollonais completed her bachelor’s degree in Sociology as well as Music in May 2012, where she was the recipient of a Louise H. Heisler Music Scholarship, Graduating Student Award in Jazz Performance, and Outstanding Performer. In May 2014, Pollonais graduated from Bowling Green State University with her master’s degree in Vocal Performance where she was offered the Winifred O. Stone Presidential Graduate Student Scholarship.
In the past, Pollonais has attended the OperaWork’s Emerging Young Artist Program in Los Angeles, California. In 2013 she also made her Canadian debut, at the renowned Vancouver Summer Opera Studio, as Marcellina in their production of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. This summer, Pollonais will be performing the role of Third Lady, in the Chicago Summer Opera’s production of Die Zauberflöte.
Third Lady
Maegan Pollonais is a Mezzo-Soprano from the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean. Having excelled in the Biennial Music Festival of Trinidad and Tobago, she always nursed the hope that one day she would be able to continue her musical training. This hope was realized when she attended Plattsburgh State University of New York in 2008.
At SUNY Plattsburgh, Pollonais played the role of Second Lady in Purcell’s Baroque opera, “Dido and Aeneas”. She was also the soloist for many of the Champlain Valley Voices Concert series..Pollonais completed her bachelor’s degree in Sociology as well as Music in May 2012, where she was the recipient of a Louise H. Heisler Music Scholarship, Graduating Student Award in Jazz Performance, and Outstanding Performer. In May 2014, Pollonais graduated from Bowling Green State University with her master’s degree in Vocal Performance where she was offered the Winifred O. Stone Presidential Graduate Student Scholarship.
In the past, Pollonais has attended the OperaWork’s Emerging Young Artist Program in Los Angeles, California. In 2013 she also made her Canadian debut, at the renowned Vancouver Summer Opera Studio, as Marcellina in their production of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. This summer, Pollonais will be performing the role of Third Lady, in the Chicago Summer Opera’s production of Die Zauberflöte.
Mary Herrod
First Boy
Mary Herrod is thrilled to be performing in The Magic Flute with Chicago Summer Opera. She is so thankful for this wonderful experience. Mary holds a bachelor’s in Theater from Millikin University in Decatur, IL and in May of 2012, received her Masters of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, MA. Since graduation, Mary has been teaching beginner singers at a local high school and trying to keep up her performing chops.
Mary is very thankful for her closest support system; grandmothers, parents, brothers, and fiancé. “To my family, "I love you from the bottom of my heart and am eternally grateful for all you do to encourage me. To Jeff, you are my best friend, an amazing cheerleader and have been an incredible light in darker times. You inspire me." Lastly, she would like to thank you for your support of live theater. We couldn't do it without you. Enjoy the show!
First Boy
Mary Herrod is thrilled to be performing in The Magic Flute with Chicago Summer Opera. She is so thankful for this wonderful experience. Mary holds a bachelor’s in Theater from Millikin University in Decatur, IL and in May of 2012, received her Masters of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, MA. Since graduation, Mary has been teaching beginner singers at a local high school and trying to keep up her performing chops.
Mary is very thankful for her closest support system; grandmothers, parents, brothers, and fiancé. “To my family, "I love you from the bottom of my heart and am eternally grateful for all you do to encourage me. To Jeff, you are my best friend, an amazing cheerleader and have been an incredible light in darker times. You inspire me." Lastly, she would like to thank you for your support of live theater. We couldn't do it without you. Enjoy the show!
Emily Cox
Second Boy
Emily Cox is a versatile performer who has been seen across the Midwest and Northern Colorado area. Ms. Cox has plentiful experience in musical theatre, opera and solo orchestral works. Her numerous roles in opera include Marian Paroo in Back Alley Musical's The Music Man, Donna Elvira in UNC Opera's production of Don Giovanni, Despina in the Greeley Philharmonic's production of Cosi fan tutte, Tanya in Loveland Opera Theater's Mamma Mia!, Nella in UNC's Gianni Schicci, Isabel in UNC's Pirates of Penzance, Suor Genovieffa in Operafestival di Roma's Suor Angelica, Contessa Almaviva in UE Opera's Le Nozze di Figaro, and Marianne in UE Opera’s Tartuffe. An enthusiastic supporter of new music, Emily was deeply involved in the world premiere of Previn Hudetz's opera Salem: 1692, in correlation with the Fort Collins Art Commission and the Bas Bleu Theater. Ms Cox directed, produced and starred as Margaret Scott in this production, and was deeply honored to be a part of it. Emily holds a Masters of Music from the University of Northern Colorado and Bachelor of Music Performance from the University of Evansville; she graduated from both establishments with honors.
Second Boy
Emily Cox is a versatile performer who has been seen across the Midwest and Northern Colorado area. Ms. Cox has plentiful experience in musical theatre, opera and solo orchestral works. Her numerous roles in opera include Marian Paroo in Back Alley Musical's The Music Man, Donna Elvira in UNC Opera's production of Don Giovanni, Despina in the Greeley Philharmonic's production of Cosi fan tutte, Tanya in Loveland Opera Theater's Mamma Mia!, Nella in UNC's Gianni Schicci, Isabel in UNC's Pirates of Penzance, Suor Genovieffa in Operafestival di Roma's Suor Angelica, Contessa Almaviva in UE Opera's Le Nozze di Figaro, and Marianne in UE Opera’s Tartuffe. An enthusiastic supporter of new music, Emily was deeply involved in the world premiere of Previn Hudetz's opera Salem: 1692, in correlation with the Fort Collins Art Commission and the Bas Bleu Theater. Ms Cox directed, produced and starred as Margaret Scott in this production, and was deeply honored to be a part of it. Emily holds a Masters of Music from the University of Northern Colorado and Bachelor of Music Performance from the University of Evansville; she graduated from both establishments with honors.
Emily Byrne
Third Boy
Emily K. Byrne is an “impressive vocalist” with a diverse range of performance credits. Ms. Byrne’s portrayal of The Mother in Long Leaf Opera’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors and was hailed as “…the show’s unifying force in the vocal department.” This spring, Ms. Byrne was fortunate enough to perform the role of Cherubino with OPERAnauts in their production of FANDANGO, a retelling of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. Ms. Byrne has spent the past two summers working with Delaware Valley Opera Company (Pa) as part of their summer season. Past performances with DVOC have included Ciao Ciao San’s Mother in Madame Butterfly, Katchen in Werther, Theresa in La Sonnambula, and Countess Ceprano in Rigoletto. This summer, she will return to the DVOC stage as Mercedes in Bizet’s Carmen. Ms. Byrne’s other favorite roles include The Medium (Ms. Gobineau), The Old Maid and the Thief (Miss Pinkerton), and A Shipwrecked Opera (The Ocean). Ms. Byrne also spent two seasons with College Light Opera Company (CLOC) in The Mikado (Pitti-Sing), My Fair Lady (Mrs. Eyensford-Hill), Annie Get Your Gun (Dolly Tate) and The Pirates of Penzance (Kate). For more information, please visit emilykbyrne.com.
Third Boy
Emily K. Byrne is an “impressive vocalist” with a diverse range of performance credits. Ms. Byrne’s portrayal of The Mother in Long Leaf Opera’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors and was hailed as “…the show’s unifying force in the vocal department.” This spring, Ms. Byrne was fortunate enough to perform the role of Cherubino with OPERAnauts in their production of FANDANGO, a retelling of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. Ms. Byrne has spent the past two summers working with Delaware Valley Opera Company (Pa) as part of their summer season. Past performances with DVOC have included Ciao Ciao San’s Mother in Madame Butterfly, Katchen in Werther, Theresa in La Sonnambula, and Countess Ceprano in Rigoletto. This summer, she will return to the DVOC stage as Mercedes in Bizet’s Carmen. Ms. Byrne’s other favorite roles include The Medium (Ms. Gobineau), The Old Maid and the Thief (Miss Pinkerton), and A Shipwrecked Opera (The Ocean). Ms. Byrne also spent two seasons with College Light Opera Company (CLOC) in The Mikado (Pitti-Sing), My Fair Lady (Mrs. Eyensford-Hill), Annie Get Your Gun (Dolly Tate) and The Pirates of Penzance (Kate). For more information, please visit emilykbyrne.com.
Sol Jin
Speaker
Sol Jin, first-year Master’s student at Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Maitland Peters, baritone Sol Jin has been praised for his “warm rich sound” and “impressive stage presence” (Voce di meche). Previous credits include Le nozze di Figaro (Il Conte) and Cosi fan tutte with Yonsei University. Scene work includes Rigoletto (Rigoletto) and La Boheme (Marcello) with Yonsei University, and Die Zauberflote(Papageno) and Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Figaro) with Staats Oper Hannover. Mr. Sol was the recipient of the Dean’s scholarship as an undergraduate and is currently the recipient of the Edgar Foster Daniels Scholarship in Voice. He won first prize in the 2010 Korean Herald Music Competition. Recent performing credits at Manhattan School of Music include Hansel und Gretel (Peter), with Thomas Muraco’s Opera Repertoire Ensemble, and MSM Opera Theater’s 2013 production of The Mother of Us All (Chorus).
Speaker
Sol Jin, first-year Master’s student at Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Maitland Peters, baritone Sol Jin has been praised for his “warm rich sound” and “impressive stage presence” (Voce di meche). Previous credits include Le nozze di Figaro (Il Conte) and Cosi fan tutte with Yonsei University. Scene work includes Rigoletto (Rigoletto) and La Boheme (Marcello) with Yonsei University, and Die Zauberflote(Papageno) and Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Figaro) with Staats Oper Hannover. Mr. Sol was the recipient of the Dean’s scholarship as an undergraduate and is currently the recipient of the Edgar Foster Daniels Scholarship in Voice. He won first prize in the 2010 Korean Herald Music Competition. Recent performing credits at Manhattan School of Music include Hansel und Gretel (Peter), with Thomas Muraco’s Opera Repertoire Ensemble, and MSM Opera Theater’s 2013 production of The Mother of Us All (Chorus).
