Hänsel und Gretel
Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 7:30 PM
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At a woodcutter's house on the edge of the forest, Hansel and Gretel play while their parents are out. Their mother returns and accidentally knocks over the milk jug that contains the last sustenance in the house. Furious, she sends both children out into the forest to look for strawberries. Their father comes home to find them missing, and warns his wife about the dangers of the witch in the forest. They set out in search of them. Meanwhile, Hansel and Gretel have become lost, and go to sleep guarded by angels. In the morning they wake up to discover a house made of gingerbread in the vicinity. They soon come across the owner – the witch – who proceeds to turn Gretel into a servant and starts fattening Hansel for the oven. Just before she can place him inside, the children turn the tables and shove her in instead. They free the other child-victims (who have become gingerbread-children) in time for their parents to arrive and lead them in a hymn of thanks.
Amber Farish - Hänsel
Amber recently received her Master’s degree in May in Vocal Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign. This past spring she collaborated with the Illinois Modern Ensemble in performing Variations on a Summer Day by Harold Meltzer, conducted by Dr. Julie Jordan Gunn, and then the staged premiere of the 22-minute opera “Letters from Quebec to Providence in the Rain” by Jeremy Gill. Her credits in the opera scenes program at UIUC include “Angelina” from La Cenerentola, “Isaac” from Britten’s Canticle II, and “Hansel” from Hansel and Gretel. On the mainstage she has covered “Baker’s Wife” from Into the Woods and has appeared as “Praskowia” in Die Lustige Witwe. Before moving to Illinois Amber earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Her opera credits there include “Terentia” in Captain Lovelock, “Prince Orlofsky” in Act II of Die Fledermaus, and covered “Meg Page” in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Other solo concert credits include J.S. Bach’s Magnificat and Cantata 68, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, J.C. Bach’s Magnificat, Schubert’s Mass in G, and Puccini’s Credo. Amber currently lives in Illinois teaching voice at The Music Shoppe in Champaign.
Kaitlin Galetti - Hänsel
Kaitlin Galetti, mezzo-soprano, is a passionate and deeply invested performer, completing both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Vocal Performance. She is pleased to be joining Chicago Summer Opera for another season, having performed as Dritter Dame in their production of Die Zauberflöte in 2013. Most recently, she also performed Cherubino in ConcertIA’s inaugural performance of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Idamante in Idomeneo, Hermia in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Sally in A Hand of Bridge. Her supporting roles include Peep-Bo in The Mikado, and Flora in La traviata. She has also distinguished herself as a flexible and versatile performer, supplementing her performance schedule as a member of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s Chorus. In 2010, Ms. Galetti took the stage in Milan, Italy singing Dorabella in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, where she performed under the direction of acclaimed German director Joachim Rathke. The continuously high caliber of Ms. Galetti’s academics and performances has earned her many awards and scholarships. Phi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society also include Ms. Galetti in their membership of distinguished students of music, since 2010.
Sarah Draffen - Gretel
Soprano Sarah Draffen returns to Chicago Summer Opera for her second session this summer. Last season on the CSO stage, she was seen in the role of Alms Sister in Puccini's Suor Angelica, and also covered the role of Monica in Menotti's The Medium. Having received her degree in December, she holds both and bachelors and masters degree in vocal performance from the University of Northern Iowa, where her previous credits include Anne Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor by Otto Nicolai, Papagena in Mozart's the Magic Flute, and First Knitter in Seymour Barab's A Game of Chance. Sarah is excited to be playing the role of Gretel this summer in Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck.
Alexis Gill - Gretel
Soprano Alexis Gill is thrilled to be joining Chicago Summer Opera performing the role of Gretel in "Hänsel und Gretel." Alexis was most recently seen singing the role of Carmen in The Tragedy of Carmen with Baldwin Wallace Opera and was noted for being “Carmen down to her fingernails: seductive and inconstant, with a sultry voice to match” (Cleveland Classical). Alexis's operatic debut was in her hometown of Louisville, KY as a chorus member in Kentucky Opera's production of “Carmen” in 2011 and later as Jou Jou in “The Merry Widow”, 2012. Some of Alexis's roles while studying at BW include two summers in France with the Franco-American Vocal Academy as Guadelena in "La Perichole" and Helene in "La Belle Helene", and with BW Opera as the Dew Fairy (Hansel and Gretel) and Serpetta (La Finta Giardiniera). Alexis also holds credits from the Russian Opera Workshop held at the Academy of Vocal Arts, SongFest held at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, and OperaWorks held in Northridge, California. Alexis received her BM from Baldwin Wallace in Spring 2016 and will pursue her master’s degree in Opera and Voice Performance at Northwestern University: Bienen School of Music this fall.
LaRob Payton - Peter
A native of Temple Hills, Maryland baritone, LaRob K. Payton is a recent finalist in the Chicago Music Association, Br. 1, NANM, Inc.’s Art Song Competition, and is continuing his vocal studies with Michael Sylvester. He has performed leading roles in DePaul Opera Theatre’s main-stage productions including Pistola (Falstaff), Superintendent Budd (Albert Herring), Colline (La Boheme), Giove (La Calisto), and Thoas (Iphigenie en Tauride), and studied with world-renowned teachers, directors, and coaches, including Michael Sylvester, Marc Embree, Harry Silverstein, Steven Mosteller, and Loren Meeker. LaRob has been offered many musical opportunity’s including traveling to study language, culture and music in Urbania, Italy (Musica Nelle Marche) performing with the DePaul Chamber Orchestra (Des Knaben Wunderhorn, Mahler), Haymarket Opera Company (Seneca, Poppea/Monteverdi) and many other fore-coming opportunities to advance his vocal training and studies. A recent graduate of DePaul University where he received a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance, he is quoted saying “Classical music kind of came out of nowhere and changed my life so, I’m just happy I was chosen to be a medium for authentic human expression and be able to give that back.” LaRob continues to sing around the Chicago-area and hopes to gain healthy experience as a Young Artist before and after continuing his studies in a graduate program.
Trevor Vanderzee - Peter
Trained at Depaul University School of Music, baritone Trevor Vanderzee is actively involved in Chicago's opera scene.He has appeared in roles such as Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, Sergeant Tiger Brown in Threepenny Opera, as well as Don Parmenione in L’Occasione fa il Ladro and Dr. Falke Die Fledermaus to name a few. In the near future he will be seen performing the role of Belcore in Elixer of Love with Opera for the Young.
Additionally, Trevor’s passion for musical theatre has led him to perform roles like Fred in Kiss Me Kate, Prince Christopher in Cinderella, Gerry Evans in Dancing at Lughnasa, and Bert Healy in Annie. His insatiable drive to learn and perform has led him to participate in various choruses as well as A Cappella groups.
Proficient in Italian, Trevor recently returned from Italy after participating in the program Musica Nelle Marche. Before this, he was the music director of Tocaloma Summer Day Camp in Santa Monica, CA where he taught children of various ages and created curriculum. He plans to continue his passion for teaching and performing next year through Opera for the Young. This spring, Trevor completed his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance.
Additionally, Trevor’s passion for musical theatre has led him to perform roles like Fred in Kiss Me Kate, Prince Christopher in Cinderella, Gerry Evans in Dancing at Lughnasa, and Bert Healy in Annie. His insatiable drive to learn and perform has led him to participate in various choruses as well as A Cappella groups.
Proficient in Italian, Trevor recently returned from Italy after participating in the program Musica Nelle Marche. Before this, he was the music director of Tocaloma Summer Day Camp in Santa Monica, CA where he taught children of various ages and created curriculum. He plans to continue his passion for teaching and performing next year through Opera for the Young. This spring, Trevor completed his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance.
Angeline Petronijevic - Gertrud
Soprano Angeline Petronijevic is excited to be performing with the CSO this summer as Gertrud in Hansel und Gretel. Angeline will be starting her third year at Chicago College of Performing Arts earning her Bachelors in opera studies under the direction of Cynthia Clarey. She will be performing the role of Monica from Menotti’s The Medium in CCPA’s next annual opera in February 2017. She began her studies in California and performed with the International Opera Institute in the role of Santuzza in Mascagni’s Cavallaria Rusticana and with The Pollock Theatre as Dorabella in Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte and Prince Orlofsky in Strauss’s Die Fledermaus. Angeline was hired at the age of 21 at Opera San Jose. She débuted at OSJ as a Lay Sister in Puccini’s Suor Angelica then as a cover for Inez in Il Trovatore by Verdi. She performed in their outreach program as Ernesto in John Davies’s anti bullying opera, The Billy Goats Gruff. Angeline spent the summer of 2016 in Florence Italy performing and studying with the Bel Canto Institute learning the role of Mimi from Puccini’s La Boheme. Her hard work, kindness, and dedication have earned her many scholarships, awards, and concert opportunities.
Dilara Unsal - Gertrud
Unsal was born in Anatolia. She graduated from the Opera Studies department of Istanbul University in 2012. As an opera student, she performed Hannchen, her first lead role, in A. Lortzing’s “Die Opernprobe” in Süreyya Opera in 2009. The following year, she successfully performed two other roles; Belinda in H. Purcell’s "Dido & Aeneas" and Konstanze from W. A. Mozart’s "The Abduction from the Seraglio". Ms. Unsal was the recipient of a high-achievement award to perform a recital with the Istanbul Philharmony Orchestra. She mesmerized Istanbul audience with her performance as Mimi in G. Puccini’s "La Boheme". Antonia from J. Offenbach’s "The Tales of Hoffmann", Countess Almaviva from W. A. Mozart’s "Marriage of Figaro" and Michaela from G. Bizet's "Carmen" are other performed roles that belong to her expanding repertoire. Ms. Unsal will be making her New York debut with Manhattan Opera Studio Summer Festival as Gertrud in E. Humperdinck’s "Hänsel und Gretel.
Jessica Hiltabidle - The Witch
Jessica Hiltabidle, mezzo soprano, has most recently been seen onstage as Marcellina in The Marriage of Figaro with Opera Theater of Pittsburgh's Summerfest. While in Pittsburgh, she additionally covered the role of Older Alice in the world premiere of A New Kind of Fallout by Gilda Lyons, as well as contributing to several recitals. Also in 2015, Jessica appeared with Chicago Summer Opera as Madame Flora in The Medium and La zelatrice in Suor Angelica. Prior roles include Laura in Tchaikovsky's Iolanta and Gherardino in Gianni Schicchi. Jessica holds a masters degree in voice performance and pedagogy from Westminster Choir College.
Julie Kremm - The Sandman
Light-lyric coloratura Julie Kremm is easily recognizable for her petite frame and larger-than life quirky personality on and off stage. At home in both the opera and musical theatre worlds, her comfortable, warm low range and bright, easy upper extension provide her with the flexibility to tackle nearly any role or crazy melisma thrown her way. Julie sang her first opera as the Mother in Amahl and The Night Visitors when she was 17 in a local program and knew she had found her calling. She pursued her first degree at West Chester University of PA, singing Blonde in Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Just Jeanette in Too Many Sopranos, and even sang the mezzo Announcer in Gallantry for a special performance. She received her master’s degree from West Virginia University, where she was best known for her Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro. She is a founding member of Berks Opera Company and has numerous roles to her credit as part of their productions. Favorite roles have included Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Musetta in La boheme and most recently, Adele in Die Fledermaus. Julie currently works fulltime for JWPepper and maintains a small studio of voice students. She frequently volunteers her time and skills performing for special events on the Colebrookdale Railroad, a historical tourism line in her hometown Boyertown, PA as well as other events to support arts and local charities.
Amanda Menzie - The Sandman
Amanda Menzie, soprano, from Katy, Texas, is a master’s student at Northwestern University studying with W. Stephen Smith. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, studying music and pre-medicine. She previously performed the role of Mrs. Hayes in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah with the Northwestern University Opera Theater, as well as the role of Laurette in Bizet’s Doctor Miracle with the Northwestern University Chamber Opera Initiative. During her time at UT, she performed the role of Dater #3 in Michael Ching’s Speed Dating Tonight!, was a member of the chorus in numerous shows, performed the role of Beth in an excerpt from Mark Adamo’s Little Women, and performed the role of Cleopatra in an excerpt from Handel’s Giulio Cesare. She is excited to be a part of Chicago Summer Opera’s production of Hänsel und Gretel as the Sandman.
Haley Vick - The Dewfairy
Haley Vick is a recent graduate from Roosevelt University CCPA. She has performed the roles of Belinda in “Dido and Aeneas” and Calisto in “La Calisto.” Haley has also competed in NATS achieving third place and has made it to the semi-finals of the Classical Singer Competition. She is excited to be making her Chicago Summer Opera debut as the Dew Fairy in “Hansel und Gretel.”
Megan Orticelli- The Dewfairy
Soprano Megan Orticelli is a rising senior at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, where she will graduate with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice Performance. Recently, she has performed in Northwestern Undergraduate Opera’s production of Puccini’s Suor Angelica as Suor Genovieffa. Her past credits include Ethel in Jake Heggie’s Again, Grace Davis in Kurt Weill’s Street Scene, as well as Despina in scenes from Mozart’s Così fan tutte, and Lauretta in scenes from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. In the summer of 2014, Megan studied with Jake Heggie and Libby Larson at the Los Angeles Art Song Festival, Songfest, as well as the LA Opera sponsored cabaret “Hooray for Hollywood” with the lauded composer and pianist John Musto. In March 2016, Megan placed first in the Chicago NAT’s Competition as a student of Theresa Brancaccio. Megan currently resides in Northbrook, IL, and is a regular singer at Monastero’s Ristorante and Banquets in Chicago
Lauren Gibson - Gretel Cover & Scenes
Soprano Lauren Gibson has performed in many Southeastern Louisiana University productions in the past few years. Some of her roles have included Johanna Barker in Sweeney Todd, Peep-Bo in the Mikado, and Laurie in a scenes production of The Tender Land. Ms. Gibson has also been featured as a soloist in Southeastern Louisiana University's performances of Handel's Messiah and Vivaldi's Gloria. Lauren most recently sang the soprano solo in Southeastern Louisiana University's performance of Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass. She is currently pursuing her final year of undergraduate studies in vocal music at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana.
Alexandra Jacobs - Gertrud Cover & Scenes
Alexandra Jacobs, Soprano, is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She is thrilled to be singing with the Chicago Summer Opera in her hometown. Miss Jacobs holds a Bachelor of Music degree with an outside field in Business from Stetson University, where she studied with Mezzo-soprano Jane Christeson. With the Stetson University Opera Theatre, she covered the role of Elettra in Mozart’s Idomeneo. In the of summer 2015, Miss Jacobs performed with the San Miguel Institute of Bel Canto in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and performed opera scenes as Musetta from Puccini's La Bohème and Nedda from Leoncavallo's Pagliacci. This fall, she will begin pursuing her Master of Music degree in Voice Performance at The Boston Conservatory.
Elizabeth Stuk - The Dewfairy Cover & Scenes
Elizabeth Stuk, Soprano, is an Atlanta, GA native currently singing in the Washington D.C. area. This past spring Elizabeth charmed audiences with her sparkling coloratura and great comedic timing as Adina in Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’amore. During the summer of 2015, Elizabeth was featured in the roles of Lucy (The Telephone), Geraldine (A Hand of Bridge), Mrs. Schroedinger (Quantum Mechanic) with the Boston based Opera Espresso. Other roles with the Longy Opera Studio include Annina (The Saint of Bleecker Street) and Simpkin the Cat (The Tailor of Gloucester). Elizabeth studied and presented extensive scenes from the roles Manon Lescaut, Susannah Polk, Violetta, Oscar, and Marie. As a Studio Artist with Atlanta Opera, she performed as Little Red in the outreach opera The Knightly News, and participated in the Atlanta Opera’s 24 hour Opera Project. Professional chorus work with The Atlanta Opera includes Faust, La Traviata, Carmen, Tosca, and The Golden Ticket, recorded and released by Albany Records. She received her a Master of Music in Opera Performance from The Longy School of Music of Bard College as a student of Donna Roll, her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Westminster Choir College, and is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy.
Emma Teitelbaum - The Witch Cover & Scenes
Mezzo-soprano Emma Teitelbaum is a Brooklyn native currently studying at Mannes Conservatory. She has been a passionate musician since childhood, attended LaGuardia Arts High School, and couldn't be more excited to making her operatic debut with Chicago Summer Opera. Her recent performances include scene excerpts as Annio of La Clemenza di Tito, Mercédès of Carmen, Orfeo of Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice, Giovanna of Rigoletto, The Child of L'enfant et les sortilèges, Charlotte of Werther, Bradamante of Alcina, and Sesto of Giulio Cesare. Emma studies with Beth Roberts-Sebek.
Gwen Baier - Scenes
Gwen Baier is ecstatic to be working with Chicago Summer Opera! She recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music Performance from Marywood University where she studied under the direction of Ellen Rutkowski and Dr. Rick Hoffenberg. Gwen has been in several productions; her favorites include: The Magic Flute (Chorus/Papagena), A Little Music (Anne Egerman), Dido and Aenas (Second Attendant), Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Larkin), and The Sound of Music (Ensemble). Gwen has worked with several well-known vocalists in master classes including: Ruth Drucker, Rebecca Turner, Kevin Crewell and Michael Chioldi. She currently resides in Archbald, Pennsylvania, where she teaches at Scranton Music Academy and The North Pocono Academy of Performing Arts. Gwen plans to continue her education in the fall to earn a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance. She is appreciative of all the support she has received from her family, friends, former colleagues and vocal/instrumental coaches.
Christina Bernardoni - Scenes
Mezzo-soprano Christina Bernardoni is known for her generous and golden-hued voice. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) and is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Performance and Literature from the University of Western Ontario, studying with Patricia Green. In 2009, she was the winner of the Junior Division for the Chicago Bel Canto Italian Opera Competition, and has given several recitals in the Chicago area. Christina gave her European debut with La Musica Lirica in Italy, singing the roles of Suzuki (Madama Butterfly) and Zita (Gianni Schicchi). Last fall, she was the recipient of the London Opera Guild Scholarship. She recently appeared as a featured soloist in the Don Wright Faculty of Music Opera Gala, singing Carmen.
Brian Gonzalez - Scenes
Praised for his “vocal power” and his acting, Mexican American tenor, Brian González, is an active performer in the Boston area. He earned his MM in Opera from the Longy School of Music of Bard College and his BS in Music-Vocal Performance at Southern Adventist University. He recently premiered the role of Eugene in the Last Call with NANOWorks Opera, he also performed in the New England premiere of The Seagull as Medvedenko. Other roles include Marco Palmieri from The Gondoliers, Robert from Hin und züruck, Hadji from Lakmé, Frederic from The Pirates of Penzance, Tom Snout/Wall from Midsummer Night's Dream, El Remendado from Carmen, Basilio from Le nozze di Figaro, and Alidoro from Orontea. Other orchestral performances include a scene concert with Longy’s orchestra, conducted by Julian Pellicano, and as a soloist with Southern Adventist University’s Orchestra and Chorus in Bach's Magnificat in D Major, as well as in Haydn's Missa in Tempore Belli, under the baton of Laurie Redmer Minner. He also recently performed as the tenor soloist in the Messiah with the Weston United Methodist Church. González has attended prestigious summer programs like the Land of Enchantment Opera Institute in New Mexico and the University of Miami Frost School of Music’s summer program in Salzburg, Austria. He has studied under Dr. Gennevieve Brown-Kibble, Donna Roll, Allan Glassman, Peter Strummer, and Justin Petersen; and has coached under Noriko Yasuda, Julian Reed, Beth Nielsen, and Thomas Enman.
Justine Scarbrough - Scenes
Justine Scarbrough, soprano, recently completed her M.M. from DePaul University, where she studied with Jane Bunnell and Elizabeth Byrne. Her roles in DePaul Opera Theatre include La Musica in Monteverdi’s Orfeo and Rosalinde (cover) in Die Fledermaus. Partial roles include the Countess (Le Nozze di Figaro), First Lady (Die Zauberflöte), Antonia (Les Contes d’Hoffmann) and the Marschallin (Der Rosenkavalier). She was an Encouragement Award recipient at the 2013 ND District Met Opera Council Auditions, and a soloist and chorus member with the Fargo-Moorhead Opera Company during her undergraduate years at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. While at Concordia she was also a soloist in the renowned Concordia Choir under conductor and composer René Clausen. Justine is passionate about outreach and music education, and hopes to use her role as a young emerging soprano to share her love of opera and musical theatre with children.
Rene Vasquez - Scenes
Rene Vazquez, tenor, is currently pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX where he is a student of Dr. Jammieca D. Mott. He has performed the roles of the Tree Frog in L’enfant et les sortileges, Pluto in Orpheus in the Underworld, and John Styx in Orpheus in the Underworld. Rene has also been featured in opera scenes as Nadir in Les pêcheurs de perles, Fenton in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus, Martin in Tender Land, Sam in Street Scene, Cyril in Princess Ida, The Duke in Patience, Marco in The Gondoliers, Ciccio in The Most Happy Fella, and Herman in The Most Happy Fella. He has also covered the roles of First Sailor in Dido and Aeneas, Spirit in Dido and Aeneas, and Dr. Blind in Die Fledermaus. In addition, he has performed as a soloist in works such as Mozart’s Missa Brevis in F Major, Handel's The Messiah, Goodall’s Eternal Light: A Requiem, Britten’s Hymn to St. Cecilia, Charpentier’s Messe de minuit pour Noël, as well as Schütz’s Musikalische Exequien. Rene has also been a semi-finalist in the 2014 Texoma NATS Vocal Competition, as well as a winner in the 2015 Greater Houston NATS Vocal Competition.