MICHELLE PÉREZ

Pauline Viardot

Mexican-American Soprano MICHELLE PÉREZ is prized for her technical mastery, stylistic versatility, and compelling characterizations. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, she 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 will be performing Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 with the ASU Orchestra this fall. In Graz, Austria she performed 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 in Handel's Messiah, as well as Faure and Mozart Requiem in San Diego and Phoenix. 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,crew, and professors for their never-ending support! www.michelleperezsoprano.com

KAYLYN YAGER

Young Pauline

Kaylyn Yager is very excited to be a part of Notes on Viardot! She is a Junior from Washington, pursuing a double major in Music Performance and Biology. This is her third opera at Arizona State University, previous roles include ensemble roles in Marriage of Figaro and Pirates of Penzance. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support during this process! 

NATALIA TALLINO

Very Young Pauline

Natalia Tallino is excited to make her opera debut at ASU. Alaskan-born, nine-year-old Natalia has performed in dance with Ballet Etudes, in various roles in Childsplay Arizona productions including as The Wicked Witch of the West in The Rings of Oz, a mashup production of The Wizard of Oz and The Lord of the Rings. Natalia's parents are Michael, an ASU Master in Opera Performance alum and Savannah, a PhD candidate in Neuroscience at ASU Biodesign.

JENNIFER HOPPER

Reporter

Jennifer Hopper is very excited and grateful to be performing the role of Reporter in Michael Ching’s opera, Notes on Viardot, at 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.

BROOKE LEINBAUGH

George Sand

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. She is beyond excited to be cast in her first opera at ASU, Notes on Viardot, and cannot wait to share this work with you!

JOSHUA GILES

Garcia

Joshua Giles is excited to participate in his first Opera here at ASU, Notes on Viardot. 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!

CAEL SZABADOS

Chorley (Famous Critic)

Cael Szabados Is excited to participate in this production of Notes on Viardot at ASU. He is a senior pursuing his Bachelor's in Vocal Performance and Music Learning & Teaching. He is excited for people to hear this new work that promises exciting music and a look into a lesser-known but hugely important figure within the music world. He would like to thank everyone in his life for the unwavering support they provide him. 

DEVIN EVANS

Alfred Musset

Devin Evans is thrilled to be a part of Notes on Viardot at ASU. He is a third year student pursuing a degree in voice performance studying under Nathan Myers. He would like to give special thanks to his family, friends, and professors for all of their support!

SIENA ZOE LILJEGREN

Giulia/Ensemble

Siena Zoe Liljegren (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of Notes on Viardot at ASU! She is a Junior Music Theater Performance major. She has previously been seen at ASU in Le Nozze di Figaro (Chorus/Marcellina Cover) and The Pirates of Penzance (Chorus/Ruth Cover). Some of her other favorite roles include Ocean in Ride the Cyclone, Donna in Mamma Mia!, and Rona Lisa Perretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support, and the Viardot cast and crew for this amazing opportunity! 

KIMBERLY MARSH

Fanny/Ensemble

Kimberly Marsh, She/Her is thrilled to be cast in Michael Ching’s Notes on Viardot at ASU. She is a senior pursuing her Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance and has performed in the ensembles of ASU MTO’s previous productions of Le nozze di Figaro, The Pirates of Penzance, and La fille du régiment. Kimberly is looking forward to finishing her time here at ASU by giving this new work her all. Special thanks to her family, friends, cast and crew, and voice teacher Dr. Will for all their love and support.

BEN SASNETT

Louis Viardot/Charles Dickens

Ben Sasnett (Louis Viardot/Charles Dickens) 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 meaningful 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 premier of Haydn's Creation in Varna, Bulgaria. Huge thanks to Professor Gordon Hawkins for his mentorship, and to Mom and Dad for their endless love and support.

NICKY CALDWELL

Young Ivan Turgenev

Nicky Caldwell is ecstatic to be in NOTES ON VIARDOT! He holds a BM in music theatre performance from Carthage College, and is now a second year masters student pursuing an MM in music theatre performance at ASU.  He has performed all over the country and abroad (including Midwestern and European tours).  Some of his favorite roles include: Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde, Man 2 in Songs for A New World, and Jerry in Betrayal.  Nicky would like to thank his family for their constant support, and he hopes you enjoy the show!

SHAUL LEKET-MOR

Older Turgenev

Shaul Leket-Mor is a voice grad student at ASU. He completed his bachelor degree in voice at Peabody Conservatory, and has been performing in the valley ever since. He has previously appeared at ASU MTO as Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro, Cinderella’s Father in Into the Woods, and Chorus/Father Trulove cover in The Rake’s Progress. He has also in the chorus for Arizona Opera’s productions of Tosca and Il Barbiere di Siviglia, and Arizona Musicfest’s “Beethoven 9” and The Creation. His upcoming engagements include AZO’s La Boheme and Aida, as well as AZ Musicfest’s “Mozart Requiem.”

MAKAYLA FLOCKEN

Madame Garcia

Makayla Flocken is very excited to participate in her first production at ASU as a first year masters student. Makayla has performed several roles including, Florencia in Catan’s Florencia en el Amazonas; Arminda in Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera, Rusalka in Dvorak’s Rusalka; Cinderella in Massenet’s Cendrillon; and performed the part of the Grand Consul in the west end premiere of From towers to the moon. 

PATRICIA ROSE

Maria, La Malibran/Ensemble

Patricia Rose is excited to be in Notes on Viardot at ASU! She is a first year graduate student in Opera Vocal Performance. She placed in both classical and musical theater NATS competitions (2019-2023) and was a Finalist in the NATSAA Competition (2021;2023). She played the roles of Princess Badroulbadour from Disenchanted (2018);  and Mary Magdalene from Jesus Christ Superstar (2024). She also performed in the Anchorage Opera Chorus for Pirates of Penzance, Carmen, The Elixir of Love, and La Traviata. Special thanks to the cast, crew, and family for their tremendous love and support! 

JOSEPH GREEN

Manuel Garcia/Paul Viardot/Ensemble

Joseph Green is very excited to be part of his first workshop experience at ASU. He is a junior pursuing a Bachelor’s in Theatre (Acting) and a Minor in Musical Theatre. His favorite roles include Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Rufus Jones in Murders in the Heir, and Cinderella's Prince in Into the Woods. He would like to thank his parents for their constant support and encouragement.

CARICK VEALE

Editor

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 productions 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..

CAMMIE ROBERTS

Claudie Viardot/Ensemble

Cammie Roberts is thrilled to be participating in her first ever opera as well as her first ever production at ASU! She is a freshman pursuing a major in both Music Theatre Performance and Music Therapy. Select credits include: Les Miserables (Eponine), Frozen (Elsa), The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Descendants (Jane), and Suessical (Mrs. Mayor). Cammie is also a proud recipient of the Herberger Theater Musical Theatre Voice Peoples’ Choice Award and Gammage HSMTA Best Lead Female runner-up. HUGE thank you to her family, friends, and educators for their support that keeps her going through the tough times! @cammieroberts.sings_

MARY DAVIS

Desiree/Ensemble

Mary Davis is a sophomore at ASU majoring in music theatre and minoring in dance. Some of her favorite roles include, Annie in Annie (NYA), Jellylorum in Cats, Beth in Little Women, Ms. Gloop in Willy Wonka (NYA), and Anna in Frozen. Mary has taken ballet since age three and it has become her favorite style of dance to watch and perform. Aside from singing and dancing, Mary’s favorite activity is to be outdoors with her dog Henry James!!! She is excited to perform at ASU with her friends and role models! 

ISABELLA SAN PABLO

Student of Viardot/Ensemble

Isabella San Pablo is thrilled to be part of Notes on Viardot. 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. Last seen in the ensemble of The Marriage of Figaro, Isa is thrilled to translate all she learned into the performance of a new work. She would like to thank her current and past teachers for supporting her through this beautiful craft, as well as her friends, family, and colleagues for all their love.

DAVID MCKELVEY

Suitor/Ensemble

DAVID MCKELVEY is ecstatic to be participating in ASU’s production of Notes on Viardot. He is currently a junior pursuing his Bachelor’s in Marketing. This is also David’s first collegiate level production, and he is eager to expand his theatrical career. His favorite role is Audrey II, from Little Shop of Horrors. A thousand thank you’s to all of the people that have supported David on his musical journey, including his teachers, friends, and parents.

ZACHARY BROWN

Ensemble

Zachary Brown  is very excited to be performing in his first production at ASU. He is a junior vocal performance major. He is a recent participant in the German lieder program at the American Institute of Musical Study located in Graz, Austria. His favorite role so far has been Dimitri in the musical Anastasia, and he looks forward to building his experience as he pursues a career in opera. He thanks his friends, family, and current vocal mentor for their continual support as he works towards his dream.

CORINNE KISICKI

Ensemble

Corinne Kisicki  is ecstatic to be a part of the amazing cast of Notes on Viardot 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 taking her first steps into the world of music performance in this ensemble 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.

YOTAM LEKET-MOR

Ensemble

Yotam Leket-Mor is incredibly excited for his performance in Notes on Viardot to be not only his first production at ASU, but also his first ever opera performance. He is a Freshman majoring in Voice Performance with a plethora of experience in acting and musical theatre, including Robin Hood from The Trials of Robin Hood, Harry Bright in Mamma Mia, and Jester from Once Upon a Mattress. Yotam also has many choral performance achievements, being the recipient of the 2024 National School Choral Award at McClintock High School and having performed in the 2023 and 2024 Arizona All-State Choirs.

MORGAN PEOPLES

Ensemble

Morgan Peoples is delighted to be cast in Notes on Viardot 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!

GISELLE SANCHEZ WILSON

Ensemble

Giselle Sanchez Wilson is thrilled to be debuting in her first ASU show and first opera ever! She is a freshman majoring in Music Theatre with dreams of performing on Broadway one day. Her favorite roles include Anna in Frozen: The Musical, Anita in West Side Story, and Countess Lily in Anastasia. She is so appreciative of this wonderful program, her fellow MT majors, and her mother! 

MICHAEL CHING

Composer

Michael Ching's opera SPEED DATING TONIGHT! was done in a digital production at ASU during COVID. SPEED DATING TONIGHT! has been performed over 140 times since its 2013 premiere at the Janiec Opera of the Brevard Music Center and is likely the most performed opera of the 21st century. His opera BUOSO'S GHOST has recently been performed by Florida Grand Opera and the Utah Opera and Music Theater Festival. Other works include RSBE, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, opera a capella, and ALICE AND ANNA. Michael is Interim Artistic Director of Savannah Voice Festival, where he was composer-in-residence for 10 years. He is composer-in-residence at Taos Opera Institute. Upcoming projects include HAZEL MINER for Northern State University and CINDERELLA'S ROYAL FEAST for Savannah Voice Festival. NOTES ON VIARDOT was commissioned and premiered by the University of South Dakota and will be performed later this season by Music On Site, Inc. Michael is a student of Robert Ward and Carlisle Floyd. From 1992-2010 he was Artistic Director of Opera Memphis. Michael is grateful to ASU for doing the second production of NOTES ON VIARDOT and would be glad to hear from you at MrBillow@juno.com

STEPHANIE SADOWNIK

Stage Director

STEPHANIE SADOWNIK (she/her) is currently a Faculty Associate in the voice area at Arizona State University where she teaches applied vocal instruction and frequently stage directs for their Music Theatre and Opera program. Recent productions with MTO include We’ve Got Our Eye on You by Nkeiru Okoye, The Infinite Energy of Ada Lovelace by Kamala Sankaram, Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, a double-bill of Nora at the Alter-Rail & A Hand of Bridge, and original adaptation of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen. This season she directed Albert Herring at the Maryland Opera Studio and the 2023 National Opera Association Chamber Opera Competition Winner Sanctuary and Storm by Tawnie Olsen, composer, and Roberta Baker, librettist. As a dynamic and versatile performer, Ms. Sadownik  has been an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera, a Young Artist with PORTopera, and a three-time Opera Fellow awardee for the Aspen Opera Center. She has earned praise for her portrayals of Marcellina/Le nozze di Figaro, Madame Flora /The Medium, La Zia Principessa /Suor Angelica, Mrs. Lovett / Sweeney Todd, Arnalta /L’incoronazione di Poppea and Samira/Ghosts of Versailles. Passionate about new music and creating collaborative spaces, Ms. Sadownik is the Artistic Director of the Arizona Women’s Collaborative, a new-works initiative for marginalized genders. To date the AWC has premiered 28 new pieces with themes centered on climate change, sisterhood, the voiceless, hope, and enduring through challenge. Ms. Sadownik graduated with Bachelor of Music from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, received a Master of Music from the Maryland Opera Studio at University of Maryland, College Park and earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in 2020 from Arizona State University.

MICHAEL SHANNON

Music Director/Conductor

Michael Shannon (he/him/his) is proud to make his conducting debut at ASU Music Theatre & Opera in Michael Ching’s bio-opera, Notes on Viardot. As a pianist, vocal coach, and music director born and raised in London, Canada, Michael served on music staff at the Canadian Opera Company for almost a decade, and has enjoyed a fruitful relationship as musical director with Tapestry Opera in Toronto, creating new operas and challenging the boundaries of the art form. Most recently, Michael has been a member of music staff at Opera Theater of Saint Louis, International Vocal Arts Institute in Montreal, and Prague Summer Nights in the Czech Republic. 

POLINA BEYMANOV

Rehearsal Pianist/Saint-Saëns

Polina Beymanov is a Collaborative Pianist currently in the last semester of her Master’s Degree. She has played selections from various different operas, and is eager to take on the role of rehearsal pianist for Notes on Viardot. 

HELEN KOHLER

Synthesizer

Helen Kohler is excited to be a part of Notes on Viardot as her first 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. 

REGGIE WISNIEWSKI

Stage Manager

Reggie Wisniewski (they/them) Is excited to be involved in their first production with MTO! They are a senior finishing up their studies in Stage Management and Lighting Design. They have been involved in several productions here at ASU including the managing of Iphigenia: The King’s Child, Safe At Home, The Wolves, and the living life of the daughter Mira, and the lighting design of Detroit '67. They have worked as a freelancer in Tempe and Phoenix for three years, working with ballet and dance companies.