MICHELLE PÉREZ

La Musica

Mexican-American Soprano MICHELLE PÉREZ is prized for her technical mastery, stylistic versatility, and compelling characterization. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, she has recently performed at Arizona State University as La Contessa in Le nozze di Figaro, Anne Truelove in The Rakes Progress, Marie in La fille du régiment, and Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel. She won the 2023 ASU Concerto Competition and performed Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 as part of the orchestral season. In Graz, Austria she was selected to perform with the AIMS Festival Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Martin Lukas Meister and was a semi-finalist in the Meistersinger Competition. She is in demand as a recitalist and has appeared as the soloist for the Faure and Mozart Requiems in performances in San Diego, Phoenix, and Buffalo. Michelle received her Masters of Music in Opera Performance from ASU where she is continuing in the Doctoral program. She would like to thank all the amazing cast and crew, as well as her professors for their never-ending support! www.michelleperezsoprano.com

CARLOS ELIAS BARRAZA TREVIÑO

Orfeo

Carlos Elias Barraza Treviño, a Mexican tenor from Chihuahua, holds a bachelor's degree in music education (voice emphasis) from the University of Texas at El Paso. He recently earned a master's degree in Voice Performance & Pedagogy and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Vocal Performance at ASU. Carlos excels in art song, particularly in German and Spanish. Beyond performing, he teaches voice at the undergraduate level as a graduate teaching assistant. Carlos is dedicated to elevating vocal artistry and education.

LARA BOS

Euridice

Lara Bos is excited to be cast in L‘Orfeo at ASU. She is a second year graduate student in voice performance (Musical Theatre). She got her BA in Theatre Studies in Munich and is here on a Fulbright scholarship. At ASU, she was previously seen as Catherine in the student-led production of Theory of Relativity, in the Ensemble of Pippin where she was also dance captain for the show, and as La Patrona in the play Eva Luna. Special thanks to her friends, cast and crew, and her voice teacher Dr. Will for all their love and support.

CARLIE BECKERT

La Messagera

Carlie Beckert grew up in Utah and graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and a Masters in Pedagogy Peformance in Voice from ASU. She is currently studying for her DMA in Voice at ASU. She was most recently seen in ASU’s production of The Pirates of Penzance as Ruth, Into the Woods as Jack’s Mother, The Rake’s Progress as Mother Goose and Daughter of the Regiment as the Marquis.  She has also performed with UVU Opera, UVAA Opera, and Utah Festival Opera holding leading and supporting roles: Prince Orlovsky (Die Fledermaus), Gertrude (Romeo et Juliette), Third Lady (Magic Flute), Flora (La Traviata), and ensemble (Carmen, Magic Flute, and The Tenderland). Thank you to the amazing MTO faculty, this amazing cast, and all of you for coming to support.

MAKAYLA FLOCKEN

Speranza

 Makayla Flocken is a first year masters student of opera performance at Arizona State University after finishing her bachelor’s of music performance at Chapman University. Makayla has performed several roles including, Florencia in Catan’s Florencia en el Amazonas; Arminda in Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera, Cinderella in Massenet’s Cendrillon; premiered the part of the Grand Consul in from towers to the moon, and most recently performed the role of Speranza in Monteverdi’s L’orfeo.  Makayla Flocken is the winner of the annual concerto aria competition at Chapman University, third place winner for the Mirabell palace competition in Salzburg Austria, 1st place winner of the MACOC music competition, third place winner of the NAT’s western regional competition.

DAVID MCKELVY

Caronte, Chorus

David McKelvey (Caronte/Chorus) is ecstatic to be a part of ASU’s production of L’Orfeo. He is a junior supply chain management student with a recent addition of a minor in vocal performance. He has performed in last semester’s production of Notes on Viardot, and is currently working with Arizona Opera on their production of Aida. Roles that he would like to play someday include Sarastro from Die Zauberflöte, Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors, and Il Commendatore from Don Giovanni. Special thanks to his family, friends, for travelling all this way to come see his first principle role! 

BROOKE LEINBAUGH 

Proserpina, Chorus

Brooke Leinbaugh is a soprano from Michigan pursuing a Master’s Degree in Opera Performance from Arizona State University. Brooke graduated Summa Cum Laude from Western Michigan University with two Bachelor’s Degrees in Vocal Performance and Choral Music Education. While at Western, Brooke performed many roles, including Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni and Susanna in Il segreto di Susanna, and was the winner of Western Michigan University's Concerto Competition in 2022. She is beyond excited to be cast in her second opera at ASU, L'Orfeo, and cannot wait to share this work with you!

CARICK VEALE

Plutone, Chorus, Pastore, Caronte Cover

Carick Veale is a baritone in his Junior year at ASU pursuing a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Learning and Teaching while studying under Professor Gordon Hawkins. He has also been a part of the ASU Music Theatre and Opera production of Notes on Viardot as the Editor and a part of La fille du régiment, The Rake’s Progress, and The Marriage of Figaro as a member of the chorus. Carick is very excited to be a part of Notes on Viardot and continue working to develop his craft.

BEN SASNETT

Apollo, Orfeo Cover

Ben Sasnett is a second year master's student from Seattle, Washington. He's thrilled to be here in beautiful Arizona, and is grateful to be a part of this special production. Some favorite past roles include Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Tony in West Side Story, Rodolfo in La Bohème, and Tamino in Die Zauberflöte. Some of his oratorio credits include the tenor soloist in Mozart's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, and the Bulgarian premier of Haydn's Creation. Huge thanks to Dr. Toro and Brian for their mentorship, and to Mom and Dad for their endless love and support.

NICOLE RIDDERING

Ninfa, Chorus

Nicole Riddering is exhilarated to be performing in her second show at ASU!  She is a first year Master's student pursuing her degree in Music Theatre Performance.  After receiving her Bachelor's in Music from Rollins College, she performed with many local organizations such as Central Florida Community Arts, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, and Central Florida Vocal Arts.  Nicole would like to thank her family and friends for being an amazing and unwavering support system! 

CORRINE KISICKI

Eco, Chorus

Corinne Kisicki is ecstatic to be a part of the amazing cast of Orfeo at

ASU. She is currently a junior pursuing Her Bachelor's in Music for Music Learning and

Teaching and Voice Performance. She looks forward to continuing engaging with the

world of music performance in this production and hopes to continue performing in the

future. Special thanks to her family, friends, cast and crew, and voice teacher for

always encouraging her to take chances and do her best.

THOMAS BARKER

Chorus

Thomas Barker is excited to join the L'Orfeo at ASU. He is an undergraduate Music BA student pursuing Collaborative Piano and is a member of the ASU Concert Choir. Thomas has a strong background in choral singing and ensemble performance, with experience accompanying choirs of varying levels and working in various vocal settings as both a pianist and vocalist. This is his first opera experience, and he is thrilled to be part of this production.

ZACHARY BROWN

Chorus, Tenor Soloist

Zach Brown is very excited to be participating in his first full opera production, and second production done at ASU. He is currently in his junior year of his Bachelor’s in Music for Vocal Performance. Since returning from the AIMS Lieder program in Austria he is committed and excited to fully realize his career as an opera singer. His favorite part of productions here at ASU is the magic of bringing stories, old or new, to life. He thanks his vocal mentor and family for their continued support in his journey.

RYAN GEISER

Chorus

Ryan Geiser is ecstatic to be in L'Orfeo, debuting in his first opera ever! Ryan is a Senior majoring in Voice Performance and will is looking toward a Masters Degree in Voice Performance Pedagogy. Through debuting in L'Orfeo, Ryan is thrilled to seek out new possibilities with dancing and acting for his first time. He wants to thank those in the cast helping support him through this large task on top of school work. He also wants to give thanks to his parents for supporting him all the way through his degree in University so that this performance can be possible for him.

JOSHUA GILES

Chorus, Pastore, Apollo Cover

Joshua Giles is excited to be apart of L’Orfeo. He’s a graduate student pursuing his masters in Opera Performance here and has performed in a variety of places throughout Alabama, Pennsylvania, New York, and most recently Austria. He gives special thanks to all who have influenced him throughout his musical journey and is grateful for this opportunity!

JOSEPH GREEN

Chorus, Putone Cover

Joseph Green is thrilled to be a part of L'Orfeo at ASU. He is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and a Minor in Musical Theatre. He has been a part of multiple stage and screen productions while at ASU, and some of his favorite roles in his acting career are Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and Cinderellas Prince in Into the Woods with South Mountian Theatre. He would like to thank his family for supporting him on his journey.

JENNIFER HOPPER

Chorus, La Musica Cover

Jennifer Hopper is very excited and grateful to be covering the role of La Musica and singing chorus in l’Orfeo ASU. She is a soprano and a first year Master’s student in Opera Performance. Some of her favorite operas she’s been a part of are Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, and Giacomo Puccini’s Suor Angelica. She is excited for what is ahead here at ASU and thanks all of her family, friends, and voice teachers for their constant support.

YOTAM LEKET-MOR

 Chorus, Tenor Solo Cover

Yotam Leket-Mor is incredibly excited to be cast in ASU’s L’Orfeo. A Freshman Vocal Performance major studying under the direction of Professor Nathan De’Shon Myers, he was last seen in the ensemble of ASU's Notes on Viardot during the fall semester, a performance which was both his ASU and opera debut. Alongside a variety of musical theatre and acting experience, including Harry Bright in Mamma Mia and Robin Hood in The Trials of Robin Hood, he also has several choral achievements, being a member of the 2023 and 2024 Arizona All-State Choirs and the recipient of the 2024 National School Choral Award at McClintock High School.

 MORGAN PEOPLES

 Chorus, Spiriti, Euridice Cover

Morgan Peoples is delighted to be cast in l’Orfeo at ASU. She is a second year student pursuing her Bachelor’s in Music for Voice Performance studying under Gordon Hawkins. Some of her favorite roles include Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Morticia in The Addam’s Family, and Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music. She would like to send thanks to all of her family, friends, professors, and peers for all of their support!

 LEVI PETTYJOHN

 Chorus

Levi Pettyjohn is thrilled to be cast in L’Orfeo at ASU. He is a junior pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Music, Learning, and Teaching and is currently singing in the Concert Choir and Mill Ave Jazz group at ASU, as well as MCC’s Canto Vivo Chorale. He is thoroughly enjoying his first ASU production and his first ever opera. He’d like to thank all of his friends and family, the cast, as well as his voice teachers for their continued support, love, and encouragement.

PATRICIA ROSE

 Chorus, Pastore,  Speranza Cover

Patricia Rose is excited to be in the production of L’Orfeo at ASU! She is a first year graduate student in Opera Vocal Performance. She placed in NATS competitions (2019-2023) and was a Finalist in the NATSAA Competition (2021;2023). She played the roles of Princess Badroulbadour from Disenchanted (2018);  Mary Magdalene from Jesus Christ Superstar (2024).  She performed in the Anchorage Opera Chorus for Pirates of Penzance, Carmen, The Elixir of Love, and La Traviata.  After being part of the 2024-2025 ASU productions Mutt, Notes of Viardot, and the Color Cabaret, she is looking forward to working with such incredible artists!

ISABELLA SAN PABLO

Chorus, Pastore, Las Messaggera Cover

Isabella San Pablo is thrilled to be part of ASU's L'Orfeo. She is a sophomore pursuing her Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Amanda DeMaris, as well as her Bachelor’s of Science in Neuroscience. Isa adores all things Baroque, and is excited to present the emotional push and pull of this work! She would like to thank her current and past teachers for supporting her through this amazing craft, as well as her friends, family, and colleagues for all their love.

BRIANNA STENKE

 Chorus, Soprano/Mezzo Solo Cover

BRIANNA STENKE is thrilled to be cast in her debut show at ASU! She is a freshman majoring in Vocal Performance and a member of ASU’s Concert Choir. She was first-chair soprano in the Arizona All-State Jazz Choir in 2024. Some of her favorite roles include Sophie in Mamma Mia! and Anna in Frozen. She would like to thank her family, friends, and the incredible cast and crew for their support.

CAEL SZABADOS

 Chorus

Cael Szabados  is excited to be presenting this historical opera with ASU MTO this year. He is a 4th year pursuing two degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Learning and Teaching. He has performed across many different stages and styles. All art forms inspire him, and this is reflected in his performance on stage. As always, he thanks all of his loved ones who support him through this journey. 

CLARA WHITE

 Chorus

Clara White is excited to debut in her first show here at ASU. She is getting her undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance. She has been in shows such as Godspell, Les Misérables, Into the Woods, and Oklahoma was her favorite, playing the role of Laurey. She spent last summer in Graz, Austria as a student in the Lieder studio at the American Institute of Musical Studies. She would love to thank her family for the everlasting support they give her, and her close friends for always having her back.

KAYLYN YAGER

Chorus

 Kaylyn Yager is excited to be cast in her fourth show at ASU. She is a sophomore pursuing a double major in Vocal Performance and Biology. She has performed in several venues in Washington, including (but not limited to) Renton Civic Community Theatre, Auburn Community Theatre, Kentridge High School and Seattle Opera. Most recently she was cast as Young Pauline Viardot in Notes on Viardot. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support. 

DEVIN EVANS

Chorus, Pastore

Devin Evans is a junior voice performance and business entrepreneurship double major at ASU, he has previously been in notes on Viardo as Alfred Musset. He is studying under Professor Nathan Myers and is so excited to be a part of Orfeo! 

DAVID RADAMÉS TORO

Stage Director

Latino-American director, DAVID RADAMÉS TORO, applies his background in music and mime to create innovative opera productions. He has worked at companies such as Minnesota Opera, the Wexford Opera Festival, Seattle Opera, and Washington National Opera.

An admirer of modern-era opera, David has had the privilege of directing 21st-century works such as Dead Man Walking (Opera Idaho, 2022), The Shining (Opera Colorado, 2022), Glory Denied, (Opera Fayetteville, 2020), and Flight (Minnesota Opera, 2020).  He also enjoys directing opera for young audiences and has done so with Tri-Cities Opera, Minnesota Opera, and Opera Saratoga.

Future productions include: Cruzar la Cara de la Luna (director, Minneapolis Opera & Austin Opera), The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me (assistant director, Washington National Opera), and Le nozze di Figaro (Director, Arizona State University).

BRIAN DEMARIS

Music Director

Equally at home in opera and musical theatre, and involved with the development of over two dozen new works, BRIAN DEMARIS currently serves as Principal Conductor of Anchorage Opera and Artistic Director of Music Theatre and Opera at Arizona State University. He has led productions with Anchorage Opera, Opera Columbus, El Paso Opera, Mill City Summer Opera, Syracuse Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, Ash Lawn Opera, American Lyric Theatre, and American Opera Projects. He has served as Associate Conductor of New York City Opera, Assistant Conductor of Florida Grand Opera and Glimmerglass Opera, Resident Conductor of Ashlawn Opera Festival, and Répétiteur at Opera Theater of Saint Louis. He has appeared at the United Nations, the Aspen Music Festival, Boston’s Jordan Hall, New York’s Studio 54, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Alice Tully Hall, and in recitals, competitions, and master classes throughout the United States and abroad. He is a three-time winner of the American Prize in Opera and Musical Theater Conducting. He was previously Director of Opera  and Musical Theatre at Ithaca College and founding Music Director of the Mill City Summer Opera in Minneapolis.

MOLLY LAJOIE

Choreographer

MOLLY LAJOIE is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the AMDA, New York.  She has worked extensively throughout the valley performing, choreographing and directing. Some of her ASU choreography credits include Guys and Dolls, Company, The Drowsy Chaperone, Children of Eden, The Bartered Bride and H.M.S. Pinafore.  She also directed and choreographed Kiss Me Kate here.  She has choreographed and directed at many of the theatres in town including The Phoenix Theatre Company, Arizona Broadway Theatre, Black Theatre Troupe, Arizona Opera, TheaterWorks and Desert Stages.  Molly’s a Faculty Associate in the MTO Program at ASU and the Director of TPTC’s Summer of Dance program.

HANNAH MANER

Production Stage Manager

Hannah Maner (She/Her), is a graduate of Oklahoma City University, and is currently in her 2nd year as a staff member at ASU. She is incredibly excited about L’Orfeo, and can’t wait for you all to see it! Special thanks to her friends and colleagues. Go Sun Devils, Roll Tide, and Go Stars!

SYDNEY MUSINDE

Assistant Stage Manager

Sydney Musinde (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be a part of this project of L’Orfeo at ASU. She is a freshman pursuing her Bachelor’s in Music Composition and Theory, with her primary instrument in Viola. She has performed as Ira in Deck in Halls and Ramona in Zombie Prom. During those roles during high school, she was Reynoldsburg High School Stage Manager for 3 years and Head of Props and Costumes for 2 years. Special thanks to the cast and crew for letting her be a part of this project.

JIEUN JEONG

Harpsichord/Organ

Jieun Jeong (harpsichord and organ) is very excited to play for Orfeo at ASU. She is a doctoral student in collaborative piano. Recently, she has worked on opera and musical theatre productions, including Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie at the Miami Music Festival, Monsieur et Madame Denis by Offenbach with Baylor Music Theatre—which won first prize from the National Opera Association—and Amélie by Daniel Messé at Baylor Theatre. She loves singing, cooking, swimming, and exploring art museums.

HELEN KOHLER

Harpsichord

HELEN KOHLER is excited to be a part of L’Orfeo, her second production at ASU. She is a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting student as well as a Music Theatre and Opera Teaching Assistant. She completed her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at Kent State University. Performances there include The Telephone and The Old Maid and the Thief as collaborative pianist. She has music directed several productions in the NE Ohio region, most notably, All Shook Up, Sweeney Todd and The Little Mermaid. Helen would like to thank Brian, the cast and crew, and her fiancé, for all their support.