THE MAGIC FLUTE
Tickets on Sale March 28, 2023!
MassOpera welcomes you to the ultimate opera-fantasy retold through a reimagined new English libretto by Kelley Rourke and staging from renowned Boston-based theatre director, Pascale Florestal. The forces of good and evil, light and dark, fire and water battle it out in Mozart’s famous fantasy opera.
The planet is in crisis. Three young seekers are drawn into an age-old cosmic battle, in which each side blames the other for the fate of the planet. Through a series of trials, our heroes’ only hope is through shattering the binary of good vs evil.
Forging a new partnership with Suffolk University and their Modern Theatre space, as well as showcasing several students from MassOpera’s Artist Training Program with Longy School of Music at Bard College, we are thrilled to bring you one of the largest casts in MO history. And to top it all off, it is our first time performing in Downtown Boston!
VENUE PARTNER:
PRODUCTION PARTNERS:
Dates & Times:
Friday, May 12th @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 13th @ 2:00 PM
Saturday, May 13th @ 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 14th @ 2:00 PM
Friday, May 12th @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 13th @ 2:00 PM
Saturday, May 13th @ 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 14th @ 2:00 PM
Thursday May 18th @ 7:30 PM
Friday, May 19th @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 20th @ 2:00 PM
Saturday, May 20th @ 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 21st @ 2:00 PM
Ticket Cost: $25 – $100 Regular; $25 – $80 Seniors; $20 – $25 Students
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Venue: The Modern Theatre at Suffolk University
Translation & Adaptation: Kelley Rourke
Conductor: Dr. Lisa Graham
Stage Director: Pascale Florestal
Assistant Conductor: Johnny Nichols, Jr.
CAST BREAKDOWN BY PERFORMANCE
FIRE CAST – Friday, May 12th @ 8 PM: Pamina, Jessica Graves; Tamino, Christopher Remkus; First Lady, Erin Merceruio Nelson; Second Lady, Aurora Martin; Third Lady, Vanessa Moya; Queen of the Night, Maggie Finnegan; Sarastro, Lindsay Polcyn; Papageno, Gray Leiper; Papagena, Eleanor Mayerfeld; Monastatos, Kartik Ayysola; First Spirit, Cailin Smith; Second Spirit, Sophie Carpenter; Third Spirit, Narantsetseg J. Ren; Speaker/Ensemble Bass, Connor Lee; Priest/Ensemble Tenor, Enjie Lian; Priestess Ensemble/Mezzo-soprano, Siyu Pan; Priestess/Ensemble Soprano, Callie Meikrantz.
WATER CAST – Saturday, May 13th @ 2 PM: Pamina, Ruoxi Peng; Tamino, Ehimimen Omigie; First Lady, Tamara Ryan; Second Lady, Kelsey Moisan; Third Lady, Hailey McAvoy; Queen of the Night, Yan Lian; Sarastro, Jakob Stone; Papageno, Joshua Dixon; Papagena, Natalie Vatcher; Monastatos, Michael Gonzalez; First Spirit, Xunhao Li; Second Spirit, Monica Lopez; Third Spirit, Chihiro Asano; Speaker/Ensemble Bass, Wenxin Sha; Priest/Ensemble Tenor, Heming Chao; Priestess Ensemble/Mezzo-soprano, Emily Adams; Priestess/Ensemble Soprano, Patricia Kopko.
FIRE CAST – Saturday, May 13th @ 8 PM: Pamina, Jessica Graves; Tamino, Christopher Remkus; First Lady, Erin Merceruio Nelson; Second Lady, Aurora Martin; Third Lady, Vanessa Moya; Queen of the Night, Maggie Finnegan; Sarastro, Lindsay Polcyn; Papageno, Gray Leiper; Papagena, Eleanor Mayerfeld; Monastatos, Kartik Ayysola; First Spirit, Cailin Smith; Second Spirit, Sophie Carpenter; Third Spirit, Narantsetseg J. Ren; Speaker/Ensemble Bass, Connor Lee; Priest/Ensemble Tenor, Enjie Lian; Priestess Ensemble/Mezzo-soprano, Siyu Pan; Priestess/Ensemble Soprano, Callie Meikrantz.
WATER CAST – Sunday, May 14th @ 2 PM: Pamina, Ruoxi Peng; Tamino, Ehimimen Omigie; First Lady, Tamara Ryan; Second Lady, Kelsey Moisan; Third Lady, Hailey McAvoy; Queen of the Night, Yan Lian; Sarastro, Jakob Stone; Papageno, Joshua Dixon; Papagena, Natalie Vatcher; Monastatos, Michael Gonzalez; First Spirit, Xunhao Li; Second Spirit, Yunona Tabala; Third Spirit, Chihiro Asano; Speaker/Ensemble Bass, Gift Anyagwochu; Priest/Ensemble Tenor, Heming Chao; Priestess Ensemble/Mezzo-soprano, Emily Adams; Priestess/Ensemble Soprano, Patricia Kopko.
FIRE CAST – Thursday, May 18th @ 7:30 PM: Pamina, Jessica Graves; Tamino, Christopher Remkus; First Lady, Erin Merceruio Nelson; Second Lady, Aurora Martin; Third Lady, Vanessa Moya; Queen of the Night, Maggie Finnegan; Sarastro, Lindsay Polcyn; Papageno, Gray Leiper; Papagena, Eleanor Mayerfeld; Monastatos, Kartik Ayysola; First Spirit, Cailin Smith; Second Spirit, Monica Lopez; Third Spirit, Narantsetseg J. Ren; Speaker/Ensemble Bass, Connor Lee; Priest/Ensemble Tenor, Enjie Lian; Priestess Ensemble/Mezzo-soprano, Siyu Pan; Priestess/Ensemble Soprano, Callie Meikrantz.
WATER CAST – Friday, May 19th @ 8 PM: Pamina, Ruoxi Peng; Tamino, Ehimimen Omigie; First Lady, Tamara Ryan; Second Lady, Kelsey Moisan; Third Lady, Hailey McAvoy; Queen of the Night, Yan Lian; Sarastro, Jakob Stone; Papageno, Joshua Dixon; Papagena, Natalie Vatcher; Monastatos, Michael Gonzalez; First Spirit, Xunhao Li; Second Spirit, Yunona Tabala; Third Spirit, Chihiro Asano; Speaker/Ensemble Bass, Gift Anyagwochu; Priest/Ensemble Tenor, Heming Chao; Priestess Ensemble/Mezzo-soprano, Emily Adams; Priestess/Ensemble Soprano, Patricia Kopko.
FIRE CAST – Saturday, May 20th @ 2 PM: Pamina, Jessica Graves; Tamino, Christopher Remkus; First Lady, Erin Merceruio Nelson; Second Lady, Aurora Martin; Third Lady, Vanessa Moya; Queen of the Night, Maggie Finnegan; Sarastro, Lindsay Polcyn; Papageno, Gray Leiper; Papagena, Eleanor Mayerfeld; Monastatos, Kartik Ayysola; First Spirit, Cailin Smith; Second Spirit, Sophie Carpenter; Third Spirit, Narantsetseg J. Ren; Speaker/Ensemble Bass, Connor Lee; Priest/Ensemble Tenor, Enjie Lian; Priestess Ensemble/Mezzo-soprano, Siyu Pan; Priestess/Ensemble Soprano, Callie Meikrantz.
WATER CAST – Saturday, May 20th @ 8 PM: Pamina, Ruoxi Peng; Tamino, Ehimimen Omigie; First Lady, Tamara Ryan; Second Lady, Kelsey Moisan; Third Lady, Hailey McAvoy; Queen of the Night, Yan Lian; Sarastro, Jakob Stone; Papageno, Joshua Dixon; Papagena, Natalie Vatcher; Monastatos, Michael Gonzalez; First Spirit, Xunhao Li; Second Spirit, Yunona Tabala; Third Spirit, Chihiro Asano; Speaker/Ensemble Bass, Wenxin Sha; Priest/Ensemble Tenor, Heming Chao; Priestess Ensemble/Mezzo-soprano, Emily Adams; Priestess/Ensemble Soprano, Patricia Kopko.
FIRE CAST – Sunday, May 21st @ 2 PM: Pamina, Jessica Graves; Tamino, Christopher Remkus; First Lady, Erin Merceruio Nelson; Second Lady, Aurora Martin; Third Lady, Vanessa Moya; Queen of the Night, Maggie Finnegan; Sarastro, Lindsay Polcyn; Papageno, Gray Leiper; Papagena, Eleanor Mayerfeld; Monastatos, Kartik Ayysola; First Spirit, Cailin Smith; Second Spirit, Monica Lopez; Third Spirit, Narantsetseg J. Ren; Speaker/Ensemble Bass, Connor Lee; Priest/Ensemble Tenor, Enjie Lian; Priestess Ensemble/Mezzo-soprano, Siyu Pan; Priestess/Ensemble Soprano, Callie Meikrantz.
CAST
Emily R. Adams
Priestess + Mezzo-soprano Ensemble
Bio
Known for her vocal flexibility and expressiveness, mezzo-soprano Emily Adams has performed operas, concerts, and recitals throughout southern New England. Recent opera performances include the alto Grace in John Blow’s Venus and Adonis with Cambridge Chamber Ensemble and Second Lady in Mozart’s The Magic Flute with Opera51. Past concert performances include the alto soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Handel’s Messiah. Emily is also a professional pianist and organist, and has accompanied productions of La Bohème and Der Schauspieldirektor for Opera New Hampshire’s educational initiative. As a ballet pianist, Emily worked with the apprentice company of Boston Ballet (BBII) and the San Francisco Opera dance corps.
Gift Uzoma Anyagwochu
Speaker + Bariton Ensemble 2
Bio
Gift Anyagwochu is a graduate from the Longy school of music and studied under David Small. Having had his first professional voice tutor in 2016, Gift has performed Handel and Haydn oratorios such as Messiah, Judas Maccabeus, Israel in Egypt, Dettigen Te Deum, Utrecht Te Deum and The Creation. He also has performed major roles in operas by notable composers such as Rossini, Mozart, Arthur and Sullivan, Donizetti, Giuseppe Verdi, Handel and a few others, hence expanding his lyrical repertoire. After his undergrad at the University of Lagos , he ventured into making music a healing art singing for children with autism and cerebral palsy. He aspires to be one of the best African Baritone to perform in major Opera houses around the world.
Chihiro Asano
Third Spirit
Bio
Mezzo-Soprano Chihiro Asano from Tokyo, Japan, graduated with her Master of Music degree in Vocal Pedagogy from NEC in 2022. Her staged performances include opera, chamber works, and contemporary experimental music. Most recently, Asano was seen playing Ms.Gross in Benjamin Britten’s The turn of the screw and Ljubica in Ana Sokolović’s SVADVA. Other leading opera roles include Carmen in Carmen, Maddalena in Rigoletto, Dame3 in The Magic Flute, and Whitch2 in Dido and Aeneas. In addition to performance, Chihiro is passionate about teaching and voice science. In August 2021, she presented her research on the Japanese female voice in Anime at the Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA) Conference.
Kartik Ayysola
Monastatos (Tamino Cover)
Bio
Indian-American tenor Kartik Ayysola is an active performer in the Greater Boston area as well as throughout New England. This season, he will be singing Monostatos in The Magic Flute (MassOpera) and Spoletta in Tosca (Opera 51). In the past, he has been heard as Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Pong in Turandot, the title role of Orpheus and the Underworld, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, and Brighella in Ariadne auf Naxos.
Joshua Dixon Belt
Papageno
Bio
Joshua Dixon Belt (he/him), baritone, is a Boston-based singer and voice teacher, pursuing a GPD in Vocal Studies at Longy School of Music as their Access to Equity Scholar. Upcoming performances include: Payador in Piazzolla’s Maria des Buenos Aires at Longy School of Music and Papageno in MassOpera’s The Magic Flute: Retold. Recent performances include: Warren (Ordinary Days), Pablo Picasso (After Life) at Longy School of Music, Mr. Lindquist (A Little Night Music) with Greater Worcester Opera, Eisenstein (Die Fledermaus) with VOX New England, Morales (Carmen) with Opera 51, Count Danilo (The Merry Widow), Valentin (Faust), as well as with MassOpera, Opera Columbus, and Franco-American Vocal Academy. He is a graduate of Otterbein and Boston Universities and is on faculty at Westfield State University. joshuadixonbelt.com
Heming Cao
Priest + Tenor Ensemble II
Sophie Carpenter
Second Spirit (Second Lady Cover)
Bio
Boston-based soprano Sophie Carpenter, is a dedicated and zealous young singer with an aptitude for singing cross-genre. From Baroque opera to contemporary musicals, she is diligent at maintaining a versatile outlook on creating music. Carpenter’s most recent roles include Momus (Phoebus und Pan), River (In Pieces; A New Musical), Cornelia (Giulio Cesare in Egitto), Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors) and Armida (Rinaldo). Carpenter was most recently an Honorable Mention at the 2022 Calliope’s Call Competition and completed the Artist in Training Program with the Boston Opera Collaborative. She is a current Artist in Training with MassOpera. She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2021, and is completing her Master of Music in Voice at Longy School of Music of Bard, in Spring 2023.
Maggie Finnegan
Queen of the Night
Bio
Hailed by Opera News for her “clear, poised and defiant soprano” Maggie Finnegan (she/her) is a versatile soprano, singing repertoire spanning from medieval to contemporary. Career highlights include Danica in Ana Sokolović’s Svadba with Boston Lyric Opera, Sophia in Lembit Beecher’s Sophia’s Forest (Opera Parallele), Anya in Everything For Dawn (Experiments in Opera), her European Operatic debut in L’Enfant et les Sortilèges (Belgian National Orchestra), her Netherlands debut in Andriessien’s Odysseus’ Women, Dan Visconti’s PermaDeath: A Video Game Opera (White Snake Projects), and a duo recital with Stephanie Blythe (Sparks & Wiry Cries). Grammy Nomination: X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X with BMOP/Odyssey Opera. Upcoming: Tod Machover’s VALIS (MIT Media Lab) and Brooklyn Art Song Society debut. Managed by Alpha Artists Management. maggiefinnegansoprano.com
Lauren Florek
Queen of the Night Cover
Bio
Lauren Florek has performed in a wide variety of styles. Recent roles include Carrie Mae in The Silver fox, Deb in the musical Ordinary Days, and Frasquita in Carmen. During her graduate studies, Lauren was accepted into Boston Opera Collaborative’s Young Artist Training Program and covered the role of the “First Witch” in the Boston Camerata’s production of Dido and Aneas. Lauren is also passionate about the study of Filipino classical music and has performed in several recitals highlighting the genera. Lauren was a Semifinalist in the Perfect day Competition in 2021. Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal performance from DePaul University and recently graduated from the Longy School of Music with a master’s degree in Vocal Performance.
Michael González
Monastatos
Bio
Michael has been praised as having a “sweet and resonant” tenor voice and is quickly making himself known in the performing world. He has performed a variety of roles ranging from Colonel Fairfax – Yeomen of the Guard to Barigoule – Cendrillion, along with international performances most recently with the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. A Master in Vocal Performance graduate from the New England Conservatory, Michael maintains an active partnership with several organizations including the Boston Cathedral singers who in 2021 released an Album, From the bell tower. Other active partnerships include Piccola Opera, Cambridge Chamber Ensemble and Hartford Opera Theater.
Jessica Graves
Pamina
Bio
Jessica Graves, soprano, hails from Brooklyn, NY and is currently based in Boston, MA. Last summer, Jessica was a young artist at the Opera Company of Middlebury where she covered Diane in Orphée aux enfers. Jessica received her Master of Music from the Mannes School of Music where she was a featured soloist in the 2020/2021 Mannes Sounds Festival performing both contemporary selections and jazz standards. In 2019, she made her role debut with the Miami Music Festival as Lucinda in Dark Sisters and Solo Niña in Golijov’s Ainadamar. Jessica received her Bachelor of Music from Boston University where she was a recipient of the Ella Lou Dimmock Honors Award and performed in the Opera Institute’s productions of The Cunning Little Vixen and La Traviata.
Patricia Kopko
Priestess + Soprano Ensemble 1
Bio
Praised as a singer “with sensitivity” and the voice “of a mature musician” (Daily Hampshire Gazette), Patricia Kopko is a Boston-based soprano, specializing in opera, art song, and choral singing. A performer who celebrates obscure works, Patricia has sung roles in lesser-known and contemporary operas, including Cecilio (Lucio Silla by Mozart), Joy (The Araboolies of Liberty Street by Perera), Common Rose 1 (The Little Prince by Portman), and Soldier 2 (Stone Soup by Larsen). In Boston, she has performed with the North End Music and Performing Arts Center, Longwood Opera, Winsor Music, and the Harvard Early Music Society. She is a member of the Cantata Singers, the soprano section leader at United Parish of Brookline, and has previously sung with the chorus of Odyssey Opera.
Mónica López Garzón
Second Spirit (Papagena Cover)
Bio
A multi-instrumental musician who loves to sing and play the violin. “I believe that one who does not know how to serve does not know how, truly, to live.” Her passion is getting people closer to art and becoming a musical oasis in their desert. She has performed as a singer and violinist with various orchestras in Colombia, China, Mexico, and the United States. She has been a founding member of various orchestras and ensembles. She worked as a soprano and soloist with the Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá. She has sung the roles of The Plaintiff- Trial by Jury, Pamina- Die Zauberflöte, the Woodpecker, Cricket- The Cunning Little Vixen, Second Lady and First Witch- Dido and Aeneas, Belinda(cover), and La Vierge Marie- L’Enfance du Christ.
Connor Lee
Speaker/Ensemble Bass
Gray Leiper
Papageno
Bio
Gray Leiper is a Boston-based baritone. Described as “dangerously charming” and hailed for his “clear baritone and vocal mastery”, Leiper’s operatic highlights include, Figaro (Il barbiere di Siviglia), Dottore Malatesta (Don Pasquale), Papageno (Die Zauberflöte), The Businessman (The Little Prince), Guglielmo (Così fan tutte), Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro), Dandini (La Cenerentola), and Andy Warhol (Jackie-O). An active member of the Boston music community, Leiper regularly performs with many Boston based opera companies and regional choral organizations including Odyssey Opera, MASS Opera, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble Companio, and Seraphim Singers.
Yan Lian
Queen of the Night
Bio
Yan Lian, soprano, is a native of Hebei, China. Since arriving in the US, Ms. Lian received her Master of Music in Opera Performance from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. Ms. Lian performed Jennie in Down In the Valley with Longy School of Music Orchestra in Boston, Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute and Belinda in Dido and Aeneas with MAI orchestra in Italy. She covered Adele in Die Fledermaus with Mass Opera. Ms. Lian was also seen performing in Jordon Hall, Sanders theater, John Hancock Hall, Cary Hall, Massachusetts State house, Collins Center as concert soloist.
Enjie Lian
Priest + Tenor Ensemble
Bio
Mr. Lian will be making his MassOpera debut as the Priest in the production of The Magic Flute: Retold, and will also cover the role of Monostatos. He has covered the role of Sailor in Boston Camerata’s production Dido and Aeneas. , Mr. Lian has recently made his debut at the Seattle Opera as The Happy Prince in Wilde Tales in 2020. He was a member of Seattle Opera Teen Vocal Studio where he appeared in recitals and masterclasses with Seattle Opera. He also has been featured in operas like Pheubus and Pan, The silver fox at Longy Opera. He has also been seen in the Carmen produced by Teatro dell’Opera di Roma in their China tour where he is the only high school student.
Aurora Martin
Second Lady
Bio
Aurora Martin performs throughout New England, recently joining Boston Baroque and Boston Lyric Opera. She collaborates regularly with Odyssey Opera, The Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, Arlington-Belmont Chorale, Opera del West, and Opera on Tap. Aurora was named a semi-finalist in the prestigious Partners for the Arts 9th National Opera Competition. Aurora joined Opera Company of Middlebury as a 2021 Young Artist, covering “Agnès Sorel” in The Maid of Orleans. Solo concert repertoire includes Satie’s Socrates, Mahler’s Das Knaben Wunderhorn, Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio, and Fauré’s Requiem. Operatic highlights include Pamina, Micaëla, Miss Silvertone, Noèmie, and Liesgen. Aurora holds a MM from The New England Conservatory and degrees in Music and Chemistry from Virginia Tech.
Eleanor Mayerfeld
Papagena
Bio
Eleanor Mayerfeld is a soprano and violinist from Madison, Wisconsin, known for her expressive singing and dynamic stage presence. She performs in a variety of styles, including opera, art song, klezmer, jazz, folk, and early music. Eleanor received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Middlebury College and is a member of the folk cabaret band Elm Duo. Currently, she is the Robert and Esta Equity Scholar at the Longy School of Music, where she is pursuing a Masters of Music in Vocal Studies.
Hailey McAvoy
Third Lady
Bio
Recognized as a “georgeous-voiced” mezzo-soprano (Broadway World), Hailey McAvoy’s operatic roles include, among others, Page of Herodias (Salome, Fisher Center for Performing Arts), Taller Daughter (Mazzoli, Proving Up; Aspen Music Festival), Zosha (Heggie, Out of Darkness; Eastman Opera Theater), and Cherubino (Le Nozze di Figaro; Aquilon Music Festival). McAvoy’s concert highlights include Ravel’s Shéhérazade and Copland’s 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson. In March 2022, she will appear in recital with pianist Bethany Pietroniro at Downtown Music at Grace in White Plains, NY. As a performer with Cerebral Palsy, McAvoy amplifies the discussion around disability in the arts. She has interviewed with AGMA Magazine and been a panelist for Opera NexGen’s Accessibility in Opera. To learn more, visit www.haileymcavoy.com/about.
Callie Meikrantz
Priestess + Soprano Ensemble 2 (First Lady Cover)
Bio
Callie Meikrantz is a lyric soprano, currently based in Boston, Massachusetts. During her time at the Boston Conservatory, Callie appeared as Mrs. Gleaton in Susannah. Lady Billows in Albert Herring, and covered the role of Vitellia in La clemenza di Tito. This fall, Ms. Meikrantz was a finalist in the MassOpera Vocal Competition in Boston and placed third. She is a former core member of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh and in 2019, was a winner of Grove City College’s annual concerto competition. Callie received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Grove City College, where she studied under Sasha Piastro-Tedford. She earned her master’s degree in Voice Performance from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee where she studied with Kerry Deal.
Kelsey Moisan
Second Lady
Bio
Kelsey Moisan, praised for her “beautiful rich tone,” is an emerging soprano based out of Boston, Massachusetts. She is an avid performer of opera, art song, and musical theater. Recent roles performed include Organic and Mechanical in Anthony Green’s chamber opera S_L_E_E_P, The Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas, Gertrud in Hansel und Gretel, Madame de la Haltière in Cendrillon, Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls. Kelsey is currently pursuing her Master of Music at Longy School of Music of Bard College where she is a MassOpera Artist in Training. She obtained her Bachelor of Music from DePauw University where she also majored in Global French Studies. Kelsey is thrilled to be making her professional debut in MassOpera’s The Magic Flute.
Vanessa Moya
Third Lady
Bio
Latina mezzo-soprano Vanessa Moya (she/they) is set to graduate from Longy School of Music with her M.M. in Vocal Studies in May 2023. Her Longy stage credits include Candelas (El Amor Brujo), Mercurius (Phoebus und Pan), and Gertrude Stein (After Life). Vanessa completed their B.M. in Voice Performance at Stetson University in 2020. Her Stetson stage credits include Dritte Knabe and Dritte Dame (Die Zauberflöte), Cornelia (Giulio Cesare), and L’enfant (L’enfant et les sortilèges). They also performed as an alto soloist in The Messiah with Stetson University’s Choral Union and Chamber Orchestra in November 2019. Outside of school, Vanessa was recently an alto soloist for The Messiah with the Assabet Valley Mastersingers. For more information, follow their Instagram @v_the_mezzo.
Erin Merceruio Nelson
First Lady
Bio
Hailed as “secure and sonorous” with a “bright, flexible voice” (Boston Musical Intelligencer), soprano Erin Merceruio Nelson is quickly becoming known for her signature blend of impeccable musicianship and strong dramatic instincts across a broad range of challenging repertoire. An avid performer of new music, Erin’s 2021 – 2022 season performances included creating the role of The Nymph in the world premiere of NIGHTTOWN by Benjamin P. Wenzelberg with Lowell House Opera at Harvard University and creating the role of The Mother-In-Law in Byron Asher’s new opera The Bedbug with Promenade Opera Project. Other recent performances include Lady Clarence in Odyssey Opera’s concert production of Saint-Saëns’ Henry VIII and Bea in Jake Heggie’s Three Decembers with TBD Opera Project under the direction of Sharon Daniels.
Ehimemen Omigie
Tamino
Bio
Boston-based tenor, Ehimemen Omigie (He/ They), Is delighted to return to the stage for their debut with MassOpera. Most recently, Mx. Omigie performed as a soloist and Tenor 3 in X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X with Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Opera Chorus in La Traviata with Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Crispus Attucks with Boston Conservatory Orchestra. Some recent concert highlights include The Lives They Lived with Boston Opera Collaborative and a featured artist in NEMPAC Opera Projects summer series Opera on the Balcony. Mx. Omigie holds a Bachelor of Music from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a Masters of Music in Opera Performance from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee under the tutelage of Rebecca Folsom.
Siyu Pan
Priestess + Mezzo-soprano Ensemble
Bio
Siyu Pan is a mezzo-soprano, and she is from China. She finished her Bachelor degree at Nanjing Normal University as a music education major. After graduation, she came to the US and did three programs at Longy School of Music of Bard College – a Master of Music degree in Voice Performance, a Graduate Performance Diploma in Voice Performance, and a Master of Music degree in Music Education. Also, she was a member of the chorus of Nanjing Normal University and participated in chorus concerts and provincial chorus competitions many times. In 2019, she participated to the Cremona Music Festival in Italy, and successfully performed in solo and duet concerts. As a soloist, she has participated in opera performances and successfully held many solo concerts.
Ruoxi Peng
Pamina
Bio
Ruoxi Peng is a Chinese soprano currently studying under MaryAnn McCormick at New England Conservatory pursuing a M.M. degree in Vocal Performance. Originally from Beijing, China, Ruoxi recently earned her Bachelor’s degree from New England Conservatory, where she studied with Karen Holvik. Ruoxi performs Britomarte in Soler’s L’arbore di Diana for NEC’s Spring Main Stage. Ruoxi has sung Serafina in Donizetti’s Il Campanello, Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Carolina in Cimarosa’s Il Matrimonio Segreto and Nellie in Hoiby’s Summer and Smoke for NEC’s Graduate Perkin opera scenes. Ruoxi also performed in Liederabend series, Song and Verse recital series and Handel arias concert at NEC. She recently won the 2nd Place in Mass Opera Vocal Competition.
Lindsey Polcyn
Sarastro
Bio
Lindsey Polcyn (she/her/hers) is a mezzo-soprano based in Boston. She has recently completed her masters degree in Opera Performance from the Boston Conservatory, where she studied with Dr. Rebecca Folsom. She has previously portrayed the titular character of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Florence Pike in Britten’s Albert Herring, and she appeared most recently at Seagle Festival as La Badessa in Suor Angelica. She received her bachelor’s degree in both Opera and Musical Theatre at Capital University. It was there that she studied with Dr. Chad Payton and received the prestigious Collegiate Fellowship Scholarship; she was also honored to win the school’s concerto competition. She is thrilled to be a part of such a unique retelling of this well-known story!
Christopher Remkus
Tamino
Bio
Tenor Christopher Remkus maintains an affinity as a Vocal Performer dedicated to Opera, Art Song and Chamber Music and throughout New England. He recently premiered the role of Nicola Sacco in Mark Blitzstein’s Sacco & Vanzetti and was a featured artist in Boston Opera Collaborative’s “Opera Bites”. Christopher was previously a Young Artist at Opera Company of Middlebury in Vermont. He debuted the role of Charlie Bucko at Nahant Summer Festival’s Premiere of Keepers of the Light, an opera based off the revered novel “Ten hours until Dawn”. Christopher received his Graduate Diploma from New England Conservatory. At NEC Christopher’s performances include Jimmy in Later the Same Evening, Gherardo in Gianni Schicchi, and his Jordan Hall debut as the title role in Leonard Bernstein’s Candide.
Narantsetseg J. Ren
Third Spirit (Third Lady Cover)
Bio
Narantsetseg J. Ren, an ethnical Mongolian, is a mezzo-soprano based in Boston. The core of her performance shares the power of music as a healing art. She has performed extensively as a soloist and part of ensemble Operas, Oratorios, Chamber Music, and Art Song Recitals. Her recent highlights include her debut at the Ukrainian Art Song Concert at the Royal Conservatory of Music, where she performed songs that became the ‘have a soft spot’ of Joseph So, the associate editor of Opera Canada. Narantsetseg recently finished her title role, Mercury, in Bach´s Phoebus and Pan (BWV 201) with Maestro Ryan Turner. Besides her rising popularity on the opera stage, Narantsetseg is a world-renowned neuroscientist in music cognition and has published many influential journal papers.
Tamara Ryan
First Lady
Bio
Tamara Ryan, soprano, is known for her nuanced and sensitive portrayals of women responding to trauma and loss–a calling that she pursues both as a Boston-based soprano and as the founder and General Director of Opera Fayetteville. Hailed by the Boston Globe as a “breathtakingly solid soprano” and by the Cleveland Plain Dealer as “fearless,” she has appeared in recent seasons as Stephanie in Jake Heggie’s To Hell and Back, Madame de Tourvel in Conrad Susa’s The Dangerous Liaisons, the title role in Dominick Argento’s Miss Havisham’s Wedding Night, Sonny in Dan Visconti’s Permadeath, Almera in Nico Muhly’s Dark Sisters, Older Alyce in Tom Cipullo’s Glory Denied, Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Violetta in La Traviata.
Wexin Sha
Cailin Smith
First Spirit
Bio
A soprano comfortable in both classical music and musical theatre, Cailin Smith dares to lean into the uncomfortable, use music as a mode of advocacy, and educate young audiences. Cailin is currently pursuing her Master of Music degree at the Longy School of Music, studying with Dr. Dana Lynne Varga. Recent highlights include James Kallembach’s Antigone and Titine in Libby Larsen’s The Silver Fox at Longy, and Natalie in Next to Normal at Dickinson College. She made her opera debut in Florence, Italy as Frasquita in Carmen and sang with The Handel Choir of Baltimore and The Chandos Singers from 2018-2021. Cailin is a passionate champion of new music in both classical and musical theatre styles.
Jakob Stone
Sarastro
Bio
Jakob Stone is an acclaimed Singer, Actor and Voice-Over Artist. He has lent his talents to numerous ensembles as a soloist, being praised for his rich, commanding tone. Additionally, Stone has served as a guest lecturer for symposiums and conferences at both Plymouth State University and The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Stone serves as a teacher of voice and director of musical theatre for The Real School of Music.
Yunona Tabala
Second Spirit (Pamina Study/Second Lady Cover)
Bio
Described as a “very expressive singer” with a voice that has “marvelous clarity and a bell-like quality”, Yunona Tabala is a Russian-American lyric coloratura, currently in training with MassOpera in Boston, MA. In May 2023, she is completing her Master’s studies at Longy School of Music of Bard College as a Natasha Jakoff Scholar. Yunona has appeared with such organizations as Music On Site, Inc., Boston Opera Collaborative, Boston Opera and Zarzuela, Utah Vocal Arts Academy, and Shift Orchestra Project. Some of the favorite roles include Mademoiselle Silberklang (Der Schauspieldirektor), Cleopatra (Giulio Cesare), Adina (l’Elisir d’Amore), Nanetta (Falstaff), Pamina (Die Zauberflöte) and Susanna (Le Nozze di Figaro). In her free time, Yunona enjoys swimming, reading, and taking long walks with her dog, a pomeranian-husky Willow.
Natalie Vatcher
Papagena
Bio
Boston native, Natalie Vatcher is thrilled to make her debut with MassOpera! Natalie made her professional debut with Boston Opera Collaborative premiering two roles in Opera Bites. This Spring, she is returning with BOC in the chorus of L’Elisir d’Amore. She’s a substitute for the Boston Baroque Chorus under the baton of Martin Pearlman. Natalie holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM’18) and Longy School of Music of Bard College (MM’21), where she was the Patricia Ostrander Scholar. Favorite roles include Flora in The Turn of the Screw, Clara Johnson in The Light in the Piazza, Morgana in Alcina, and the title role in Viardot’s Cendrillon. Natalie is performing as the Queen of the Night with the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival this summer.
CREATIVE TEAM
Sage Fogle
Rehearsal Pianist
Bio
Sage is a recent Masters of Music graduate of the Longy School of Music (Cambridge, MA) in Collaborative Piano. While at Longy, Sage enjoyed collaborating with numerous vocalists and instrumentalists in genres as diverse as Monteverdi and contemporary musical theatre. Before beginning studies at Longy in 2021, they earned a BM in Piano Performance and Music History from the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in Ohio. Sage is an avid collaborator and aims to build connections between artists from different backgrounds and bring people together through music. Recent performance engagements include vocal collaboration recitals in Cambridge, MA, opera and art song recitals in Austria, performances with the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory Orchestra in Ohio, and solo recitals at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music.
Miguel Flores
Production Stage Manager
Bio
Miguel Flores got his BA in Music from California State University Los Angeles. Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, he has been a theatre professional for the last 20 years. He has worked in opera, theatre, new works, and music education. Miguel was the music teacher at Montclair HS, in Montclair, CA, for two years before returning the LA theater scene as a stage manager, and then traveling the US to ASM Operas. He moved to St. Louis for 5 years to work as an Associate Production Manager before moving to New England to be the Production Manager at North Shore Music Theatre. He is currently the Production Coordinator at MIT Music and Theater Arts Department and continues as a freelance PSM for local operas.
Tim Flores
Rehearsal Pianist
Bio
Tim is a German-American pianist currently based in the greater Boston area. His passion towards contemporary music has led him to premiere countless works by young composers as well as uncover music by lesser known composers from around the world. Tim has worked as both conductor, pianist, and vocal coach on numerous musical and opera productions. His musical decisions and leadership have been called “dynamic,” “high-octane,” and “expert” by Broadway World. Tim’s work as a collaborator can be heard on Aaron Campbell’s debut Album “For Those That Wander” and throughout New England as a chamber musician and accompanist with various ensembles and soloists. Tim holds positions at the Hartt School of Music, The Longy School of Music, and Groton Hill Music Center.
Pascale Florestal
Stage Director
Bio
Pascale Florestal is an Elliot Norton Nominated Director, Educator, Dramaturg, Writer and Collaborator based in Boston, MA. Directing Credits: Spring Awakening at Brandeis University, The Colored Museum with The Umbrella Performing Arts Center, Once On This Island with SpeakEasy Stage and others. Pascale served as the Associate Director to Gil Rose on X:The Life and Times of Malcolm X with Odyssey Opera and Kimberly Senior on Our Daughters, Like Pillars at The Huntington Theater. Pascale also serves as the Associate Director for The Broadway National Tour of Jagged Little Pill. She is the Education Director and Associate Producer for The Front Porch Arts Collective and is an Assistant Professor of Theater at Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music.
Lisa Graham
Music Director/Principal Conductor
Bio
Lisa Graham is thrilled to be making her MassOpera debut this season. She is Music Director of the Metropolitan Chorale and the Director of Choral Music at Wellesley College. For nine years she has prepared choruses for the Boston Pops touring with them throughout New England. Of one such appearance, Broadway World praised Dr. Graham as “a spellbinding maestro, balletic in her direction.” She is a founding member and former President of the National Collegiate Choral Conductor’s Organization and is currently the President-Elect for the Massachusetts chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. She is the 2021 winner of the American Prize Dale Warland Award in Choral Conducting. Her Masters and Doctoral Degrees were earned at the University of Southern California.
Jen Greeke
Costume Designer
Bio
Jen is a Boston based costume designer. Her recent works include Mass Opera’s La Traviata (2021), Gloucester Stage’s Thin Place (2022) and Midsummer Nights Dream (2022). Jen also designed costumes for Bosoma Dance Company’s Permission To Evolve, On The Rails and Miles To Go… (2022). More of Jen’s work can be viewed at jengreeke.com.
Cassie Kollman
Assistant Stage Manager
Bio
. Cassie Kollman is a soprano vocalist who possesses an informed command of her art and performs a wide range of musical genres, including blues, jazz, pop, soul, r&b, New music, and classical. A versatile singer-songwriter and enterprising producer, Cassie released her first album in 2021, an adventurous collection of groove-based, richly-textured, and imaginative compositions. Cassie is a student of Dr. Dana Lynne Varga and is currently pursuing her Masters of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Music at the Longy School of Music of Bard College. A former grade-school music teacher and children’s theater director, Cassie is passionate about arts accessibility and community music.
Carla Maniscalco-Giovinco
Director of Productions
Bio
Baron E. Pugh
Scenic Designer
Bio
Baron E. Pugh (Scenic Designer) The Public Theatre: shadow/land (associate designer); The Huntington Theatre: K-I-S-S-I-N-G (Associate Designer), The Bluest Eye (Associate Designer); Barrington Stage Company: ABCD; Berkshire Theatre Group: B.R.O.K.E.N code B.I.R.D switching; . Trinity Rep: Tiny Beautiful Things, Radio Golf. TheatreSquared: Detroit ’67, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, School Girls; Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival: Fences, How I Learned What I Learned; SpeakEasy Stage: Heroes of the Fourth Turning, Passover, Choir Boy, School Girls; Lyric Stage: The Light, Breath and Imagination, The Wiz. Baron received his MFA in Scenic Design from Boston University and is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. For upcoming productions, please visit BaronPughDesign.com or follow him on Instagram @bpscenic (he/him)
Kelley Rourke
Librettist
Bio
Kelley Rourke is a librettist, translator and dramaturg. Libretti include Eat the Document, Lucy, and Stay (for composer John Glover); The Beekeeper (Wang Lu) Wilde Tales and And Still We Dream (Laura Karpman); The Jungle Book (with Kamala Sankaram); and Odyssey and Robin Hood (Ben Moore). Her English adaptations of canonic operas have been hailed as “crackingly witty” (The Independent, London) and “remarkably well wedded to the music” (New York Times). Her work has been commissioned and performed by the Metropolitan Opera, English National Opera, Welsh National Opera, Washington National Opera, The Glimmerglass Festival, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Boston Lyric Opera, Seattle Opera, Minnesota Opera, Carnegie Hall, and Houston Grand Opera, among others. Kelley was founding editor of Opera America Magazine and a contributor to the New Grove Dictionary of American Music, and she has been a guest lecturer at David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, Boston University, Carnegie Mellon University, NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and Walnut Hill School for the Arts. Kelley is resident dramaturg for The Glimmerglass Festival and Artistic Advisor for Washington National Opera’s American Opera Initiative. www.kelleyrourke.com
Michael Clark Wonson
Lighting Designer
Bio
Michael Clark Wonson (Lighting Design) has worked in the United States and abroad for the past 25 years, Highlights include designs for The Bar Girl of Jamaica in Jamaica, Boston Lyric Opera, Cumberland County Playhouse in Tennessee, Southern Methodist University School of Theatre, Dance and Opera, New Bedford Festival Theater, The Lyric Stage Company, Eastern Slope Playhouse, Deertrees Theater, The Five Colleges MFA and faculty dance department of western Massachusetts, Boston Conservatory, Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth NH, Providence College dept of dance and theater, and the Courthouse Center for the Arts in Kingston, Rhode Island. His designs have received Elliot Norten, IRNE, EMACT, MOSS HART, Massachusetts assets for Artist Grant, Kennedy Center, and ELLIOT Norton awards. He also designs full theatrical lighting systems and overseas their installation. Michael is excited to return to mass Operă and make his debut at the modern tonight.
ORCHESTRA
Flute………………………………………………….Charles Jacobs
Oboe………………………………………………….Camden Christenson Ward
Clarinet……………………………………………..Josh Redman
Bassoon…………………………………………….Rachael Elliott
French Horn……………………………………..Jonathan McGarry
Violin 1 & Orchestra Librarian…………..Jacqueline Bensen
Violin 2………………………………………………..Aspen Jade Barker
Viola…………………………………………………….Ruben McFarlane
Cello…………………………………………………….Alex Fowler
Double Bass………………………………………..Christopher Hernandez
Violin 2………………………………………………..Aspen Jade Barker
Viola…………………………………………………….Ruben McFarlane
Cello…………………………………………………….Alex Fowler
Double Bass………………………………………..Christopher Hernandez
Charles Jacobs
Flute
Bio
Boston-Based flutist and yoga teacher Charles Jacobs has a background in exploring the relationship between movement and music. From a young age, he had been interested in exploring music and movement. While studying in Chicago, IL, he discovered the positive impact that yoga had on his ability to perform and create music. In 2017, Charles completed his undergraduate studies from The DePaul University School of Music where he studied under Alyce Johnson and Mary Stolper. In 2019, Charles completed his graduate studies in performance at The Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA with Sergio Pallottelli. in recent years, Charles has had the opportunity to perform at The Harvard University Carpenter Center for Visual Arts with performance artists Michelle Lopez Claire Chase.
Camden Christenson Ward
Oboe
Bio
Pascale Florestal is an Elliot Norton Nominated Director, Educator, Dramaturg, Writer and Collaborator based in Boston, MA. Directing Credits: Spring Awakening at Brandeis University, The Colored Museum with The Umbrella Performing Arts Center, Once On This Island with SpeakEasy Stage and others. Pascale served as the Associate Director to Gil Rose on X:The Life and Times of Malcolm X with Odyssey Opera and Kimberly Senior on Our Daughters, Like Pillars at The Huntington Theater. Pascale also serves as the Associate Director for The Broadway National Tour of Jagged Little Pill. She is the Education Director and Associate Producer for The Front Porch Arts Collective and is an Assistant Professor of Theater at Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music.
Josh Redman
Clarinet
Bio
Josh Redman (Clarinet) is a performer, teacher, and clinician based in Boston, MA. He has performed chamber and orchestral music at venues throughout the Northeast, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Josh has given masterclasses at the College of St. Rose, University of Central Oklahoma, SUNY Potsdam, and California State University Northridge. He was interviewed for Clarineat, a clarinet podcast, and has given guest lectures at University of Texas at Austin, The Boston Conservatory, and others. For seven years, Josh managed the clarinet product line at D’Addario. During his tenure, he led development projects for numerous successful reeds and mouthpieces and cultivated the clarinet artist roster. His primary mentors have included renowned pedagogue Kalmen Opperman, author Larry Guy, and recording artist Lawrence Sobol.
Rachael Elliott
Bassoon
Jonathan McGarry
French Horn
Jacqueline Bensen
Violin 1 & Orchestra Librarian
Bio
Jacqueline Bensen, a native of New Jersey, recently completed her undergraduate degree, cum laude, in violin performance from the School of Music at Boston University in May of 2022 where she studied with violinist Dana Mazurkevich. She is currently an active member of the Boston Civic Symphony and a frequent soloist at the First Lutheran Church of Boston. Jacqueline’s orchestral studies have afforded her the opportunities to perform in world renowned venues such as Symphony Hall, the Musikverein, Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Jacqueline plans to pursue a Master’s degree of music in the near future in Boston and to continue sharing her passion for music with the community.
Aspen Jade Barker
Violin 2
Bio
Aspen Barker started her journey with music when she was in 4th grade in an after school strings music program. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Music in 2021 after attending Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana where she studied under Amy Thiaville for violin performance and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenburg for chamber music. She has since gone on to study at The Longy School of Music of Bard College for her Master of Music in Violin Performance and is expected to graduate in May of 2023. Since moving to Boston, Aspen has held various teaching positions throughout the city and has also gone on to play with various ensembles in the Boston area, including the Reading Symphony and the Du Bois Orchestra.
Ruben McFarlane
Viola
Bio
Ruben McFarlane is a violist, string pedagogue, and arts administrator currently living in Charlestown, MA. He holds Bachelor Degrees with Summa Cum Laude honors in Viola Performance and Music Education from Penn State University, and a Master Degree in Viola Performance from The Catholic University of America. He previously held positions with the Williamsport Symphony, Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra, Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, and the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. Ruben current works as a Department Coordinator of Academic Affairs at the Berklee College of Music, Cantare Program Manager & Recruitment Manager at the Cambridge Children’s Chorus, and Education Programs Coordinator at the PostClassical Ensemble in Washington, DC. He additional teaches private violin and viola lessons through his private lesson studio.
Alex Fowler
Cello
Bio
Boston-based cellist, teacher, arranger Alex Fowler has appeared frequently on the Boston Symphony Orchestra concert series, What I Hear and has received New England Conservatory’s John Cage Award for Contemporary Performance and Entrepreneurial Musicianship’s Spark Award for his work as a musical storyteller through the Community Performances & Partnerships program. Alex has performed in the section of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Emmanuel Music, Boston Chamber Symphony, Phoenix Orchestra, Apollo Chamber Ensemble, Longwood Symphony Orchestra, and Palaver Strings. He also teaches at the Community Music Center of Boston in addition to running his own private studio. Upcoming 2022-23 season appearances include solo cello works by Bruch & Pärt with the Fermata Chamber Ensemble and performing as principal cellist of the Du Bois Orchestra.
Christopher Hernandez
Double Bass
Bio
Christopher Hernandez is a multi-genre, multi-instrumentalist and educator based in Boston. As a performer, Hernandez has been given opportunities to take part in concerts ranging from informal jam sessions, to formal classical performances, to the mainstages of Oktoberfest in Harvard Square, Cambridge MA, The Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA, as well as First Night Boston 2022 and 2023. His experience in Classical, Jazz, Latin, Hip-Hop and Pop influenced music have developed a voice that helps him to push his colleagues and students into unique performance situations. Recently, Christopher has spent time playing bass with Veronica Robles, Speechless Music, Boston Music Project Ensembles, the Du Bois Orchestra, the Lincoln-Sudbury Civic Orchestra, the Orchestra Without Borders Boston, the Manchester Symphony Orchestra and the Carlisle Chamber Orchestra.
VENUE
MODERN THEATRE
AT SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY
525 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MA 02111
AT SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY
525 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MA 02111
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