April 12-13, 2024 

Aubrey enjoys an active career singing Opera, Chamber Works, Art Song and major Symphonic Works. During her residency with the Westminster Choir in Princeton New Jersey, she worked with renowned conductors including, maestros Claudio Abbado, Kurt Masur, and Joseph Flummerfelt, singing for the New York philharmonic. She regularly performs with the prestigious Utah Symphony and Opera, Intermezzo, Eutopia, Nova, The American Festival Chorus and Orchestra, Cathedral of the Madeleine concert series, Southwest Symphony, and Utah Lyric Opera.  Her debut album, “Beautiful Dreamer” can be found on all streaming platforms worldwide. 

A product of musical parents, John Knight Allen began his musical journey with the piano in Los Angeles at age 4. He continued his studies with the violin at Brigham Young University for his undergraduate career, and completed a Master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Utah, where he is now finishing a DMA in voice and choral conducting. Summer studies include work at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, the Aspen Music School, and abroad in Italy.

John performs internationally both as a violinist and singer, passionately interpreting the standard repertoire as well as championing new works. Recent operatic roles include Gianni Schicchi, Scarpia, Scrooge, Sweeney Todd, Don Alfonso, Enrico, Germont, and Rigoletto.

 John currently serves as baritone for the Graduate Vocal Quartet at the University of Utah and Music Director for the South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society. He also regularly plays violin with the Bozeman Symphony and Ballet West. In addition to performance, John is passionate about teaching, skiing, and yoga.

Nathalia Alvarez is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and studying under Professor Julie Wright-Costa at the University of Utah. She is a member of the University’s Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Barlow Bradford, and performed in the chorus of Orff’s Carmina Burana with the Utah Symphony last winter. She made her opera debut with U Opera last spring as Suor Dolcina and Guccio in Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi. She also had the pleasure of performing as Amahl in Amahl and the Night Visitors at the Grand Theater this last December. Other credits include Edith in The Pirates of Penzance with U Opera, and Alice Murphy in Bright Star. Last spring, Nathalia also had the pleasure of serving as the Co-Composer in Salt Lake Community College’s production of Eurydice. Currently, she is preparing for her upcoming junior recital this spring. Outside of singing, Nathalia enjoys the piano, drums, and composing music.

Dillan Burnett is grateful to work with the cast of U Opera in this first-of-its-kind production of A.L.I.C.E.! Beginning his love for performing at a young age, Dillan was cast in several musicals in middle school and high school and then received the honor of the 2018 Vocal Performance Sterling Scholar at Bingham High School. He is excited to take on greater performing opportunities here at the University of Utah. He was part of the choruses for U Opera’s Rigoletto (2021), and Sweeney Todd  (2022), Counsel in Trial By Jury (2023), Marco in Gianni Schicchi (2023), Bob Cratchitt in A Christmas Carol (2023), is currently an understudy in the international art exhibition, Sonic Blossom, at the UMFA here on campus, and preparing for a junior recital at the end of the month. Dillan is a double-major (BMus Vocal Performance / BA International Studies) and is minoring in Portuguese & Brazilian Studies. He is a current representative for the College of Fine Arts in ASUU and is a member of the Chamber Choir under Dr. Barlow Bradford. He studies voice with Dr. Lynn Maxfield, associate director of the National Center for Voice and Speech. Dillan loves to help others become civically engaged, critique movies with family and friends, and connect with others through languages and cultural experiences.

Natalia, from the Republic of Moldova, has performed worldwide, including in the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Belarus, Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Austria, the Russian Federation, Italy, and the United States of America.

Natalia’s professional journey includes attending one of Russia's most prestigious music conservatories – The Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg Conservatory in the Janna V. Korotkaya and Nina N Arsentieva studio. Natalia also had the opportunity to sing for Russian mezzo-soprano and professor Irina Bogacheva. After her studies in Russia, Natalia moved to Romania to study at the University of Mus with soprano Iulia Isaev. In Romania, Natalia participated and placed in both the “Ada Ulubeanu” and “Dan Cumpata” National Competitions.

Currently, Natalia is a DMA Student in Vocal Performance at the U, studying with Dr. Robert Breault. Before arriving at the U, Natalia earned her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance at Southeastern Louisiana University as a student of Dr. Jennifer Mouledous. While there, she performed Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown, the title role in Viardot’s Cendrillon, and Margaret March in Howland’s Little Women.

During the summer 2022, Natalia made her Italian debut in the role of Elvira in Rossini’s L’italiana in Algeri at "La Musica Lirica". While at La Musica Lirica, she worked with Maestro Joseph Rescigno, David Ronis, and the Polish-born soprano Brygida Bziukiewicz–Kullig.
Natalia has participated in numerous masterclasses, including M. Rose, G. Lechner, B. Bziukiewicz, J. Bobick, T. Faircloth, T. Smith, to name a few

Natalia has participated in numerous masterclasses, including Matthew Rose and Gabriele Lechner.

Natalia Turchin Champagne 
Teacher Assistant at the University of Utah
MM in Vocal Performance, SELU 
Diploma of Specialist at N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Saint-Petersburg State Conservatory

Isabel Cossa is in her senior year of her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance studying with Ms. Julie Wright-Costa at the University of Utah. A native of West Valley City, Utah, she graduated as a valedictorian from Cyprus High School’s class of 2020. At the University of Utah, she is currently a Community Advisor and a member of the Black Student Union, the University of Utah Student Opera Guild, and the University of Utah Chamber Choir. She has played roles including; Jovie in Elf, The Ghost of Christmas Past in Michael Leavitt’s A Christmas Carol, and Suor Genovieffa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica. Most recently, she joined the Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre company in Logan, Utah. Isabel enjoys crocheting, reading, playing board games, roller skating, and doing yoga when she's not singing.

Mara Davis (Soprano) is a native of Henderson, Nevada. She is a senior in the Vocal Performance BM at the University of Utah studying under Dr. Seth Keeton, and she plans to begin her Masters's Degree in the Fall. Recently, she has sung in U Opera productions as Zita in Gianni Schicchi, La Zelatrice in Suor Angelica, The Usher in Trial by Jury, Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, and Dorabella in Così fan tutte. Soon, she will be performing in Sonic Blossom, a performance art project presenting Schubert Lieder at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. When she’s not singing, Mara loves teaching, trivia, baking, photography, and solving jigsaw puzzles.

Jourdan is a senior in the vocal performance program at the U. She has performed in past productions with U Opera singing roles such as The Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol, and Angelia in Trial by Jury. Jourdan is returning as the cover of the title role in A.L.I.C.E. When there is free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband as well as caring for her pets and plants.

Nadia BikhaziEnglund is a second-year doctoral student at the University of Utah School of Music, where she studies vocal performance with Professor Kirstin Chávez. Prior to studying at the University of Utah, Nadia completed graduate studies in vocal performance at Boston University, where she studied with Maria Spacagna and Simon Estes, after earning her undergraduate degree in vocal performance at Brigham Young University. 

Nadia’s prior roles include the title role in the School of Music’s April 2023 production of Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Mimì in La Boheme.  Nadia has also performed concert and recital pieces in Boston, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Southern Italy, including the works of Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, and Hugo Wolf.  Nadia is also passionate about teaching and has enjoyed working as an instructor of undergraduate students at the University of Utah, while also maintaining an active private home vocal studio.  Nadia is also a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.  She and her husband Jason are the parents of four children.

Theresa is thrilled to join the A.L.I.C.E. cast for their very first opera. Theresa is currently a senior in the theatre teaching program, pursuing minors in Chinese and vocal performance. Their previous U of U credits include Matilda, Jr. (Stagehand) at Kingsbury Hall and Somewhere: A Primer for the End of Days (Hair & Makeup). They have been in the U’s Voci Altissime for two years and love singing in an ensemble. Theresa would like to thank their mom and dad and all their friends for their continual support as they pursue their degrees and play around on stage.

MaryBeth Groth is a soprano currently studying under Dr. Carol Ann Allred at the University of Utah. Originally from North Florida, she moved to Salt Lake City to focus on studying classical acting and theatre. MaryBeth stepped into the opera world after being invited to sing in U Opera’s production of Sweeney Todd in 2022. Since then, she has had the honor of appearing in several operatic productions, singing roles such as Hebe HMS Pinafore, La Novizia Suor Angelica, and others. In January 2023, She appeared in the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera’s production of Orff’s Carmina Burana and most recently sang sections of Don Giovanni as Zerlina with the American West Symphony and U Opera.

Alex Harrelson is a 24-year-old tenor from Tryon, North Carolina. He is pursuing a DMA and studies with Dr. Robert Breault at the University of Utah. Alex has recently performed several leading roles in educational and professional settings. In February, he sang Count Almaviva in a Lyrical Opera Theater production of Il Barbiere di Siviglia. At the University of Utah, he has performed as Marley, Fred, and Cratchitt in A Christmas Carol, King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, the Defendant in Trial by Jury, and Ferrando in scenes from Cosi fan tutte. He has performed as Gastone in La Traviata with the Janiec Opera Company (Brevard Music Center) and Lindoro in L’Italiana in Algeri with La Musica Lirica. He looks forward to performing in Le Roman de Silence, a new opera by Anthony Buck, in May and as Le Remendado in Lyrical Opera Theater’s Carmen in September.

In addition to his operatic engagements, Alex performed as the tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah in 2022 with the Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra. For his Master’s Recital, he performed Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin. In April 2023, he premiered Robert Stephenson’s Aesop’s Fables. In May of the same year, he sang selections from Verdi’s Requiem with Maestro Joel Rosenberg. Alex is regularly seen as a section leader at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for Sunday services and concerts with the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Cynthia Harris is an African-American mezzo-soprano based in Salt Lake City, where she is pursuing a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Utah. Cynthia is originally from Detroit, MI, and claims Atlanta, GA as home. She moved to Georgia in 2012, where she received a BA in Music from Spelman College. Atlanta is where her love for classical music blossomed, and she grew into the person and artist she is now. Inspired by the voices of Marian Anderson, Jessye Norman, Shirley Verrett, and countless others, Ms. Harris is proud to continue the legacy of so many other past and present African-American singers. Cynthia has sung the roles of Mrs. Cratchit in Leavitt and Buck’s A Christmas Carol, Aphrodite in Rudman and Leonard’s Protectress, La Badessa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, Ayah in Marsha Norman’s The Secret Garden and is preparing the role of The Duchess in Amy Scurria’s A.L.I.C.E. Ms. Harris has also premiered a choral work for St. Benedict, the African Catholic Church in Chicago, IL, was a featured soloist at the 2022 National Association of Negro Musicians Convention in Atlanta, GA, premiered The Marshes of Glynn with the Meridian Chorale in Atlanta, GA, and was a member of the Atlanta Symphony Chorus. Presently, Ms. Harris sings with the U Opera and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Choir.

Porter Hiatt, baritone, is thrilled to be singing the King of Hearts in this new production of A.L.I.C.E. Porter is currently working towards a BA in vocal performance at the University of Utah, studying under Seth Keeton. He has performed in a wide array of opera, musical theater, operetta, and straight play. Some of his favorite past credits include: The Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance, The Usher in Trial By Jury, King Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Christmas Present in Leavitt and Buck’s A Christmas Carol, and various brothers in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. In addition to performing in various staged performances, Porter also loves performing concert works. A few past experiences include the baritone solo in Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem and the baritone solo for Mendelsohn’s Psalm 42.

Margaret Steele, soprano, is ecstatic to be returning to Kingsbury Hall as the title role in A.L.I.C.E. by Amy Scurria. Meg has enjoyed singing with the U of U Opera as Mabel in scenes from The Pirates of Penzance, La Maestra Delle Novizie in Suor Angelica, and as Mrs. Cratchit and Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol. Meg was honored to join the Ohio Light Opera’s 2023 season as Lady Catherine in Camelot, Mara in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and in the ensembles of Arizona Lady (Kálmán), Orpheus in the Underworld, and H.M.S. Pinafore. As a member of the University of Utah chamber choir, Meg has been privileged to sing numerous solos and sing with the Utah Symphony chorus and the Grand Teton Music Festival chorus. After graduation, Meg looks forward to continuing her work as a sound engineer at Hale Center Theater as she applies to graduate school. Meg is a proud student of Professor Julie Wright-Costa.

Sage Madsen is a fourth-year mezzo-soprano studying with Professor Julie Wright-Costa at the School of Music. She has been a member of the University of Utah Chamber Choir for four years, and this is her second production with the University of Utah Opera. Some of her previous credits include Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Addams Family, Xanadu, The Little Mermaid and Cinderella. She is the proud recipient of the Legacy Alumni Scholarship and the Vocal Departmental Music Scholarship and will continue her studies in Germany this summer.

Alexandra is in her final year of her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a student of Dr. Seth Keeton.  She has thoroughly enjoyed working on this production as the Sister and Assistant Director. She has been seen at the U in the chorus of Sweeney Todd (and Mrs. Lovett cover), Dido in Dido and Aeneas, as well as the University of Utah Chamber Choir. Alexandra has also worked professionally as the Executive Administrative Assistant of Opera Mississippi and looks forward to pursuing a career in Arts Administration when she graduates in the fall.

Sam Plumb is an exciting tenor from Papillion, Nebraska. His vocal sweetness, dynamics, and sensitivity have helped him excel in roles including Tamino (Die Zauberflöte), Edgardo (Lucia di Lammermoor), Alfredo (La Traviata), among others. He has also enjoyed performing in contemporary operas such as Michael Leavitt’s A Christmas Carol, Nicolas Giusti’s The Importance of Being Earnest, and tonight, A.L.I.C.E.! Sam is in the Utah Graduate Vocal Quartet, pursuing a Master’s in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. After starting at the University of Michigan, He received his B.M. in Vocal Performance from Utah Valley University. His teachers include Dr. Robert Breault, Dr. Seth Keeton, Dr. Isaac Hurtado, and Professor Stephen West.

Anna Roelofs is a fourth-year Vocal Performance major. She was most recently seen as the title role in Amahl and the Night Visitors at the Grand Theatre. Other credentials include Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Allana (The Little Mermaid), and Sergei (Matilda). Miss Roelofs has also been seen performing with the West Jordan Symphony in Handel’s Messiah (Soloist) and the Utah Symphony in Carmina Burana. Anna continues her acting pursuits outside of live theatre and opera through other mediums. This past summer, she did background film work for Studio C and Hallmark, as well as starting as a voice acting director. Anna studies voice under the direction of Dr. Carol Ann Allred, with whom she credits many of her successful endeavors.

Sasha Southwick, soprano, is a first-year student at the University of Utah. Sasha has such an enormous love of the arts. She started dancing ballet at age 2 1/2, and this year, she is dancing as the Dewdrop Fairy in the Nutcracker.

Her love of singing started taking root around age 5, and she made her theater debut as a small Alice in Alice in Wonderland. Being homeschooled allowed her the flexibility to act in overlapping plays for more than a decade, so she is right at home with all the chaos and excitement that comes with putting on a show.

Sasha's love of opera started around age 15, and she has immersed herself in this incredible art form for the past two years. She has been so fortunate to be coached by Beatrice Berger Gee and Dr. Robert Breault-- and values them so highly that she graduated a year early from high school so that she could study under Dr. Breault full-time at the University of Utah and recently was Amahl in the U Opera production of Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Michael Shoaf (countertenor) is currently a DMA student in Vocal Performance & Opera/Theatre Production from Donora, PA, studying at the University of Utah. He is currently studying with Dr. Robert Breault.

His scene credits are from L'Incoronazione di Poppea as Nerone and Arnalta; The Marriage of Figaro as Cherubino; Rodelinda, Regina di Longobardi as Bertarido; Giulio Cesare in Egitto as Cesare; Agrippina as Ottone; A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Oberon. His concert credits include Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms Movement II, with both BYU-Idaho and Blair Concert Chorale, and guest appearances with the Early Music Ensemble at the University of Utah and Westminster University. He has also performed in concerts internationally in Canada, Austria, Germany, and Italy.

He has been a part of masterclasses with Robert Tweeten, Allyson Hardy, Detlef Sölter, Chelsea Bonagura, Gary Wedow, Matthew Burns, Christopher Robson, Jacalyn Kreitzer, Matthew Rose, Ellen Hargis, Alon Sariel, and Avi Stein. In 2021, he had the opportunity to perform a virtual recital with Opera San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo, California.

He has performed the premiere of the new orchestration by Tim Ribchester, of L'incoronazione di Poppea as Ottone at the Trentino Music Festival in Mezzano, Italy (2022) and Refugee in Dove’s Flight with Nuova Vocal Arts Festival in Edmonton, Canada (2023).

His upcoming performances will include the March Hare in A.L.I.C.E. by Amy Scurria with U Opera and Nurture in Le Roman de Silence by Anthony Buck.

Karley Swallow, a mezzo-soprano, is a sophomore in the Vocal Performance program at the University of Utah, studying under Prof. James Bobick and Prof. Kirstin Chávez. Karley’s previous roles include La Zia Principessa (cover) in Suor Angelica, Zita in Gianni Schicchi, La Cercatrice in Suor Angelica, Buttercup in An Evening of Gilbert and Sullivan, and Mabel in Pirates of Penzance. Karley is currently a member of the University of Utah’s Chamber Choir and the Michie Undergraduate Quartet. She is the recipient of the University of Utah Flagship Scholarship and the Leroy Robertson Promising Student Scholarship. Karley is excited to attend the International Performing Arts Institute Opera Intensive in Germany this summer.

Matthew Tang, countertenor, is currently in his third year pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance under the instruction of Dr. Lynn Maxfield at The University of Utah. He is also in his third year in The University of Utah Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Barlow Bradford. Matthew also regularly performs with the University of Utah Early Music Ensemble. He is an active composer/arranger studying composition under Kameron Kavanaugh's tutelage. His compositions and arrangements can be found on sheetmusicplus.com, sheetmusicdirect.com, and jwpepper.com. His rendition of “Amazing Grace” recently had its world premiere with the group “Choral Audacity” under the direction of Mr. Darita Seth. He was most recently seen in U Opera in Concert singing a selection of Handel arias. This season, Matthew reprised the role of Mr. Fezziwig and sang the role of Char Woman in Leavitt and Buck’s A Christmas Carol. Past credits include the roles of Marco and Betto di Signa in Gianni Schicchi, The Page in Amahl and the Night Visitors. His highlights included performing in Carnegie Hall, performing with the San Francisco Symphony and Utah Symphony, and competing in the Golden State Choral Competition.

Meggie Vincent, a Westminster College graduate, is currently a Master of Music candidate in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Utah. Meggie is not only a singer but an accomplished violinist. She has toured Europe and various parts of the United States for performances in both voice and violin. Meggie credits much of her success to Aubrey Adams-McMillan, her voice teacher at Westminster College. Today, she is pleased to be studying with Professor Julie Wright-Costa at the University of Utah.

Meggie is a natural-born teacher who has loved teaching in her private studio for the last seven years. She loves learning and growing as an artist and instructor and is grateful to be at the University of Utah under the tutelage of some remarkable musicians and technicians.

Meggie has performed in numerous shows and recitals in the past few years. Most recently, she was seen in the 2023 Westminster College production of Weiner and Zachary's First Date and the department's Opera Scenes program. Also, in the spring of 2023, she performed with the New American Philharmonic and the Salt Lake Singers as the soprano soloist in John Rutter's Requiem. She looks forward to performing with U Opera next year and to other opportunities yet to come!

Junjie Wang, a tenor from China, began his vocal training at the age of 12, showing an early passion for music that has greatly influenced his career. He is currently a Doctor of Music Arts student in Vocal Performance at The University of Utah, having started his studies in August 2023, learning with Dr. Keeton. Wang previously learned with Dr. Shuyu (Professor and soprano of Shandong University) for seven years and completed his Professional Master of Fine Arts in Music at Shandong University, China (2020-2023),

Wang has been recognized for his musical talent and has received awards in China. He won the Golden Award at the 2021 Chinese-Russian College Students Art Festival, followed by the Second Prize at the 6th College Student Art Exhibition in Shandong Province in the same year. In addition, he earned the Excellence Award at the 15th American Classical Vocalists International Vocal Competition in 2018 and the Third Prize at the Shandong Youth Singer Competition in 2017.

As a tenor, Wang's performance experience is extensive and varied. German and Italian art songs dominate his repertoire by composers such as Schubert, Schumann, Bellini, and Chinese operas.

Tiago Weir is a loving and happy person who loves any opportunity to perform and show the world his talents. He loves to perform and sing anytime he gets the chance, and he strives to be able to create a safe space for any audience member to watch the show and feel safe to have any emotion come out. He also loves having the chance to bring smiles to others and see the joy emanating from them, thus allowing them to not worry about any issues or problems they may be stressing about. Tiago also aspires to further his musical capabilities and hopes to make performing and singing his future career.

Dawn Marie Wells is a soprano and first-year vocal performance student at the University of Utah studying with Julie Wright-Costa. She is pursuing her second degree after receiving a BA in English Teaching and a minor in music from BYU in 1999. Music has always been a very important part of her life. Over the years, she has played violin in university and community orchestras, played piano and organ for various church and community groups, and sung in community and church choirs in Utah and Germany. She played Eve in the premiere of the musical For Such a Time as This by Lindy Kerby. Her U Opera debut was in December 2023, where she played Mrs. Fezziwig, Ignorance, and Young Ebenezer in Leavitt’s A Christmas Carol. She is the proud mother of six children.

Mackenzie Williams is excited to work with U Opera as the Queen of Hearts for Amy Scurria’s A.L.I.C.E. Mackenzie is currently a master's Student at the University of Utah’s Department of Music, studying vocal performance and pedagogy. She worked with U Opera last season as Belle for A Christmas Carol. During her undergraduate years at Southern Utah University, Mackenzie participated in choirs, national competitions, and both musical and opera theater. Highlights include her roles as Zelda (48) from The Ghosts of Gatsby, the Green Soloist in Naamah’s Ark, and the soprano soloist in Gustav Mahler’s Symphonie Nr. 2. While at SUU, Mackenzie also helped in the direction of the operas Gianni Schicchi, Suor Angelica, and talk opera as their assistant director. She has worked as a soloist in the Orchestra of Southern Utah’s Messiah and their R.L. Halverson Young Artist Competition.  When not involved in her studies, she works as a Stage Manager Coordinator and Teaching Assistant for the School of Music and as a voice and piano teacher at Sandy Music Academy. When she has free time, she enjoys spending it with her husband and family.

Stage Director Dr. Robert Breault has served as Director of Opera at the University of Utah since 1992. As a tenor, Robert has enjoyed an international career that features an extraordinary breadth of repertoire. His warm, flexible voice and superb artistic sensibilities combine to make him a consummate singing actor.

Robert Breault's concert career highlights include performances with major orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, London Philharmonia Orchestra, National Symphony of Taiwan, Jerusalem Symphony, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, San Francisco Symphony, Detroit Symphony, San Diego Symphony, the Münchner Rundfunkorchester and the Utah Symphony, to name but a few.

Robert's opera career features a wide array of repertoire and companies. With over 90 roles to his credit, highlights of his career include appearances with New York City Opera in Carmen, La Traviata, and Semele, for which he was awarded the company's "Kolozsvar Award." He has performed numerous times with Utah Opera, Opera Orchestra of New York, Atlanta Opera, and Arizona Opera. Robert has also appeared with companies such as Portland Opera, Edmonton Opera, Opera New Orleans, Florentine Opera, and numerous critically acclaimed performances with Chautauqua Opera.

Robert was awarded the College of Fine Arts distinguished teaching award in 2003. He serves as Governor of the National Opera Association's Cal/Western region and is extremely proud that the University of Utah, in 2020, was awarded 1st place in the National Opera Production competition.

James Bobick has had a versatile career, from leading operatic roles in the works of Donizetti, Verdi, Bizet, and Mozart to those in the operas of contemporary composers including Jake Heggie, Mark Adamo, John Eaton, and David T. Little. Mr. Bobick was seen in over twenty roles at New York City Opera, including an Emmy-winning broadcast of La Bohème.  Mr. Bobick has also appeared with companies including Los Angeles Opera, Seattle Opera, Portland Opera, Opera Colorado, Connecticut Opera, Opera Mississippi, Opera Omaha, Opera Pacific, Opera Delaware, Virginia Opera, Baltimore Opera, Wichita Grand Opera, Dayton Opera, Central City Opera, Fort Worth Opera, and the Bard Festival. 

James Bobick is also a frequent concert soloist. At Carnegie Hall, he has been heard in Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mendelssohn’s Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, and Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, and at David Geffen Hall in Carmina Burana, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Haydn’s Creation and Paukenmesse, Bach's Mass in B minor, and Handel’s Messiah. Among his international credits are solo performances in the Czech Republic, Costa Rica, France, and at Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris. Mr. Bobick has enjoyed numerous concert performances around the United States in the works of Orff, Brahms, Mozart, Bach, Handel, Haydn, Vaughan Williams, Prokofiev, and Paul McCartney. James Bobick can be heard on the original cast recording of David T. Little’s Dog Days. 

Over the last six years, Michael has been an Assistant Director for 11 productions. Productions include Don Giovanni, Sweeney Todd, Gianni Schicchi, Suor Angelica, Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Leavitt and Buck’s A Christmas Carol, to name a few. He has also served on various occasions as Assistant Music Director, Assistant Stage Manager, Assistant Chorus Master, and Assistant Conductor, and even worked on the concept design for a production of Sweeney Todd in Pennsylvania.  Michael also directed and co-produced Siegmeister’s The Mermaid in Lock No.7. He has also directed Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury for U Opera’s “An Evening of Gilbert and Sullivan.” He has slated a production of Mozart’s The Impresario for the end of April 2024.

Robert Baldwin is the Director of Orchestras and Professor of Conducting at the University of Utah and is the Music Director and Conductor for the Salt Lake Symphony. He is the founding conductor for Sinfonia Salt Lake, and also holds an honorary adjunct professor position at Wuhan University Center for the Arts in China. This past December, he conducted the National Chorale’s Messiah Sing-In at Lincoln Center in New York. International appearances include the Eutin Festspiele in Germany, Kuopio Academy in Finland, Hermitage Camerata in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Busan Maru Music Festival in South Korea, and the Hunan, Wuhan University, and Wuhan Conservatory Symphonies in China. He holds degrees from the University of Northern Colorado, the University of Iowa, and the University of Arizona. Also, a published poet, his works have appeared in various publications, including Poetry Quarterly and Haiku Journal.  Desert Crossing, his second chapbook of poems, will be published in the spring of 2024.

Oswaldo L. Machado hails from the New York Metro area, where he was raised and received his primary musical education, before moving to Utah to pursue an M.M. degree in Composition from Brigham Young University. Oswaldo is currently a first year D.M.A. student in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Utah, under the auspices of Dr. Robert Baldwin. There he serves as an assistant conductor and orchestra librarian with the University of Utah Philharmonia and University Campus Symphony Orchestra. A decorated composer and conductor, Oswaldo has been the recipient of numerous scholarships, assistantships and competition prizes acknowledging his work in both the fields of conducting and composition. These accolades include The Respighi Prize in orchestral conducting and The Barlow Composition Award: Student Edition. As an avid improviser on the piano, Oswaldo frequently performs in local venues in the Utah Valley area, where he resides with his wife and daughter.

Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Melissa Bobick graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in ballet and nutrition from Indiana University in Bloomington and received her Master of Fine Arts degree in choreography from Purchase College Conservatory of Dance in New York. Melissa is also an ABT® Certified Teacher and earned the status of Affiliate Teacher while teaching in New York City. As a performer, Melissa danced with the Eugene Ballet Company and Ballet Idaho, where she was featured in many classical roles and numerous contemporary works. After moving to New York City, Melissa was chosen to dance for the National Choreographers Initiative and was one of four dancers engaged by New York City Opera for their new production of Massenet’s Cendrillon. As a choreographer, Melissa was commissioned to choreograph three new works for Ballet Idaho and Eugene Ballet and was named a Choreographic Development Resident at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She has also choreographed numerous original works for the University of Utah’s School of Dance. Melissa was twice named a finalist for McCallum Theatre’s Choreography Festival. She has shown work at the Detroit Dance City Festival as well as the Breaking Ground Festival in Tempe, Arizona. Recently, two of Melissa’s original works were restaged on Eugene Ballet and Ballet Project Orange County. Most recently, Melissa created a new work for Ballet Nacional Dominicano, the national ballet company of the Dominican Republic. Melissa is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah School of Dance.

Halee Rasmussen (Set Design) received her BFA from the University of Utah's Performing Arts and Design Program with a double emphasis in technical direction and set design. She is currently the Assistant Technical Director and Scenic Charge Artist for the UofU Department of Theatre, and a resident set designer for The Grand Theatre. Other design credits include UofU Opera Ensemble, Plan B Theatre Company, Salt Lake Acting Company, Salt Lake Shakespeare Company, Alligator Press Productions, and Lagoon Entertainment, with assistant design credits from Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theatre Company, and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. 

Arika has worked extensively in props and costume crafts for theatre, television, and film.  She is the resident Prop Manager for Plan B Theatre and the University of Utah Department of Theatre, where she teaches Prop Design and Construction and Scenography.  Arika has propped, crafted, and designed throughout the West, including Pioneer Theatre Co., University Opera, Egyptian Theatre, Utah Festival Opera, Grand Teton Theatre, Dark Horse Company, Salt Lake Acting Company, Utah Contemporary, Lyric Repertory Co. and many more. Proud member of S.P.M., the Society of Prop Managers. Other projects include AEA stage management, emceeing, costume design, and the occasional acting gig. BFA Utah State.

Seth started working in the Local 99 stagehands union, after which he attended the University of Utah for a degree in theatrical design. In 1997, he began working at Lagoon Amusement Park in the Entertainment Department as the Staff Lighting Designer before moving on to be the Technical Director at The Egyptian Theatre in Park City. He has worked as a freelance Lighting Designer for several local theatre companies and many events around the country, including Walt Disney World, Harley Davidson’s Annual National Dealer’s Convention, W5 Creative, and many others. Seth has been the Artistic/Executive Director for the past eleven seasons for the Grand Theatre in Salt Lake City.

Joe Killian has been involved with U Opera since 2014 in various positions, most relevantly as the sound designer for Candide. He holds a B.F.A. in sound design and stage management from the U of U and currently serves as SLAC's sound engineer. Mr. Killian is a freelance designer of sound effects, soundscapes, and arranged music for films, video games, and the performing arts. His work has been heard in various venues, including Kingsbury Hall, the Grand Theatre, Plan-B, SLAC, Utah PrideFest, Utah Arts Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival.

Costume designer Robin Farnsley-Becker is widely known for her meticulous attention to detail. Her costume creations are well-researched with accurate historical or modern creations. They are made with breathtaking opulence when called for or heart-breaking poverty or simplicity that mirrors a composer or director’s vision. Being a singer and performer herself, she knows how to accomplish all of this with no-detail-too-small quality and the knowledge that comfort is “key” to singing that supports the adage, “You are (can be) what you wear”!

Conlan Miller is a pianist, teacher, and collaborator from Utah. He currently serves on the piano faculty at the Gifted Music School Conservatory, and as pianist for the University of Utah Opera. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music in 2022 under the tutelage of Dr. Stewart Gordon. He earned his Master of Music degree at Yale University School of Music where he studied with Boris Berman and Melvin Chen, and his Bachelor of Music degree at Brigham Young University with Dr. Irene Peery-Fox. Some of Conlan’s achievements include winning the national first prize in the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Young Artist Piano Competition, second prize in the national MTNA Senior Piano Competition, a Silver Medal in the 4th Manhattan International Music Competition, and top prizes in the inaugural Snowy Range Piano Competition and Jefferson Symphony Orchestra International Piano Competition. Conlan has given concerto performances with numerous orchestras including four appearances with the Utah Symphony. He has performed solo recitals across the United States and in the Netherlands under the sponsorship of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation, National Chopin Foundation, International Holland Music Sessions, Frances Clarke Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, and the MTNA. He has performed in masterclasses for renowned pianists including Leon Fleisher, Jonathan Biss, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Peter Frankl, Nancy Weems, Peter Mack, and Wei-Yi Yang. As a collaborative and chamber pianist, he has performed in concerts across the United States and in Mexico.

SPENCER BARBER is a Junior in the Stage Management and Psychology programs at the University of Utah. Most recently, Spencer was the Assistant Stage Manager for The Tempest. Previously, they’ve worked on Cabaret (Assistant Property Designer), As You Like It (Assistant Production Manager), Somewhere: A Primer for the End of Days (Assistant Stage Manager), and Illyria (Production Assistant) at the U. They would like to thank their family for all their support.

IREY OVIATT is currently a sophomore at the University of Utah and is thrilled to be working their second season at the U. Most recently, they have worked with the Draper Arts Council as the Stage Manager for both of their productions of Hairspray and Singin’ in The Rain. She was also the second stage manager for the U’s own production of The Tempest and Cabaret as a PA. Irey would like to thank Linze Struiksma and Lindsay Cline for their continued, unwavering support throughout their theatre journey. 

Skyler is beyond excited to be helping the University's School of Opera with this year's production of A.L.I.C.E. Past credits include Native Gardens (PTC), Lightning Thief (U of U), and Footloose (Juan Diego). He would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support; without them, he would not have been able to pursue the things he loves. Special thanks to his many guardians for their sacrifices that have allowed him to continue to strive and achieve in this world.

Hailee S. Walker (PA) - Hailee is excited to be working on her first production as a part of the Stage Managers Program! She is originally from Los Angeles and is also getting a degree in Foreign Policy from the University of Utah. Most recently, she was the ASM for Rent at the Chance Theater in Southern California and had the opportunity to shadow the stage management team (of U alumni!) while she was dancing on the Ballet West Winter Tour. She’d like to thank the whole cast and production team for a fantastic show and her friend Mikey Miro for her love of opera.

Fiona is a senior in the ballet program at the University of Utah and is originally from Sacramento, CA. She will graduate this May with a BFA in ballet, a BS in kinesiology, and a psychology minor. Fiona grew up dancing at Deane Dance Center and Sacramento Ballet and was active in St. Francis High School’s theater department. She has appeared in Chicago the Musical (Dance Captain/Kitty), The Boyfriend (Ensemble), Little Women the Musical (Ensemble, Jo dancer), and most recently George Balanchine’s Serenade. In the ballet program at the U, Fiona has performed ballet works by Kevin Thomas, Suzanne Haag, and Melissa Bobick. Fiona is very excited to work with the Utah Opera program and hopes you enjoy the show!

Haley Parsons is a Senior in the ballet and psychology programs at the University of Utah. She grew up in San Diego, California, where she trained at California Ballet School and later Golden State Ballet Academy. She spent two years as a trainee for California Ballet Company under the direction of Maxine Mahon and Jared Nelson and was able to perform in many professional productions with the company. Since being accepted into the University of Utah in 2020, she has performed most notably in Les Sylphides, Carmen, and Serenade. Aside from ballet, she has performed in Sweeney Todd with the University of Utah Opera program and in Edge of Wonderland at Lagoon Amusement Park.

Alison Yang is a 2nd year honors student at the University of Utah majoring in Ballet, Kinesiology, and Pre-Med, and has trained and graduated from the Harid Conservatory. She has recently performed “Modelle con rosa” by Kendall MacMillan in Chicago for the Future Artist event and Serenade for Utah Ballet production. Other past performances at the university include “Becoming” by Sayoko Knode, “BLiNK” by Mellisa Bobick, “Don’t Think” by Ela Solmsen, and “It’s Called a CD…” by Ela Solmsen. She has placed in the Top 12 at YAGP Huston, TX 2018 and 1st Place at Wastington D.C. Grand Prix 2019.

Sophie is a sophomore at the University of Utah pursuing a BFA in Ballet. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, she spent the majority of her training at Southold Dance Theatre where she focused on ballet technique in a pre-professional setting. There, she had the incredible opportunity to perform principal and soloist roles in many classical ballets, including Swan Lake, Cinderella, and The Nutcracker. During her time at the U, Sophie has performed in a vast variety of works, ranging from more contemporary pieces by José Limón and Sayoko Knode, to classical works most recently including George Balanchine’s Serenade. Sophie is excited and eager to partake in this new opportunity with the U’s Opera Program!

Originally from Duluth, Minnesota, Kirsten trained and performed with the Minnesota Ballet.She came to the University of Utah in the Fall of 2021 and is set to graduate with a Ballet B.F.A., Chemistry H.B.S., and Honors Ecology & Legacy Minor. She has also studied abroad in Kenya and the Dominican Republic. Her most notable roles include Mazurka Soloist in Mikhail Fokine's Les Sylphides, Dream Clara in Allen Fields’ The Nutcracker, Russian Principal in George Balanchine’s Serenade, and Swanhilda in Willam Christensen’s Coppélia. This will be her first production with U Opera.

Tori is a sophomore at the University of Utah pursuing a BFA in Ballet and a bachelor's degree in psychology. Originally from Lake Worth, Florida, Tori began training at Southern Dance Theatre and then continued her dance training at Dreyfoos High School of the Arts. During her training, Tori had the unique opportunity to perform principal and soloist roles in dance repertoire, including Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Bob Fosse’s Crunchy Granola Suite. While attending the University of Utah, Tori has performed in works ranging from more contemporary pieces by Irishia Hubbard and Melissa Bobick to more classical works such as George Balanchine’s iconic Serenade. Tori is thrilled to be a part of the University of Utah’s Opera performance this year!