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Lizette Casals, Artist Bio
Lizette Casals is a soprano whose performances span opera, art song, sacred music, jazz, Latin American repertoire, and popular song. Born in Abington, Pennsylvania, to Cuban and Honduran parents, she began vocal studies at the University of the Arts with the late Vivian Wagner while still attending the Philadelphia High School for Girls. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Voice with an emphasis in Opera from the University of the Arts and a Master of Music in Opera Performance from Temple University.
Ms. Casals has appeared with the American Music Theater Festival, Delaware Valley Opera Company, the Latin American Guild for the Arts, OperaDelaware, the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society, and Relâche. In addition to her work on the concert and operatic stage, she has recorded for the Kindermusik, Kinderlingua, and Kinderphonics educational music series, as well as television and radio advertising campaigns. She has also performed extensively throughout the Philadelphia region with jazz, Latin, worship, and wedding ensembles and has served as a guest cantor in churches and cathedrals throughout the area.
Throughout a life devoted to both family and music, Ms. Casals has remained active as a performer, cantor, and advocate for the arts. Drawing upon her Cuban and Honduran heritage, she is passionate about sharing music that builds community, preserves cultural traditions, and fosters meaningful connections across cultures and generations.
Ms. Casals most recently studied with Winifred Dettore Swift and resides in Havertown, Pennsylvania.
Michael Simmons, Guitar, Artist Bio
Dr. Michael Simmons is a guitarist, educator, and music scholar whose career spans performance, teaching, and research. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance from the University of the Arts, a Master of Music in Guitar Performance and Music History from Temple University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education from Boston University.
As a classical guitarist, Dr. Simmons received early recognition as winner of the 1993 Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society Competition and as a finalist in the 1995 National Guitar Summer Workshop Concerto Competition. He has performed extensively throughout the United States and abroad as a member of the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Trio, with appearances at numerous festivals and concert series, including the Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Puerto Rico and the Third Encuentro Internacional de Guitarra Panamá.
A Kodály-certified music educator, Dr. Simmons serves as Upper and Middle School Music Director at The Woodlynde School in Strafford, Pennsylvania, where he directs instrumental ensembles and theatrical productions while teaching music theory, music technology, and instrumental music.
His collegiate teaching experience includes appointments at Temple University, Rosemont College, and Montgomery County Community College, where he was awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities grant to serve as project scholar for a lecture and film series exploring American popular music.
In addition to his work as an educator, Dr. Simmons maintains an active career as a freelance performer and private instructor in the greater Philadelphia region.
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