Annapolis Opera 36th Annual Vocal Competition Program

COMPETITION
SUNDAY
MAY 5, 2024 at 3PM
MARYLAND HALL

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A MESSAGE FROM
the President
As I referenced in the notes for this year’s
Voices of Our Time concert, the vision
statement of the Annapolis Opera Company
includes these words, “a vehicle for the
development of emerging performing arts
professionals.” This is the heartbeat that
drives our work and nowhere is it more on
display than in our Annual Vocal Competition.
I hope you were at the concert to hear four
of our past Vocal Competition winners: tenor
Lawrence Barasa, soprano Katerina Burton,
mezzo-soprano Winona Martin, and bass-baritone Jason Zacher. If
you were, it’s clear why they were winners in past years.
This year’s competition will showcase similar budding stars on
the opera stage. Our Artistic Director, Craig Kier, likens opera to
the Olympics of vocal performance. Opera singers study for years
to develop their technique, musicality, and vocal stamina while
also developing stunning dynamic control. It’s a celebration of the
mastery of the un-amplified human voice in all its glory.
The performers who’ve made it to our stage have already surpassed
the hundreds who applied. The competition just to be here is fierce
and they are all to be applauded for their commitment to their
artistry and ultimate goals.
The Vocal Competition is a delightful afternoon of music performance,
and we can make it free every year because of the generosity of our
supporters. If you are not yet in that number, we hope you’ll be
moved to join us after today’s concert.
Bravi to the winners and to those of us who support them.
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen
President
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A MESSAGE FROM
the Maestro
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the
final round of the Annual Annapolis Opera
Vocal Competition. This event—a long
held audience favorite!—brings our 23-24
Annapolis Opera season to a close.
For 36 years, Annapolis Opera has supported
emerging artists through this competition
which has cultivated generations of young
artists, connecting them to audiences
and industry professionals while also
providing crucial financial support. This
year, we heard 321 singers in the first round, 35 singers in the semifinalist
round—both of which were virtual—and this weekend, look
forward to welcoming the 8 finalists to Annapolis. Joining me to
adjudicate today are Justina Lee, Annapolis Opera Artistic Advisor
and Associate Artistic Director for Vocal Arts at The Juilliard School,
and Lee Anne Myslewski, Vice President for Opera and Classical
Programming at the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.
The finalists, in addition to receiving guaranteed prize money, will
have the opportunity for feedback from the judges as they continue
their well-deserved ascent in the profession.
Enjoy today’s competition and I look forward to welcoming you back
to Annapolis Opera next fall for our 52nd season!
Craig Kier
Artistic and Music Director
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen, President
Kathryn Dahl, Vice President
Michael Lehr, Treasurer
Paula Abernethy, Secretary
Betty Austin
Georgianna Crosby
Thomas DeKornfeld
Richard Hack
Richard Krimm
Cary Melnyk
Andrew Noel
Melissa Osmond
Kimberly Ross Page
Lyn Songy
William Tham
Martin P. Wasserman
Robert Young
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Hon. Westley Moore, Governor of Maryland
Hon. Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County Executive
Hon. Gavin Buckley, Mayor, City of Annapolis
Dr. Nora V. Demleitner, President, St. John’s College, Annapolis
Dr. Dawn Lindsay, President, Anne Arundel Community College
ADVISORY TRUSTEES
Anna Greenberg
Leah Solat
David Stern
LIFT EVERY VOICE TRUSTEES
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen Patsy Blackshear
Betty Austin
Terry Eberhardt
STAFF
Craig Kier, Artistic and Music Director
Kathy Swekel, General Director
Justina Lee, Artistic Advisor
Victoria Mangum, Artistic Programs Manager
Maura Dullea, Operations and Marketing Associate
Christopher J. Hartung, Administrative Assistant
Rachel Buxton, Graphic Design
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ANNAPOLIS AREA ATTORNEYS
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Robert J. Kim
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support the Opera
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THE ENCORE SOCIETY
The Encore Society acknowledges the generosity of those who have made
an important commitment to leave a lasting legacy of live opera in Annapolis
through their estate. Planned gifts are a powerful way to make an ongoing
impact on the cultural life of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, and the
Annapolis Opera is grateful for the many donors who have chosen to include
us in their estate plans.
Not only do members enjoy access to exclusive events, but these gifts
have the potential to provide valuable tax and income benefits now and
in the future.*
Contact Kathy Swekel: 410.267.8135 | kswekel@annapolisopera.org
*Please consult with your financial or legal advisor to determine which
type of gift is best for you.
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2024
2025
SEASON
THE BARBER
OF SEVILLE
TROUBLE IN
TAHITI
LA TRAVIATA
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ANNAPOLISOPERA.ORG
410.267.8135

Ruby Society
The Ruby Society
The Ruby So
The Annapolis Opera is proud to recognize the members of The Ruby
Society who, through their generosity, have committed to keeping worldclass
opera in Annapolis. They are passionate about the power of great
music to enrich the cultural life of our community. They appreciate the
importance of opportunities for people of all ages to experience the
magic of live opera performances, and have given generously to ensure
it’s future.
“We support the opera because the programs presented have enriched
our lives in many ways. In addition, we want to encourage and support the
community connections that are created through this art form.”
– Susan Zimmerman & William Tham
“We believe that supporting the opera and it’s mission to help the
next generation of performers reach their potential enriches all
of Annapolis.” – David and Carol Stern
The Ruby Society honors those donors who support the opera with a gift
of $30,000 or more over a three-year period. Ruby Society members enjoy
special benefits and access to special events throughout the season.
Contact Kathy Swekel at the Annapolis Opera office, 410.267.8135, for
more information about The Ruby Society and how you can join.
members
MEMBERS
ROBERT & LORRAINE
VOM SAAL
PETE & JANE
CHAMBLISS
MEMBERS
COLLEEN & LESTER
PROSSER
THE HELENA
FOUNDATION
NORMAN FISHER
& DORIS FISHER
FOUNDATION
SUSAN ZIMMERMAN
& WILLIAM THAM
DAVID & CAROL
STERN
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MARTHA & JOHN
SCHWIETERS

with Gratitude
Leah Solat joined the Board of Trustees in 2003
and has served in numerous capacities: as a
Trustee, Advisory Trustee, and as board President
twice, a remarkable record of dedication to the
opera company. She has been a chair or co-chair
of many committees including the Development,
Marketing, Volunteer and Auditions Committee,
and most recently the 50th Anniversary
Committee.
But Leah’s pet project has been the Annual Vocal
Competition, where she has been responsible for
all aspects of planning and executing the contest,
including securing judges for the three rounds
of competition, organizing the contestants’
applications, materials, and recordings, and
securing the prize money for the awards. Since becoming the Chair of the
competition committee, Leah has raised approximately $185,000 in cash
awards benefiting more than 110 finalists over the past fourteen years.
Under her leadership, Leah raised the bar of the competition in prizes
awarded and elevated the quality of the judging and participants to a level
recognized nationwide.
After 22 years in Annapolis, she now lives in Silver Spring, where she
continues to use her love of opera to serve her retirement community’s
large group of opera fans.
This is Leah’s last year as Chair of the Vocal Competition, but her legacy of
excellence and passion for opera will leave a lasting impact. On behalf of the
Annapolis Opera and the countless singers whose lives she has touched, we
extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Leah Solat.
Brava, Leah!
THANK YOU TO OUR
Volunteers
Thank you to the wonderful Vocal Competition Committee, and
volunteers who provided housing, transportation, hospitality,
and helped with this competition in numerous ways!
Leah Solat, Co-Chair
Andrew Noel, Co-Chair
Jennifer Lewis
Glynis Long
Linda Orff
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THE PROCESS
This year’s competition was open to singers from across the nation with
nearly 320 applications received. Artistic and Music Director Craig Kier
listened to all submissions and together with a panel of judges by virtual
means selected the finalists before you today.
This process has led to today’s live performance with a new panel of judges
who will select the award winners.
EVALUATION CONSIDERATIONS
The following are among, though not exclusively, the elements considered
by the judges:
• Voice—quality (timbre, beauty), suitability for opera repertoire,
suitability for composers’ styles, vocal size (ability to fill medium-sized
opera house with full orchestra)
• Music—varied styles, tempi, tessitura, language
• Musicianship—pitch/intonation, rhythm, phrasing
• Technique—breath control, language/diction, flexibility
• Interpretation—projection, characterization/acting ability,
understanding of aria
• Stage Presence
• Potential for Career in Opera
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the Awards
Annapolis Opera thanks the donors of these generous and very much
appreciated awards. Their contributions support the continued
development of tomorrow’s opera stars.
GRAND PRIZE – $6,500
The Brad Clark Award is contributed by Brad Clark to continue his many years
of dedication to furthering the careers of rising young singers. It includes the
offer of a concert appearance in his Mohican Hills Concert Series.
SECOND PRIZE – $6,000
Comprised of The William and Carrie Kellogg Ray Memorial Award, donated
by lifelong friends Betty and Calvin Austin and son Alexander Ray’s family;
The Tony Parasiliti and Cary Melnyk Award, opera enthusiast and Annapolis
Opera Past President, respectively; and The Todd Duncan Memorial Award,
established in 1992 by Rose Thorman in remembrance of her teacher, Todd
Duncan, whose performance as the original Porgy in George Gershwin’s Porgy
and Bess broke new ground and who was the first African American to be
awarded a principal contract by a major US opera company. Funded by her
daughter, Jan Thorman, Duncan’s grandson Todd, daughter-in-law Pamela
Duncan, and Philip Allen.
THIRD PRIZE – $5,000
Comprised of The Hughes Award, given by Madeleine and George Hughes,
former Annapolis Opera Trustee, to encourage their grandchildren’s love of
opera and the world of music; The Nancie Kennedy Award contributed by
Tom DeKornfeld & Nina Fisher, Lisa & Richard Hillman, Richard Krimm, Leah
& Norm Solat, Ann Tran & Mark Davis with deep appreciation for Nancie’s
many years of energy, skill and unfailing enthusiasm which were so vital to
Annapolis Opera’s success; and The Patricia A. Edwards Memorial Award,
donated by Katie and Jib Edwards and family, in recognition of her devotion
to the Annapolis Opera, and her support of rising young singers.
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FOURTH PRIZE – $4,000
The Gladys Datch Memorial Award, contributed by Michael Datch in honor
and remembrance of her years of dedication to Annapolis Opera; The
Ronald J. Gretz and Braxton Peters Award, Annapolis Opera’s Artistic and
Stage Directors Emeriti; and The Clarence and Adrienne Berenson Goldberg
Memorial Award, donated by their daughter Susan Goldberg in honor of their
deep love for the arts and for supporting the careers of young singers.
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD – $2,000
The William W. Watkins Memorial Award, given by his wife, former Annapolis
Opera Trustee Barbara Bohl-Watkins, to honor his lifelong passion for opera and
his years of support to Annapolis Opera. He is remembered especially for his
deep enjoyment of and appreciation for the Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition.
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD – $2,000
The Jessica’s Voice Award is given by her aunt, Margaret Hiltabidle Wilson, to
help further the career of young singers like mezzo soprano Jessica Lauren
Hiltabidle, whose rising career was cut short in 2018.
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD – $2,000
Comprised of The Cheryl and Richard Hack Award, donated by Cheryl and
Annapolis Opera Trustee Richard Hack to support an emerging artist’s
continued pursuit of an operatic career; and The Melanie and Michael Teems
Award, both former Annapolis Opera Trustees and long-time patrons, to
support and foster opportunities for singers early in their careers.
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD – $2,000
The Col. Harry and Thea Lindauer Memorial Award, contributed by the
Lindauer family in memory of Col. Harry and Thea Lindauer, both Past
Presidents of the Annapolis Opera.
ANNAPOLIS OPERA GUILD AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD – $1,500
Supporting Opera in our Community.
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MEET THE
Judges
CRAIG KIER | Artistic & Music Director, Annapolis Opera
JUDGE FOR SEMI-FINALS AND FINALS
American Conductor Craig Kier has received high praise
for his “Tesla-like intensity” and “impeccable orchestral
support” while leading performances throughout the
United States and on international stages. Since becoming
the Director of the Maryland Opera Studio (MOS) at the
University of Maryland, Kier has expanded the footprint of
the program’s activities, connecting the MOS curriculum and programming to
areas across campus and beyond.
In 2020, Kier was named Artistic and Music Director of Annapolis Opera where
this season, he has led performances of The Magic Flute, Glory Denied, and
The Elixir of Love. In 2023, he joined the College of Art and Humanities Dean’s
office as Director of the Presidential Initiative, Arts for All, and currently
serves as Advisor for the Maryland Opera Studio.
Recent conducting highlights for Kier include productions with San Francisco
Opera’s Merola Opera Program, Wolf Trap Opera, Arizona Opera, Houston
Ballet, the Brevard Music Center’s Janiec Opera Company, Anchorage Opera,
Indianapolis Opera, and Opera Saratoga. From 2010-2013, he was Associate
Conductor at Houston Grand Opera. During his time with the company, he led
dozens of performances including Madama Butterfly, Il barbiere di Siviglia,
Die Fledermaus, Trial by Jury and the world premiere of Huang Ruo’s Bound.
Additional guest engagements for Kier include appearances with Lyric Opera
of Kansas City, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, the Glimmerglass Festival,
Central City Opera, Opera Birmingham, Opera Santa Barbara, and the Royal
Opera House Muscat, Oman.
Kier began his career as part of Seattle Opera’s music staff, serving in a variety
of roles including Assistant Conductor, Coach/Accompanist, and Chorus
Master. He also served on the music staff of The Santa Fe Opera, Cincinnati
Opera, Atlanta Opera, Opera Colorado, and Des Moines Metro Opera.
JUSTINA LEE | Artistic Advisor, Annapolis Opera
JUDGE FOR FINALS
American collaborative artist Justina Lee has served
as assistant conductor, pianist, and coach for such
companies such as The Metropolitan Opera, Washington
National Opera, Seattle Opera, Opera Theatre of St.
Louis, the Castleton Festival, and Wolf Trap Opera
Company. She is a frequent collaborator with acclaimed
tenor Lawrence Brownlee and has appeared with him on National Public
Radio’s Tiny Desk Concert series. Recital highlights include collaborations
with Alyson Cambridge, Gordon Hawkins, Kate Lindsey, Linda Mabbs, Lisette
Oropesa, Dimitri Pittas, and Tamara Wilson. Ms. Lee has appeared under the
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auspices of the Marilyn Horne Foundation residency program and on recital
series that include On Wings of Song at Carnegie Hall, the Harriman-Jewell
Series, the Washington Performing Arts Series at The Kennedy Center,
and on Renée Fleming’s VOICES recital series. She can also be seen on
medici.tv as a pianist for Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute masterclasses
with Joyce DiDonato.
Ms. Lee is an alumna of the distinguished Lindemann Young Artist
Development Program at The Metropolitan Opera and holds degrees from
the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Manhattan School of Music.
She served as Principal Coach of the Maryland Opera Studio at the University
of Maryland, College Park from 2008-2022, and faculty at Prague Summer
Nights Music Festival and the International Opera Performing Experience
summer program. She joined the faculty at the Juilliard School in 2022,
as Associate Artistic Director of Vocal Arts with a focus on the Bachelor of
Music degree program.
LEE ANNE MYSLEWSKI | Vice President, Opera
and Classical Programming at Wolf Trap Foundation
for the Performing Arts
JUDGE FOR FINALS
Lee Anne Myslewski, Vice President of Opera and
Classical Programming, joined Wolf Trap in 2006, and has
cultivated new partnerships and programs to uphold the
company’s widespread acclaim as the country’s most venerated summer
training program for emerging artists. She oversees all aspects of Wolf
Trap Opera, an artist-centric program whose alumni are not only singing in
every opera house in the nation, but also in the most prestigious houses in
the world—including The Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Vienna Staatsoper,
Komische Oper Berlin, Sydney Opera House and Deutsche Opera Berlin. She
has participated in the casting and programming of operatic productions
for fifteen years, and has heard over 8,000 live auditions. She is a frequent
adjudicator for competitions, including The Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann
Competition, and has been a visiting/virtual lecturer at a number of
universities, including Rice University, Indiana University’s O’Neill School of
Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Shepherd University and University
of Maryland. She conceived of the Untrapped series of programming in 2016
which has featured artistic partnerships with the Shakespeare Theatre,
Taffety Punk, Halcyon, AMP at Strathmore, Children’s National Medical
Center and The Phillips Collection, as well as an ongoing partnership with
the National Orchestral Institute.
In addition, Lee Anne oversees Wolf Trap’s classical music programming,
which includes Chamber Music at The Barns; she started the Artistic Advisor
position for the series, with nationally recognized artists including The
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Emerson String Quartet, Jonathan Biss, Lara St. John and Wu Han. She also
oversees the long-standing partnership between Wolf Trap and the National
Symphony Orchestra.
Lee Anne is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and the Maryland
Opera Studio at the University of Maryland. She is co-chair of the Artistic
Services Committee and serves on the executive board of Opera America.
KATHERINE JOLLY | Soprano
Associate Professor of Voice at Oberlin College
Conservatory of Music
JUDGE FOR SEMI-FINALS
A bright, accomplished singer on the opera and concert
stages, coloratura soprano Katherine Jolly has appeared
in leading roles with Opera Theatre Saint Louis,
Florida Grand Opera, New York City Opera, Houston
Grand Opera, Virginia Opera, Amarillo Opera, Piedmont Opera, Lyric Opera
Cleveland, American Lyric Theatre, and others. Her recent CD Preach Sister
Preach has received airtime on radio stations across the world and garnered
rave reviews in publications and on websites such as Gramophone, Review
Graveyard, Take Effect, and others.
In the concert arena, she has recently appeared with the Virginia Symphony,
Cincinnati Song Initiative, the Orgue en Fété festival, in Bergerac, Chamber
Project STL, the Evansville Philharmonic, the Richmond Symphony, the
Phoenix Symphony, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, the Northwest Florida Symphony,
and the Sacramento Choral Arts Society. She is a frequent collaborator with
the esteemed baroque Kingsbury Ensemble and appears in recitals with
arts organizations throughout the nation.
A winner of the 2006 Metropolitan Opera National Council Grand Finals,
she has also been the recipient of awards from organizations including
the George London Foundation, Opera Theatre Saint Louis, the McAllister
Foundation, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Dr. Jolly
is currently an Associate Professor of Voice at Oberlin Conservatory, where
she received the Excellence in Teaching Award for 2020-2021. Her students
are regularly accepted into top young artist programs and conservatories
throughout the United States and have placed in competitions such as the
Laffont Competition, the Marilyn Horne Competition, the Schmidt Vocal Arts
Undergraduate Competition, NATS, and others.
GRANT LOEHNIG | Head of Music Staff at Opera
Philadelphia Conservatory of Music
JUDGE FOR SEMI-FINALS
Pianist and vocal coach Grant Loehnig serves as Head
of Music Staff at Opera Philadelphia and Master Opera
Coach on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music.
He works regularly on the music staffs of Lyric Opera
of Chicago, Aspen Opera Theater, and Festival Napa
Valley. He also frequently serves as a district judge for The Metropolitan
Opera National Council Auditions. His recital credits include collaborations
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with Susanne Mentzer, Morris Robinson, Paul Groves, John Holiday, Will
Liverman, and Marcus DeLoach. Recently released recordings include a
premiere recording of songs of Carlisle Floyd with Susanne Mentzer, art
songs of Karim Al-Zand, the premiere recording of David Hertzberg’s opera
The Wake World, and the premiere of a piece by Tyshawn Sorey written
expressly for countertenor John Holiday and Grant. For over ten years Grant
served as Head of Music Staff for Wolf Trap Opera, where he also served as
a recitalist and chorus master. He prepared the chorus and small roles for
Houston Symphony’s performances of Wozzeck, awarded the 2018 Grammy
Award for Best Opera Recording.
Grant holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Macalester College in St. Paul,
Minnesota, and a Master of Music degree in vocal accompanying from
Manhattan School of Music. He is a graduate of the Houston Grand Opera
Studio, Music Academy of the West, and San Francisco Opera’s Merola
Program. Before joining the Curtis Institute faculty, he served on the Opera
Studies faculty of Rice University in Houston.
EILEEN CORNETT | Associate Professor of Keyboard
and Vocal Studies at Peabody Conservatory
COLLABORATIVE PIANIST & FINALS ACCOMPANIST
Eileen Cornett is Associate Professor of Keyboard and
Vocal Studies at Peabody Conservatory, where she
established the graduate Vocal Accompanying Program in
Collaborative Piano. She began her professional career as
musical director of the Croswell Opera House in Michigan
and has subsequently conducted and coached internationally for the Amalfi
Coast Music and Arts Festival (Italy), Tanz und Gesang Studio at the Theater
an der Wien (Vienna, Austria), Creaton Opera Company in Kaohsiung, Taiwan,
Fairbanks (AK) Summer Arts Festival, Lake Placid Institute, and the Seagle
Colony Summer Vocal Program. Ms. Cornett led Peabody Chamber Opera’s
U.S. premiere of Jonathan Dove’s Mansfield Park, cited by the Baltimore
Sun as one of Baltimore’s best classical music productions, and recently
conducted the newly revised version of Jake Heggie’s Out of Darkness: Two
Remain, with the composer in residence. A featured solo pianist with the
National Symphony Orchestra (Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals), she has
performed as orchestral pianist for numerous concerts with the Kennedy
Center Opera Orchestra, including solos with Luciano Pavarotti and the Three
Tenors. As a collaborative pianist, Ms. Cornett has performed in recital at
the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theatre, Merkin Hall, the National Portrait
Gallery with Denyce Graves, the Embassies of France and Russia, Strathmore
Hall’s Music in the Mansion, and the Candlelight Concert Society, as well
as international venues such as the Museo Correale in Sorrento, Italy, the
National Concert Hall (Taipei, Taiwan), and the Kinepolis in Oostende, Belgium.
Ms. Cornett’s page turner is YI DING.
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the program
WELCOME – Craig Kier
Maggie Reneé, Mezzo-soprano
• Barber: Must the winter come so soon (Vanessa)
• Bizet: Habanera (Carmen)
• Humperdinck: Hurr, hopp, hopp, hopp (Hansel and Gretel)
• Handel: Svegliatevi nel core (Giulio Cesare)
• Tchaikovsky: Polina’s Aria (The Queen of Spades)
Luke Harnish, Bass-baritone
• Floyd: Hear me, O Lord (Susannah)
• Mozart: Madamina, il catalogo è questo (Don Giovanni)
• Rachmaninoff: Ves’ tabor spit (Aleko)
• Verdi: Il mio sangue, la vita darei (Luisa Miller)
• Wagner: Abendlich strahlt der Sonne Auge (Das Rheingold)
Luna Seongeun Park, Soprano
• Argento: I never travel without one
(Postcard from Morocco)
• Bellini: Come per me sereno (La Sonnambula)
• Donizetti: Chacun le sait (La fille du Régiment)
• Strauss: Ich bin Euer Liebden sehr verbunden
(Der Rosenkavalier)
• Verdi: Sul fil d’un soffio etesio (Falstaff)
Ashlyn Brown, Mezzo-soprano
• Bellini: Deh! Proteggimi, o Dio! (Norma)
• Massenet: Werther! Werther!...Ces lettres (Werther)
• Mozart: Smanie implacabili (Così fan tutte)
• Purcell: When I am laid in Earth (Dido and Aeneas)
• Strauss: Wie du warst (Der Rosenkavalier)
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Wayd Odle, Tenor
• Bizet: La fleur que tu m’avais jetée (Carmen)
• Britten: Tarquinius does not wait (The Rape of Lucretia)
• Leoncavallo: Vesti la giubba (Pagliacci)
• Massenet: Pourquoi me reveiller (Werther)
• Puccini: Addio fiorito asil (Madama Butterfly)
Lauryn Davis, Soprano
• Bizet: Je dis que rien ne m'épouvante (Carmen)
• Gounod: Je veux vivre (Romeo et Juliette)
• Mozart: Porgi amor (Le nozze di Figaro)
• Previn: I want magic (A Streetcar Named Desire)
• Puccini: Donde lieta (La bohème)
Alan Williams, Bass
• Floyd: I’m a lonely man, Susannah (Susannah)
• Gounod: Vous qui faites l’endormie (Faust)
• Mozart: Se vuol ballare (Le nozze di Figaro)
• Stravinsky: Come, Master…in youth the panting slave
(The Rake’s Progress)
• Tchaikovsky: Gremin’s Aria (Eugene Onegin)
Ruby Dibble, Mezzo-soprano
• Handel: Tu, preparati a morire (Ariodante)
• Massenet: Qui m’aurait dit la place (Werther)
• Mozart: Parto, parto, ma tu, ben mio (La clemenza di Tito)
• Puts: We had one room (Elizabeth Cree)
• Strauss: Sein wir wieder gut (Ariadne auf Naxos)
AWARDS – Lee Anne Myslewski,
Justina Lee, and Craig Kier
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ABOUT THE
Performers
ASHLYN BROWN | Mezzo-soprano
HOMETOWN: Palm Springs, CA
PREVIOUS: La Voix (cover), Les Contes d’Hoffmann;
Shepherd Boy (cover), Tosca (Palm Beach Opera); Ottavia,
L’incoronazione di Poppea; Cherubino, Le nozze di Figaro;
Hansel, Hansel and Gretel (Indiana University – Jacobs
School of Music)
UPCOMING: Woman 2/The Event Planner, The Righteous;
Noble Orphan 2, Der Rosenkavalier (Santa Fe Opera)
LAURYN DAVIS | Soprano
HOMETOWN: Atlanta, GA
PREVIOUS: Female Chorus, The Rape of Lucretia (College-
Conservatory of Music); Musetta, La bohème (Atlanta
Concert Opera); Margaret, Light in the Piazza (Kennesaw
State University)
UPCOMING: Edith (cover), The Pirates of Penzance (The
Glimmerglass Festival); Title Role, Armida (Pittsburgh Opera)
RUBY DIBBLE | Mezzo-soprano
HOMETOWN: Kansas City, MO
PREVIOUS: Sesto, La Clemenza di Tito (Julliard); Flora, La
traviata (Wolf Trap Opera); Berta, Il barbiere di Siviglia (Lyric
Opera of Kansas City); Cherubino, Le nozze di Figaro (Santa
Fe Opera); Title Role, Carmen (Aspen Music Festival)
UPCOMING: Title Role, Elizabeth Cree
(The Glimmerglass Festival)
LUKE HARNISH | Bass-baritone
HOMETOWN: Lancaster, PA
PREVIOUS: Il Conte di Walter, Luisa Miller; Zuniga,
Carmen (Sarasota Opera); Schaunard, La bohème
(Wichita Grand Opera); Bartolo, Il barbiere di Siviglia
(Penn Square Opera); Apollo, L’Orfeo; Angelotti, Tosca;
Physician, Pelléas et Mélisande (Santa Fe Opera)
UPCOMING: Sgt. Aaron Marcum (cover), An American
Soldier (PAC NYC); Messenger, La traviata; Various Roles,
The Righteous (Santa Fe Opera)
- 22 -

WAYD ODLE | Tenor
HOMETOWN: North Platte, NE
PREVIOUS: Snout, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The
Atlanta Opera); Cavaradossi, Tosca (Kalamazoo Symphony
Orchestra); Delbert Grady, The Shining (Lyric Opera of
Kansas City); Don Jose, Carmen (Varna International)
UPCOMING: Marschallin’s Major-Domo, Der Rosenkavalier
(Santa Fe Opera)
LUNA SEONGEUN PARK | Soprano
HOMETOWN: Seoul, South Korea
PREVIOUS: Le Rossignol, L'enfant et les sortilèges; The
Girl, Mermaid in the Jar; Lucinda, Dark Sisters (Mannes
Opera); Gilda, Rigoletto (Yonsei Opera)
UPCOMING: Nannetta, Falstaff (Verbier Festival)
MAGGIE RENEÉ | Mezzo-soprano
HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, CA
PREVIOUS: Baba the Turk, The Rake's Progress (Swedish
Orchestra); Venus, Orpheus in the Underworld (Vienna
Volksoper); Title Role, Carmen (cover); Nicolette, The
Love for Three Oranges (Des Moines Metro Opera)
UPCOMING: Title Role, Carmen (Music Academy of the
West); Title Role, Carmen (Juilliard Opera)
ALAN WILLIAMS | Bass
HOMETOWN: San Bernardino, CA
PREVIOUS: Masetto, Don Giovanni; Aldeano #2, El Último
Sueño de Frida y Diego; Abe, Omar; Antonio, Le nozze di
Figaro; Collatinus, The Rape of Lucretia (LA Opera)
UPCOMING: First Soldier, Salome; Physician, Pelléas &
Mélisande (Des Moines Metro Opera); Sheriff, Highway 1,
USA; Dr. Grenvil, La traviata; Mandarin, Turandot (LA Opera)
- 23 -

2024 SEMI-FINALISTS
Mary Burke Barber, Mezzo-soprano
Rachael Bell, Mezzo-soprano
Ashlyn Brown, Mezzo-soprano
Zoe Chessa, Soprano
Joel Clemens, Baritone
Natalie Corrigan, Mezzo-soprano
Shannon Crowley, Soprano
Lauryn Davis, Soprano
Ruby Dibble, Mezzo-soprano
SarahAnn Duffy, Mezzo-soprano
Monique Galvao, Mezzo-soprano
Luke Harnish, Bass-baritone
Nicole Heinen, Soprano
Matthew Hill, Tenor
Alexandra Rose Hotz, Soprano
Kaswanna Kanyinda, Mezzo-soprano
Alexander Kapp, Baritone
Maggie Kinabrew, Soprano
Evan Lazdowski, Bass-baritone
Kyungeun Katy Lee, Soprano
Yejin Lee, Soprano
Madeleine Lew, Soprano
Imara Miles, Mezzo-soprano
Kira Neary, Soprano
Wayd Odle, Tenor
Luna Seongeun Park, Soprano
Virginia Reed, Mezzo-soprano
Matthew Reese, Countertenor
Maggie Reneé, Mezzo-soprano
Jacob Joseph Rivera, Tenor
Olivia Rominiyi, Soprano
Logan Wagner, Tenor
Cydney Washington, Mezzo-soprano
Alan Williams, Bass
- 24 -

PAST VOCAL COMPETITION
W inners
1988 Grant Young, Baritone
1989 Marcia Plait Treece, Mezzo-soprano
1991 Deborah Arnold, Soprano
1992 Reginald Allen, Baritone
1993 John Weber, Tenor
1994 Jennifer Post, Soprano
1995 Taewon Yi Kim, Mezzo-soprano
1996 Michael Ford, Tenor
1997 Charles Reid, Tenor
1998 Hyun Min Lee, Soprano
1999 Daesan No, Baritone
2000 Angela Fout, Soprano
2001 Tian-xu Zhou, Baritone
2002 Kwant-Kyu Lee, Bass
2003 Dongwon Shin, Tenor
2005 Lori Lind, Soprano
2004 Sheri Jackson, Soprano
2006 Eun Hee Kim, Soprano
2007 Colleen Daly, Soprano
2008 Jay Jung, Baritone
2009 Aaron Agulay, Baritone
2010 Rolando Sanz, Tenor
2011 Zach Borichevsky, Tenor
2012 Sarah Mesko, Soprano
2013 Halim Shon, Tenor
2014 Huanhuan Ma, Soprano
2015 Diane Kalinowski, Soprano
2016 Galeano Salas, Tenor
2018 Kylena Parks, Soprano
2019 Joshua Conyers, Baritone
2020 Cancelled due to Covid
2021 Danielle Beckvermit, Soprano
2022 Hannah Shea, Mezzo-soprano
2023 Winona Martin, Mezzo-soprano
- 25 -

- 26 -

Enjoy the show? Your ticket is where the fun begins!
Grab a bite to eat after the show.
15% off your next meal! 1
1
Your proof of purchase from the Annapolis Opera or any of our Adventure Annapolis partners
gives you access to special savings at Blackwall Hitch Annapolis. Offer valid within 14 days
from the date on your show ticket.
- 27 -

- 28 -

THANK YOU TO
our Sponsors
SYLVIA AND JAMES EARL
NORMAN AND DORIS FISHER
FOUNDATION
The Ruby Society
- 29 -

Annapolis Opera gratefully acknowledges
our members and supporters.
January 1, 2023 – April 15, 2024
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE ($100,000 & ABOVE)
Sylvia & James Earl
MAESTRO CIRCLE ($50,000–$100,000)
Anne Arundel County, Office of the County Executive
Pete & Jane Chambliss
Norman Fisher
& Doris Fisher Foundation
Lester & Colleen Prosser
DIVA CIRCLE ($5,000–$9,999)
T. Averill Architect
Calvin & Betty Austin
Melvin Bender
Joy Chambers
& Peter Bungay
Brad Clark
IMPRESARIO CIRCLE ($10,000 PLUS)
Arts Council of Anne Arundel County
Maryland State Arts Council
CONCERTMASTER CIRCLE ($1,000–$2,499)
Paula Abernethy
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen
Peggy Brennecke
Georgianne Clark
Georgianna Crosby
David R. Lewis Family
Foundation
Thomas J. DeKornfeld Sr.
DLA PIPER
Jib & Katherine Edwards
Richard & Carole Falk
Ashley & Sergio Galindo
Susan Goldberg
Ronald J. Gretz
& Braxton Peters
THE RUBY SOCIETY ($30,000 PLUS OVER 3 YEARS)
CovingtonAlsina
Kathryn Dahl
Collot Guerard
Rosalie Lijinsky
COMPOSER CIRCLE ($2,500–$4,999)
Murray & Teddy Blank
Barbara L. Bohl-Watkins
Dea Code Family
Foundation
Thomas DeKornfeld
& Nina Fisher
Mark & Mary Doran Brown
RBC Wealth Management
Anna E. Greenberg
Richard & Cheryl Hack
Lisa & Richard Hillman
George & Madeleine Hughes
Cary Melnyk & Tim
McDonough
M&T Charitable Foundation
Valerie Gutterson
David Herron
Sarah Johnson
Jill Kidwell
Craig & Rebecca Kier
Richard Krimm
Michael & Katherine Lehr
David B. Lindauer
John Maneval
Chris Nelson
Oculus CAS, LLC
Stephen & Melissa Osmond
Kimberly & Bernard Page
Alexander Ray
- 30 -
John & Martha Schwieters
David & Carol Stern
Robert & Lorraine Vom Saal
William Tham & Susan Zimmerman
Joyce Pratt
& Jeffrey K. Harris
Leah & Norman Solat
Mark Sylvester
Jan Paul & Ellen
von Seggern Richter
Linda Orff
Tony J. Parasiliti
Shannon & Edward
Sausville
Sims & Campbell
Kathy & Chris Swekel
Joan Ruhl
Julie B. Schuelke
Jan & Rebecca Scruggs
Maxine Silber
Lyn Songy
Michael & Melanie Teems
Drs. Mark Davis & Ann Tran
Stephan & Tamara Tymkiw
Martin & Barbara
Wasserman
Carl & Katherine Wick
Margaret H. Wilson
Robert & Christine Young
Jean M. Zajac

ARIA CIRCLE ($500–$999)
Joel & Mary Bergsman
Ann Burchard
Enser & Marguerite Cole
Robert & Denise Daly
Bob DeMoyer
Robert Duckworth
Pamela T. Duncan
Gayle V. Filo
Jeffrey Jacobs
CHORUS CIRCLE (UP TO $499)
Sally Abeles
Stephanie A. Abramson
Philip & Susan Allen
Virginia Amundon
Annapolis Striders, Inc
Gilpin W. Bartels
Susan L. Benac
Joanne K. Benton
Gisela Berns
Patsy Blackshear
David S. Bliden
& Susanne Brogan
Shirley M. Bolton
John & Jill Breen
Kim Burke
Alice G. Chambers
James W. Cheevers
Tara B. Clifford
Ted & Pat Connell
Stanley & Eileen Cornett
Dominic & Jan Cossa
Kathryn Crothers
Mary Crook
Jim DeKornfeld
Anne DeMajistre
Mark & Diane DiNardo
Steve & Carol Dreyfuss
Angela W. Eggleston-
Howard
Alicia Estes
Dennis & Kathy Faleris
Carl & Carolyn Fichtel
Alexandra M. Fotos
Patricia A. Frese
Candice Friday
Laura George
Gale Gillespie
Jody & Amira Goldsmith
Neil H. Greenberger
Sarah E. Griffith
Michael C. Halbig
Jacquelyn Handley
David V. Haas
Christopher Hartung
Robert Hecht
Elizabeth & Stephen
Hiltabidle, Jr.
Crystal Kjelsberg
Patricia Koopersmith
Lawrence & Debra McGhee
Lydia N. Morrow
Rocco & Karen Pangallo
Ian & Amy Hanigan
Clarence & Patricia Harris
Marilyn Haskel
Elizabeth J. Hepler
Aimo & Carole Hill
Anthony & Kathleen
van Hover
Tatiana Karpova
Robert & Shelley Katz
Todd & Melissa Keller
Shirley F. Kirby
Ann Kjelsberg
Timothy Kjer
Chaim Klein
Ruth A. Milazzo Knox
John & Elizabeth Knupp
Dan & Sue Konick
Betsy Kowalchek
Kathleen Kryza
Gustav Larsson
Cecil & Ingrid Lemon
Nancy Libson
Robert & Dori Libson
Glynis Long
Carol P. Lynch
Melissa Mackey
Andy & Tina Manatos
Mary Matzen
David & Judy Mauriello
Mary McKiel
Elizabeth McWilliams
Genevieve McWilliams
Odysseus Mikalis
Francis Mondimore
Edwin G. Moses
Margaret Murray
Paul & Ruby Naas
Van & Marilyn Nield
Gary O’Connor
Edgar & Jeanne Paglee
Theodore & Evangeline Pedas
Chatry & Yolanda Perry
- 31 -
Edgar H. Parker
Tom & Missy Pasta
Clay & Carol Richards
Christopher & Anita Rizek
Jack Rolfe
Glen & Janis Rotner
Marilyn Rouvelas
Thomas Simcik
Gwyn W. Smith
Jan E. Taylor
Jep Poole
Karen Rau
Julia Rose
William & Juliana Rottkamp
Everett & Barbara Santos
Paul Schatzberg
Robert W. Sherer
Laurence Skinner
Anne E. Smith
Edgar A. Smith
Deborah Spear
Walton D. Stallings
Bill Stebbins
& Louise Chrissos
Marcia Stein
Richard Sterba
Ellen Stone
Patrick L. Stone
Anne K. Stratton
Tom Strikwerda
Carol Tabak
Donald & Leona Tartasky
Judith Templeton
Francine Tolson
Gordon & Christine Trapnell
Laura & Kirk Wade
Freida O. Weise
Cynthia Wells
Charles Wheeler
Telly & Sandy
Manolatos Williams
Malcolm & Cecelia Wyatt
Alan & Janet Wolf
Peter Wolfe
Francis Wright
Shane H. Yanagisawa
George Zannos
& Marilyn Serlin-Zannos
Beth Zeidman
Delores Ziegler
Rochelle G. Zohn
IN MEMORIAM
Juliet Shore—a dedicated volunteer who gave countless hours in support of our
productions as a seamstress and cast dresser.

- 32 -

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