Meet our 2023 Emerging Artists
Sopranos:
*Jenna Rose Cipolla
Hometown: Princeton, New Jersey
Training: BM, Eastman School of Music
Recent: Gretel, Hänsel und Gretel, Westrick Music Academy; Suor Genovieffa, Suor Angelica, Goldilocks, The Three Bears, Seagle 2022; Jeanette, L’Amant Anonyme, Littler Daughter, Proving Up, Eastman Opera Theater
Seagle 2023: Anne Egerman, A Little Night Music; Tzeitel, Fiddler on the Roof
Seagle Festival Guild Artist
*Emily Finke
Hometown: Los Altos, California
Training: BM, University of Miami; MM, Bard Conservatory
Recent: La Ciesca, Gianni Schicchi, La novizia, Suor Angelica, Lucy, Fellow Travelers, Seagle 2022; Geraldine, A Hand of Bridge, Noelle, Scrapbookers, Frost Opera Theater
Seagle 2023: Young Juana, With Blood, With Ink
Ruth Pelmas Artist
Francesca Herrera
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Training: BA, Duke University
Recent: Opera Adjacent, Pamina, The Queen’s Perspective, Duke Opera Theater; Outstanding Collegiate Treble, North Carolina NATS; Julia Wilkinson Mueller Prize for Excellence in Music at Duke University
Seagle 2023: Pig/Teen Duck, The Ugly Duckling; Mrs. Nordstrom, A Little Night Music
Laurence & Karen Meltzer Artist
Renee Macdonald
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Training: BM, Western Michigan University; MM, Wichita State University
Recent: Alcina, Alcina, Silvia, Zanetto, Operativo Houston; Waltraute, Die Walküre, Dramatic Voices Program Berlin; Nella, Gianni Schicchi, Music On Site
Seagle 2023: Dying Juana, With Blood, With Ink; Yente, Fiddler on the Roof
Lisa Reid Artist
Heather McConnell
Hometown: Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Training: BM, Gettysburg College; MM, Temple University
Recent: Giulietta, Les contes d’Hoffmann, Delaware Valley Opera; Elle, La voix humaine, Sa Femme, Le pauvre matelot, Fiordiligi, Così fan tutte, Temple University; Donna Anna, Don Giovanni, Halifax Summer Opera Festival
Seagle 2023: Dying Juana, With Blood, With Ink; Fruma-Sarah, Fiddler on the Roof
Joe Steiniger & Mary McDonald Artist
Kristine Overman
Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan
Training: BM, University of Michigan; MM, University of Houston
Recent: Lauretta, Gianni Schicchi, International Opera Festival of Morelia; Mimì, La Bohème, Vinceró Academy; Adina, L’elisir d’amore, Operative Houston; Cendrillon, Cendrillon, Opera in the Ozarks; Lady Billows, Albert Herring, Donna Anna, Don Giovanni, Amelia, Amelia al Ballo, Mrs. Pinkerton, The Old Maid and the Thief, Moores Opera Center
Seagle 2023: Juliette, Roméo et Juliette, Mrs. Anderssen, A Little Night Music
John & Helen Seagle Artist
Laura Santamaria-Mendez
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Training: BM, Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Recent: Mercury, Pluto, Barbarina, Le nozze di Figaro, Vienna Summer Music Festival;
Seagle 2023: Young Juana, With Blood, With Ink
Tony Kostecki Artist
Lucila Zavala
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Training: BM, Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, MM Rice University
Recent: National Semi-Finalist, Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition; YAVA, Houston Grand Opera; Bologna International Opera Academy; 3rd place, Vienna Summer Music Festival; Monica, The Medium, Novice, Suor Angelica, Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music Opera
Seagle 2023: Juliette, Roméo et Juliette; Sor Isabel, With Blood, With Ink
Kempton & Nancy Smith Artist
Mezzo-Sopranos
Serafina Belletini
Hometown: Livonia, Michigan
Training: BM, Wayne State University; MM, Temple University
Recent: The Witch, Hänsel und Gretel, Ruth, Dark Sisters, Marcellina, Le nozze di Figaro, Geneviève, Impressions de Pelléas, Temple University Opera Theatre; Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd, Red River Lyric Opera; Sister Mathilde, Dialogues of the Carmelites, Opera MODO
Seagle 2023: Gertrude, Roméo et Juliette; Sor Rosa, With Blood, With Ink
Robert & Judith Anderson Artist
*Julia Fertel
Hometown: Walled Lake, Michigan
Training: BM, University of Michigan; MM, University of South Carolina
Recent: Der Trommier, Der Kaiser von Atlantis, Rebecca Nurse, The Crucible, Voice #3, The Diary of One Who Disappeared, Mrs. Grose, The Turn of the Screw, University of South Carolina; La Zelatrice, Suor Angelica, Mama Bear, The Three Bears, Seagle 2022; Madame de la Haltière, Cendrillon, Miami Classical Music Festival
Seagle 2023: Maria Luisa, With Blood, With Ink; Golde, Fiddler on the Roof, Fall Season Artist
Gloria Luczynski Artist
Abigale Hobbs
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
Training: BM, Texas Tech University
Recent: La Zia Principessa, Suor Angelica, Sesto, La Clemenza di Tito, Jennie Hildebrand, Street Scene, Texas Tech University; Interconnected, RSBE, Taos Opera Institute
Seagle 2023: Petra, A Little Night Music, Hodel, Fiddler on the Roof
Hattie Mae Lesley Foundation Artist
*Kate Morton
Hometown: Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Training: BM, Oklahoma City University, MM, Juilliard
Recent: Loksi’, Shell Shaker: A Chickasaw Opera, Jerod Impichchaachaaha Tate; Cherubino, Le nozze di Figaro, Castleton Festival; Cherubino, Le nozze di Figaro, Alexandria Summer Nights; Queen Aggravain, Once Upon a Mattress, Suor Infermiera, Suor Angelica, Seagle 2022; Jo March, Little Women, Secretary, The Consul, Oklahoma City University
Seagle 2023: Stéphano, Roméo et Juliette; Sor Andrea, With Blood, With Ink
Seagle Festival Alumni Artist
Nicole Plummer
Hometown: Brookline, New Hampshire
Training: BM, University of Miami
Recent: Cherubino, Le nozze di Figaro, Soeur Cadette, Les Malheurs d’Orphée, Das Dienstmädchen, Hin und Zurück, Frost Opera Theater
Seagle 2023: Maria Luisa, With Blood, With Ink
Dorothy & Frank Shames Artist
*Lindsey Polcyn
Hometown: Jackson, Ohio
Training: BM, Capital University Conservatory of Music; MM, Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Recent: Sarastro, The Magic Flute: Retold, MassOpera; La Badessa, Suor Angelica, Ernestina Money, Hello, Dolly!, Seagle 2022; Birdie, Blythely Ever After Cabaret, Boston Lyric Opera; Florence Pike, Albert Herring, La Zia Principessa, Suor Angelica, Boston Conservatory
Seagle 2023: Désirée Armfeldt, A Little Night Music, Grandma Tzeitel, Fiddler on the Roof
Lisa Reid Artist
Hannah Reich
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Training: BM, Reinhardt University; MM, Eastman School of Music
Recent: Dido, Dido and Aeneas, Miss Todd, The Old Maid and the Thief, Maria, The Sound of Music, Rosine, Signor Deluso, Reinhardt University; Hänsel, Hänsel und Gretel, Vienna Summer Music Festival
Seagle 2023: The Ugly Duckling, The Ugly Duckling; Mrs. Segstrom, A Little Night Music
Hattie Mae Lesley Foundation Artist
Natalie Sweeney
Hometown: Batavia, Illinois
Training: BM, Michigan State University
Recent: Nancy, Albert Herring, The child, L’enfant et les sortilèges, Sesto, La Clemenza di Tito, Love Police, Orpheus in the Underworld, Michigan State University
Seagle 2023: Countess Charlotte Malcolm, A Little Night Music; Chava, Fiddler on the Roof
Erica & John Foster Artist
Tenors
Reykwaan Adorno
Hometown: New York, New York
Training: BM, Crane School of Music, SUNY Postdam
Recent: Tuner, I was shot by a cop, Pellicciotti Opera Workshop; Augusto, Zazà, Crane Opera Ensemble
Seagle 2023: Sheep/Teen Duck, The Ugly Duckling
Peter Scott Oberdorf Artist
*Amaan Atkins
Hometown: Conyers, Georgia
Training: BM, Columbus State University
Recent: Witch, Hansel and Gretel, Prince, Rusalka (Children’s Opera), Frank/Vogelsang, Der Schauspieldirektor, Ernesto, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Schwob School of Music; Jester, Once Upon a Mattress, Barnaby Tucker, Hello, Dolly!, Baby Bear, The Three Bears, Seagle 2022
Seagle 2023: Henrik Egerman, A Little Night Music; Motel, Fiddler on the Roof
Fulton Fryar Artist
Hunter Eisenmenger
Hometown: Norfolk, Nebraska
Training: BME, Benedictine College; MM, University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory
Recent: Ferrando, Così fan tutte, Henrik, A Little Night Music, Opera in the Ozarks; Acis, Acis and Galatea, UMKC Conservatory
Seagle 2023: Roméo, Roméo et Juliette; Padre Antonio, With Blood, With Ink
Lisa Reid Artist
Jack Merson
Hometown: Washington, DC
Training: BM, Eastman School of Music
Recent: Dr. William Henderson, Lear on the Second Floor, Chorus, Calisto, Eastman Opera Theater; Dallas, Service Provider, Frederick (cover), The Pirates of Penzance, Towson Opera Theater
Seagle 2023: Tybalt, Roméo et Juliette; Mr. Erlanson, A Little Night Music
Phyllis & Marty Korn Artist
Ai Chaim Ra
Hometown: Cooper City, Florida
Training: BA, Florida State University; MM University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory
Recent: Christian, Cyrano de Bergerac, Victor Herbert Renaissance Project Live!; Jarrett (Kent u/s), The Smallest Sound, in the Smallest Space, The Why Collective; Don Ramiro, La Cenerentola, Don Basilio, Le nozze di Figaro, SAS Performing Arts; Pisandro, Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria, Bishop of Puebla, Juana, dell’Arte Opera Ensemble; Gastone, La Traviata, The Lighthouse Opera Company & MassOpera.
Seagle 2023: Roméo, Roméo et Juliette; Padre Antonio, With Blood, With Ink
David Schlansker Artist
*Thomas Valenti
Hometown: Weston, Connecticut
Training: BM, University of Miami; MM, Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Recent: Elder Gleaton, Susannah, Romnoïdal, L’île de Tulipatan, Boston Conservatory Opera; Minstrel, Once Upon a Mattress, Gherardo, Gianni Schicchi, Seagle 2022; Bill, A Hand of Bridge, Federico, L’Amico Fritz, Frank, Die Schauspieldirektor, Frost Opera Theatre.
Seagle 2023: Benvolio, Roméo et Juliette; Perchik, Fiddler on the Roof
Darren K. Woods Artist
Baritones & Basses
Philip Barsky
Hometown: Manhasset, New York
Training: BM, Peabody Conservatory
Recent: Charley Johnson, Lady in the Dark, Second Officer/Thierry Dialogues of the Carmelites, Bronx Opera; Le Monsieur Barbu, Les Mamelles de Tirésias, Charles Robert Knight, Rhoda and the Fossill Hunt, Mr. Bennett, Pride and Prejudice, Peabody Conservatory
Seagle 2023: The Duke, Roméo et Juliette; Frid, A Little Night Music
Hattie Mae Lesley Foundation Artist
Daniel Boyd
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Training: BM, Lawrence University
Recent: Melisso, Alcina, Traveler, Curlew River, Dater #42, Speed Dating Tonight, Lawrence University; Sweeney Todd, Sweeney Todd, Red River Lyric Opera
Seagle 2023: Archbishop Seijas, With Blood, With Ink
Kempton & Nancy Smith Artist
Keaton Brown
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Training: BM, San Francisco Conservatory; MM, Rice University
Recent: Harry Easter, Street Scene, Masetto, Don Giovanni, Rice University; Papageno, Die Zauberflöte, LAHSOW Workshop; Il Notario, Gianni Schicchi, Festival Napa Valley; Orphemom, L’Amant Anonyme, Seneca, L’incoronazione di Poppea, Frank, Die Fledermaus, San Francisco Conservatory
Seagle 2023: Frederik Egerman, A Little Night Music
Richard Kagey & Steven Bryant Artist
Chase Côté
Hometown: Mount Airy, Maryland
Training: BM, Temple University
Recent: Chorus, Così fan tutte, Opera Delaware; Count (cover), Le nozze di Figaro, Junius, The Rape of Lucretia, Temple University Opera
Seagle 2023: Cow/Big Bad Wolf, The Ugly Duckling; Grégorio, Roméo et Juliette
Hattie Mae Lesley Foundation Artist
*Robert Feng
Hometown: Kailua, Hawai’i
Training: BM, Peabody Conservatory; MM, Manhattan School of Music
Recent: Bass Soloist, Mozart Requiem, Mid America Productions; Corp Cover/Chorus of Souls, Sensorium Ex, Beth Morrison Projects; Betto, Gianni Schicchi, Pirate King, The Pirates of Penzance, Ben Weatherstaff-Gasser, The Secret Garden, Bonze/Prince Yamadori, Madama Butterfly, Hawai’i Opera Theatre; Padre Antonio, Juana, Rochefort, Anna Bolena, dell’Arte Opera Ensemble; Rev. Joseph Twichell, Harmony, Seagle 2021
Seagle 2023: Frère Laurent, Roméo et Juliette; Constable, Fiddler on the Roof
Jim & Eileen Carnahan Artist
Jacob Hanes
Hometown: Mansfield, Texas
Training: BM, Austin College; MM, DePaul University
Recent: Mr. Gedge, Albert Herring, Guglielmo, Così fan tutte, DePaul Opera Theatre; Ben, The Telephone, Car Guy, Speed Dating Tonight, Austin College
Seagle 2023: Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm, A Little Night Music; Lazar Wolf, Fiddler on the Roof
Lisa Reid Artist
*Daniel Laverriere
Hometown: Arundel, Maine
Training: BM, University of Southern Maine; MM, Temple University
Recent: Schaunard, Bar Crawl Boheme, Opera in the Pines; Prince Dauntless, Once Upon a Mattress, Estonian Frank/Interrogator/Senator McCarthy, Fellow Travelers, Seagle 2022; Pictordu, Cendrillon, Papageno, Die Zauberflöte, University of Southern Maine
Seagle 2023: Mercutio, Roméo et Juliette; Rabbi, Fiddler on the Roof
Ron & Phyrne Pitkin Artist
Xander McRae
Hometown: McKinney, Texas
Training: BM, University of Oklahoma
Recent: Mr. Ott, Susannah, Papageno, The Magic Flute (abridged), Sailor, The Scarlet Letter, OU Opera Theatre; Bass Soloist, Messiah, Norman Singers; Pirate King, The Pirates of Penzance, GC Choral Society
Seagle 2023: Count Capulet, Roméo et Juliette
Hattie Mae Lesley Foundation Artist
Alexander Quackenbush
Hometown: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Training: BM, Lawrence University; MM, McGill University
Recent: Father, Hänsel und Gretel, Le Mari, Les mamaelles de Tirésias, McGill University; Friedrich Bhaer, Little Women, Temple University; Gianni Schicchi, Gianni Schicchi, Lawrence University
Seagle 2023: Tevye, Fiddler on the Roof, Fall Season Artist
Janet & Moe Friedman Artist
Thomas Swerczek
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
Training: BM, University of Kentucky
Recent: Papageno (cover), Die Zauberflöte, University of Kentucky Opera Theatre; Schaunard, La Bohème, Bay View Music Festival
Seagle 2023: Pâris, Roméo et Juliette; Mr. Lindquist, A Little Night Music
Seagle Festival Guild Artist
* indicates a returning Emerging Artist
2023 CAST LISTS
The Ugly Duckling
Stage Director – Richard Kagey
Music Director – Hannah Harnest
The Ugly Duckling – Hannah Reich
Cow/Big Bad Wolf – Chase Côté
Pig/Teen Duck – Francesca Herrera
Sheep/Teen Duck – Reykwaan Adorno
Roméo et Juliette
Roméo – Ai Ra (July 5, 7), Hunter Eisenmenger (July 6, 8)
Juliette – Kristine Overman (July 5, 7), Lucila Zavala (July 6, 8)
Frère Laurent – Robert Feng
Mercutio – Daniel Laverriere
Gertrude – Serafina Belletini
Tybalt – Jack Merson
Benvolio – Thomas Valenti
Count Capulet – Xander McRae
Pâris – Thomas Swerczek
The Duke – Philip Barsky
Grégorio – Chase Côté
Stéphano – Kate Morton
Frère Jean – Alexander Quackenbush
A Little Night Music
Madame Armfeldt – Janice Hall (guest artist)
Frid – Philip Barsky
Henrik Egerman – Amaan Atkins
Anne Egerman – Jenna Rose Cipolla
Fredrik Egerman – Keaton Brown
Petra – Abigale Hobbs
Désirée Armfeldt – Lindsey Polcyn
Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm – Jacob Hanes
Countess Charlotte Malcolm – Natalie Sweeney
Fredrika Armfeldt – TBA
Mr. Lindquist – Thomas Swerczek
Mrs. Nordstrom – Francesca Herrera
Mrs. Anderssen – Kristine Overman
Mr. Erlanson – Jack Merson
Mrs. Segstrom – Hannah Reich
With Blood, With Ink
Young Juana – Laura Santamaria-Mendez (August 2, 4), Emily Finke (August 3, 5)
Dying Juana – Heather McConnell (August 2, 4), Renee Macdonald (August 3, 5)
Padre Antonio – Hunter Eisenmenger (August 2, 4), Ai Ra (August 3, 5)
Maria Luisa – Julia Fertel (August 2, 4), Nicole Plummer (August 3, 5)
Sor Rosa – Serafina Belletini
Sor Andrea – Kate Morton
Sor Isabel – Lucila Zavala
Archbishop Seijas – Daniel Boyd
Fiddler On the Roof
Tevye – Alexander Quackenbush
Golde – Julia Fertel
Tzeitel – Jenna Rose Cipolla
Hodel – Abigale Hobbs
Chava – Natalie Sweeney
Shprintze – TBA
Bielke – TBA
Yente – Renee Macdonald
Motel – Amaan Atkins
Perchik – Thomas Valenti
Lazar Wolf – Jacob Hanes
Mordcha – Jack Merson
Rabbi – Daniel Laverriere
Mendel – Chase Côté
Avram – Xander McRae
Nachum – Philip Barsky
Grandma Tzeitel – Lindsey Polcyn
Fruma-Sarah – Heather McConnell
Constable – Robert Feng
Fyedka – Thomas Swerczek
Shaindel – Serafina Belletini
The Fiddler – Henry Mack (guest artist)
