BY GIAN CARLO MENOTTI - Opus Concert Theatre
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BY
GIAN CARLO MENOTTI
By arrangement with G. Schirmer, INC. publisher and copyright owner.
OPUS CONCERT THEATRE PRESENTS
Performance Sunday December 15th GIAN CARLO MENOTTI’S
DECEMBER 15 AT GERMANO'S AND
DECEMBER 20, 21 & 22, 2019 AT SLAYTON HOUSE THEATRE
JANUARY 4, 2020 NEW HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER Kevin Crysler
CONDUCTOR Maestra Anna Binneweg
ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR Maestro Isaiah Shim
CONCERT PIANISTS Aejin Kim and Ellen Suh
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/MOTHER Diana Cantrelle, Dramatic Mezzo-Soprano
AMAHL Alexandra Mercado, Lyric Coloratura Soprano
KING KASPAR Leroy Andrew Smith, Tenor
KING MELCHIOR Peter Tomaszewksi, Bass-Baritone
KING BALTHAZAR Timothy Kjer, Bass
PAGE Tom Schiller, Baritone
• ~ • ~ • ENSEMBLE ARTISTS (SHEPHERDS) • ~ • ~ •
Germano's PIATTINI SOPRANOS Elena Wenderoth, Lead Dancer, Amahl Cover
300 South High Street (at Fawn St.) Yevgeniya Gnezdilova, Dancer
Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Emily Zimmer, Stage Manager
410.752.4515 Alice Chen
ALTOS Jasmine LaChaé, Dancer, Leader
Enjoy lunch at noon Samantha Brocker
and performance at 1pm Tracy Lynge
Jill Pekofsky
Sunday, December 15th at TENORS Lev Axler
Germano’s Piattini (small plates) Jeff Houston
Benjamin Walker
Contemporary Italian Kitchen and Bar
BASSES Dave Pumplin, Leader
for another performance of Tom Schiller
David Smith
Jered Wenderoth, Cover King Balthazar
• ~ • ~ • OPUS CONCERT THEATRE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA • ~ • ~ •
VIOLIN Xinzhi Xue
with a Holiday Sing Along VIOLA Daniel MacKie
Tickets are $20 (does not include delicious food) OBOE Niall Casey
CELLO Shelly Monroe and Pavin Rajagopal
Buy Tickets online www.OpusConcertTheatre.com
CHOREOGRAPHER Fen Han
LIGHTING DESIGNER/OPERATOR Fran Miller
Enjoy Food, Drink and Entertaiment SET PAINTER Stacy Brocker
~3~Notes & Synopsis from the Artistic Director Verdi Requiem, Hänsel and Gretel by
Humperdinck and Man of La Mancha
by Mitch/Leigh based on Cervantes
Dear Friends of Opus Concert Theatre,
classic story of Don Quixote taking
We are proud to present for you, the classic Holiday show—Amahl & place during the Spanish Inquisition.
the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti.
We are honored you have chosen
Opus Concert Theatre Chamber Orchestra, is blessed to be working to share your holiday celebrations
with two amazing conductors—Maestro Isaiah Shim and Maestra Anna with us! Thank you for continuing to
Binneweg. I love providing opportunities for the wealth of talent in our support Howard County’s very own
Mid-Atlantic Region. In our orchestra, the ages range from 13 to Adult. opera company, and the incredible
Some companies use canned music, but I believe in live musicians and talent right in your own backyard!
enjoy this collaboration very much.
I am so proud of the collected company of talent. Part of Opus’
mission is to give opportunities to artists of all ages, challenging them to Willis Patterson, John McCollum, Richard Cross
grow, and you will see that reflected on stage and in the orchestra. as the Three Kings, with Kurt Yaghjian as Amahl
I prefer to let the story unfold naturally before you. However, a wee and Martha King as his mother in the 1951-63
synopsis: A poor widow and her young, disabled son Amahl are on production
the verge of starvation. Suddenly, a
GIAN CARLO MENOTTI’S knock at the door reveals three Kings, Opus Concert Theatre—Giving Voice to Great Music!
each bearing gifts as they follow a
mysterious star in the East. When Who’s Who
Amahl and his mother learn the
meaning of the Three Wise Men’s Kevin Crysler, M.B.A. (Director/Production
journey, lives are changed forever. Manager) is the president of Opus Concert Theatre.
Menotti was commissioned by Previously, he had an extensive career as an actor,
NBC in 1950 to write an opera for television—this new medium that was director, designer and producer in opera, theatre,
becoming a part of everyone’s home. Amahl & the Night Visitors made its television and film. He has narrated concerts for the
premiere by the NBC Opera Theatre on 24 December 1951, broadcast Atlanta Opera and The Atlanta Symphony, and was the
live, conducted by Arturo Toscanini. Amahl, the first opera composed preview lecturer for Opera Pacific in Orange County
for television, was the debut production of the Hallmark Hall of Fame, California for nine years. He has taught acting for
the longest running primetime television show, winner of eighty Emmy singers in the MFA program at Cal State Long Beach
Awards, twenty-four Christopher Awards, eleven Peabody Awards, nine and has taught opera appreciation courses at University
Golden Globes, and four Humanitas Prizes. of California, Irvine and Saddleback College. He is
currently the owner of Mr. Handyman in Anne Arundel County and a resident
I have always loved the works of
of Columbia.
Menotti, sung in English (his second
language) and they are relatively easy Anna Binneweg (Maestra) is the Music Director/
to produce. He is an inspiration to me Conductor of the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra
as a singer and composer. His lyrics are (Annapolis, MD) and is an Associate Professor of
heartfelt, the subject matter is interesting Music at Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold,
and challenging musically, without being MD), where she serves as the Music Director/
impossible to sing. Menotti embraces a Conductor of the AACC Symphony Orchestra. She
beautiful combination of modern atonality has conducted a variety of orchestral performances
with lyrical timeless melodies. in some of the nation’s most reputable concert halls
such as the Kennedy Center Concert Hall and Terrace
Upcoming next season is Demented
Theater (Washington, DC), the Meyerhoff Symphony
Diva and her Merry Misfits: Evening of Comedy Hall (Baltimore, MD), and the Walt Disney Concert
The Italian American composer
by Cantrelle (Think SNL meets Opera), Gian Carlo Menotti in 1944 Hall (Los Angeles, CA). Dr. Binneweg holds her formal conducting degrees
~4~ from Southern Methodist University, where she studied with Paul Phillips, ~5~Who’s Who Who’s Who
and Northwestern University, where she studied with Victor Yampolsky. Aejin Kim, (Concert Pianist) was born in Seoul,
During her time in Chicago, Binneweg was the Music Director/Conductor of South Korea, began studying piano at the age of
OperaModa—a company committed to producing modern American Opera. five and started accompanying at the age of 12 with
She has also served on the conducting faculties at Loyola University (Chicago, prominent musicians. She received bachelor of music
IL), the Sherwood Conservatory of Music (Chicago, IL), American University and master of music in piano performance and
(Washington, DC), and as cover-conductor for the National Symphony instrumental accompanying from Temple University
Orchestra (Washington, DC) after her debut in the National Conducting (Philadelphia, PA). She studied with world- renowned
Institute under the mentorship of Leonard Slatkin. Lambert Orkis and she taught college level piano as
a graduate teaching assistant. Moreover, she was a
Binneweg made her European conducting debut with the Lviv Virtuosi
recipient of full scholarship at her last year of MM
(Ukraine, 2012), followed by the Minsk Conservatory Orchestra (Belarus,
and hired as an accompanist for “University Singers”
2013) and the Chernihiv Philharmonic (Ukraine, 2014). Her youth orchestra
(conductor; Dr. Jeffery Cornelius), one of the big choirs of Temple University
experience includes appointments with the Houston Youth Symphony
after graduation.
(Houston, TX) and the San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony (San Luis Obispo,
CA). In addition to her guest conducting appearances, she is in frequent As a very talented accompanist, she had many concerts in central Philadelphia
demand as an orchestra clinician and adjudicator throughout Maryland and the including Kimmel center, Billy Graham Center, Tomlinson Theater, and Lincoln
United States, and currently serves on the national executive board of directors center. As a piano teacher since the year 2000, she exactly knows how to make
for the College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA). Dr. Binneweg is the lessons both educational and interesting for individual student. Due to the
recipient of the 2015 Annie Award for the Performing Arts awarded by the Arts result of her efforts to be a great teacher, she was elected by both students
Council of Anne Arundel County. https://www.annabinneweg.com/ and parents as a best teacher in Symphony school of music, PA (2011). Also,
she obtained Master degree and Graduate Performance diploma in vocal
Isaiah Shim is a conductor and pianist based
accompanying major at Peabody conservatory in Johns Hopkins University
in the Baltimore/Washington, DC area. Recent
(Baltimore, MD) as she is widening her music fields into accompanying focused
conducting engagements include the Baltimore,
on vocal music.
Peabody and Wheaton Symphony Orchestras. He
serves as Conducting Fellow with the Montgomery She previously played in Towson University for solo and ensemble music
Philharmonic, Assistant Conductor for the Maryland festival and Howard Community College for Hansel and Gretel opera. In
Classic Youth Orchestras and Young Artists of America addition, she performed and did a vocal coaching for Falstaff, Cendrillon, Die
at Strathmore (North Bethesda, MD). As an avid Entführung aus dem Serail, Magic Flute, Il barbiere di Siviglia. Also, she currently
musician, he has performed in the United States, as works at UMBC for camerata pianist as a part time and active member of
well as Australia, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Korea, MTNA. Since 2017, she has been hired as concert pianist in Opus Concert
Mexico, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Theatre and performed Amahl and the Night Visitors (2017, 2018) and Aida
(2018). She is very thrilled to be back this year with another great Amahl and the
Mr Shim's gifts as a classical pianist and conductor are enhanced by
Night Visitors.
his passion for and skills in improvising and arranging. His creative
improvisations in a variety of musical styles and insightful arrangements have Ellen Suh, (Concert Pianist) As an active soloist and collaborative pianist,
been featured regularly in his concerts. Ellen Suh has performed throughout the United States and Korea. Ms. Suh has
appeared in venues such as Weill Recital Hall and Zankel Hall at Carnegie
Mr Shim received a Master of Music degree in conducting from the Peabody
Hall, Korean Embassy, Korean Cultural Center, An die Musik, Miriam A.
Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, where he studied with Marin Alsop
Friedberg Hall, and many others. She has received a number of prizes and
and Joseph Young. Additionally he has participated in master classes with
awards at competitions and schools including Maryland State Music Teachers
Cliff Colnot, Jack Everly, Nicholas Hersh, Hannu Lintu, Cristian Macelaru,
Association, Friday Morning Music Club Piano Competition and Peabody
Jun Märkl, Nicholas McGegan, John Nelson, Edward Polochick, Kwamé Ryan,
Institute. Ms. Suh has earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance
Markus Stenz, Markand Thakar, and David Zinman. He received Bachelor
and master's degree in piano performance/pedagogy from Peabody Institute,
of Music degrees in piano performance and music education from Wheaton
where she was awarded a graduate assistantship with a full scholarship in the
College in Illinois, where he studied piano with Dr Karin Redekopp Edwards,
piano/keyboard department.
and conducting with Drs Daniel Sommerville and John William Trotter. He
is currently studying collaborative piano with Eileen Cornett at the Peabody
Conservatory. https://www.isaiahshim.com/
~6~ ~7~Who’s Who Who’s Who
Diana Cantrelle, MM, (Dramatic Mezzo-Soprano, Ida (Die Fledermaus), Maria (West Side Story), Fiordiligi (the second act from
Mother, Artistic Director) is at home in opera, Cosi fan tutte), Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors), Euridice (scenes from Orfeo ed
oratorio, TV and film. Critical reviews say: “Cantrelle is Euridice), and Cherubino (scenes from Le nozze di Figaro), among others.
Carmen…sounds and looks great in the role…superb
Leroy Andrew Smith, (Tenor, King Kaspar) is a tenor
acting and singing; Her deep rich voice gives new
born and raised in Baltimore, MD. He received his
meaning to the words and her voice has vibrant vocal
Bachelor's of Arts degree in Voice from the Sunderman
color and style; Cantrelle’s interpretation of French
Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College. He is
repertoire, Verdi and Oratorio provides high points to
flexible vocalist singing operatic roles, jazz, gospel,
performances where she shows delicate vocal warmth
R&B, and more. Some of those roles included Goro
as well as her acting talent; As Amneris, Cantrelle sings
and Prince Yamadori in Madame Butterfly, Indio in West
with a focused thrillingly impressive sound; She gives is
Side Story, the Sailor from Dido and Aeneas, and Kings
a powerful performance, with great emotion and passion.”
Kaspar and Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors.
Diana Cantrelle has performed with the NE Oratorio Society & Orchestra He is well-known for his vocal range between all styles
Society of Philadelphia; The Hippodrome Theatre; Vocalypse, Nova Scotia, of music and his sincerity with each character he plays.
Canada; The Lyric, Baltimore, Wolf Trap; Peabody Opera Theatre; Kennedy Leroy has been a member of Opus Concert Theatre since there inaugural opera
Center, Washington Savoyards; L’Alliance Française; Divertimento Orchestra, season. Currently, he teaches special education mathematics in Washington DC
Canada; Silesian State Theatre, Czech Republic; Cincinnati Opera, Capitol at a public school
Opera; Townsend Opera Players, Pittsburgh Undercroft Opera; Opera Santa
Peter Tomaszewski, (Baritone, King Melchior),
Barbara, Opera Pacific; Pacific Symphony; Atlantic Coast Opera Festival.
when he "…puts his warm, hefty bass-baritone to
Recent works: Contralto Soloist - Bach Cantata Series - NE Oratorio Society & telling use...shaping phrases with stylish flair and
Orchestral Society of Philadelphia; Preziosilla (La Forza del Destino) Atlantic extracting something colorful out of nearly every
Coast Opera Festival; Tom Todoroff Acting Intensive, Summer NYC 2019; syllable of text.”—Tim Smith (Baltimore Sun)
Leonora (La Favorita), Mother (Amahl & the Night Visitors), Contralto Soloist
Peter has performed as a concert soloist for the
(Bach Christmas Oratorio); Witch (Hänsel und Gretel), Amneris (AÏDA), The
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Newark Symphony
American Prize Finalist for Oratorio 2019; Opera Finalist 2018; Carmen
Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra and
(Carmen-Vive la Liberté), Vive la France—A Celebration of France & Friendship CD.
Baltimore Concert Artists. He served as an Apprentice
Miss Cantrelle studies voice with Dr. John Van Cura. Coaches - Michael Artist at Santa Fe Opera where he made his main-stage
Adcock, François Loup & William Sharp. Acting - Tom Todoroff in NYC, debut as the Cappadocian in Salome. He performed
John Astin, Roger Brunyate, and Garnet Bruce. Cantrelle - Masters of Music in as a Young Artist with Palm Beach Opera, performing Luther and Crespel
Voice Performance/Vocal Pedagogy with Composition Studies from Peabody in Les contes d'Hoffmann, First Nazarene in Salome and Doctor Grenvil in La
Conservatory of Music. www.dianacantrelle.com Traviata. Opera News magazine praised Peter's work as the physician in Macbeth
www.youtube.com/dianacantrellediva with Des Moines Metro Opera. Other opera roles include: Nick Shadow in
Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress, Gregorio in Roméo et Juliette, Sam in Trouble in
Alexandra Mercado, (Lyric Coloratura Soprano,
Tahiti and Papageno in Die Zauberflöte.
Amahl) is an avid performer and private voice and
piano teacher in the DMV area. She has performed Tomaszewski earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and an Opera
in concerts with the Perugia Summer Music Festival Graduate Performance Degree at The Peabody Institute, where he studied under
in Perugia, Italy, and performed with UMD's Concert Stanley Cornett and the late celebrated English bass-baritone, John Shirley-Quirk.
Choir in BSO's Britten War Requiem conducted by Marin
Tomaszewski also served two terms in AmeriCorps (National Civilian
Alsop. She has also performed twice with the NSO in
Community Corps), which included teaching in inner city schools,
their “Pops” concerts and in Billy Joel’s tribute choir
environmental work with The Nature Conservancy, construction with Habitat
during the Kennedy Center Honors. She has performed
for Humanity and disaster relief with FEMA. In 2006 he rode solo on a 6,000-
extensively as a soloist and chorus member in various
mile cross-America bicycle tour. More at: petertomaszewski.com
prestigious theaters, including the Kennedy Center, the
Baltimore Lyric Opera House, the Key Theatre and with companies such as Timothy Kjer, (Bass, King Balthazar) is delighted to join Opus Concert
the Maryland Opera Studio, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Theatre’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors as King Balthazar. He has
~8~ Symphony Orchestra, and the UMD Symphony Orchestra. Her roles include performed with many of the leading music organizations in the Baltimore- ~9~Who’s Who Who’s Who
Washington area including Annapolis Opera, Baltimore the University of North Florida School of Music, where she studied under the
Opera, Baltimore Concert Opera, Concert Artists direction of Dr. James Hall. Ms. Gnezdilova has performed extensively with
of Baltimore, Lyric Opera Baltimore, Center Stage the UNF Opera Ensemble and throughout the Jacksonville community. Her
Opera, Washington Summer Opera, Washington past appearances in various concerts and operas include Handel’s Messiah,
National Opera, Washington Concert Opera, Opera Bach's Magnificat, Nursemaid in Kurt Weill’s Street Scene, Mendelssohn's St.
Vivente and Wolf Trap Opera. Operatic roles include Paul Oratorio, and most recently Second Lady in Die Zauberflöte at the European
Lindorf, Coppélius, Dapertutto, Dr. Miracle (Les Music Academy in Teplice, Czech Republic. Ms. Gnezdilova is currently under
contes d'Hoffmann); Méphistophélès (Faust); Filippo the tutelage of the formidable soprano, Elizabeth Futral in Baltimore, Maryland.
II (Don Carlo); Leporello (Don Giovanni); Raimondo
Emily Zimmer, (Soprano, stage manager) is thrilled
(Lucia di Lammermoor), Ramphis (Aida); Monterone
and honored to be performing once again for the Opus
& Sparafucile (Rigoletto); Banco (Macbeth); Escamillo
Concert Theater. With the company she has played the
(Carmen); Bartolo & Basilio (Il Barbiere di Siviglia); Taddeo (L’Italiana in Algeri);
part of the Second Witch for the opera Dido & Aeneas,
Padre Guardiano (La Forza del Destino); Ferrando (Il Trovatore); Sacristan
ensemble for Carmen and again for Aida. Emily is also
& Angelotti (Tosca); Simone & Betto (Gianni Schicchi); Dottore Grenvil (La
a chorus member and soloist with Showtime Singers
Traviata); Dr. Falke (Die Fledermaus); Alfio (Cavalleria rusticana); Roucher
in Ellicott City. They perform throughout Maryland for
(Andrea Chenier); Prince Yamadori (Madama Butterfly); Lodovico & Montano
eight months each year. In college, she performed in a
(Otello). Young Victorian Theatre G&S performances include Dick Deadeye
variety of operas and ensembles.
in HMS Pinafore, the Notary in The Sorcerer, Sergeant of Police in The Pirates of
Penzance, Giuseppe in The Gondoliers, The Usher and Counsel in Trial by Jury,
and Pish-Tush in The Mikado.
Alice Chen, (Soprano, Ensemble) is a 13-year-old
Tom Schiller, (Page, Bass) is delighted to be making soprano, studying voice with Diana Cantrelle. She is
his first appearance in an opera since Gilbert and an active performer, speed skater, pianist, and won a
Sullivan in prep school, as well as with the opportunity position with the Howard County Gifted and Talented
to work with his Summer acting class colleague. He Choir, and other voice awards. Her mother is the
recently played Winston Churchill in the experimental talented choreographer Fen Han.
play Churchill Among Savages. Earlier this year, he played
Jasmine LaChaé (Alto, Ensemble/Dancer/Section
a manservant and a butler in The Importance of Being
Leader) is an alumna of the University of Maryland
Earnest (Silver Spring Stage), and Teddy Brewster in
and the Catholic University of America, where she earned her Bachelor’s of
Arsenic and Old Lace (The Arlington Players). Many
Music and Master’s of Music degrees, respectively. She has studied performance
thanks to Janet and the pets for tolerating his absences
under the tutelage of Delores Ziegler, Scot Reese, Dr.
and lack of cooked dinners as showtime approaches!
James Hampton, and most recently with Dr. Devonna
Elena Wenderoth (Soprano, Ensemble/Dancer/ Rowe. Jasmine has been featured with the Victorian
Section Leader) is a senior at Atholton High school, Lyric Opera Company as Annabel in Robin Hood, and
and has performed in multiple operas with Opus Bambilla in La Perichole, and with Catholic University
Concert Theater, including Dido and Aeneas, Carmen, as Marcelina in Le Nozze di Figaro. Jasmine recently
and Aida. She also actively participated in multiple portrayed the role of Lindsay in Lumina Theatre
choirs and musical productions, Company’s production of Godspell. She has also had
such as the Howard County the pleasure of participating in many choral activities
Gifted and Talented Choir, ranging from televised productions such as Christmas
Maryland Senior All State Choir, in Washington, to the 10th World Symposium of choral
Atholton Treble choir, and music held in Seoul, South Korea. She has choraled
various Atholton musicals. Elena with the Washington Opera Society in their most recent production of L’Elisir
is also the lead singer of a rock band, which placed d’Amore, Holiday Gala of Grand Opera, and their Gala with the Colombian
second at the Battle of the Bands Kids competition. Ambassador. Jasmine has recently worked with Annapolis Opera on their
production of Tosca, as well. Jasmine frequently performs as a soloist with local
Yevgeniya Gnezdilova, (Soprano, Ensemble/
ensemble, Sopranessence. www.jasminelachae.com
Dancer) Ukrainian born soprano, is a graduate of
~10~ ~11~Who’s Who Who’s Who
Samantha Brocker (Alto, Ensemble) style include the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Freddy Mercury of Queen, and
Chris Martin of Coldplay.
Tracy Bius Lynge (Alto, Ensemble) has been
singing since age 8. She previously performed with the Dave Pumplin (Bass, Section Leader/Ensemble)
University of North Carolina—Asheville and Howard
David Smith, (Basso Profundo, Stage Manager)
Community College choruses, and the Chesapeake
was an enthusiastic participant in choral singing and
Chorale in Bowie, Maryland. She also sang alto in the
musical theatre through high school. He allowed life
chorus of Dido & Aeneas in Opus Concert Theatre’s
to intervene until recently, when he resumed singing
inaugural season. Her day job is communications
in his church choir. Dido and Aeneas was his first foray
director for the Social Security Office of the Inspector
into opera and now he enjoys singing in Carmen, Vive
General, where she acts as spokesperson and leads a
La Liberté, Amahl and the Night Visitors and helping his
national public affairs program. At home, she is wife
fellow singers.
to Christopher and mom to Daniel, age 13; Reece, age
9, and Kara, age 8. Tracy enjoys running and participating in triathlon in her Jered Wenderoth, (Bass,
“spare time.” Ensemble/Cover King
Balthazar) is an amateur opera
Jill Pekofsky (Alto, Ensemble)
and work commute singer from Columbia, Maryland.
Lev Axler (Tenor, Ensemble) He has been described as “one of the top four singers in
the Wenderoth household.” Mr. Wenderoth performs in
Jeff Houston, (Tenor) made his debut in the ensemble
the bass section of the ensemble of the Opus Concert
of Opus Concert Theater’s production of Amahl and the
Theatre in productions such as Carmen: Vive la Liberté
Night Visitors in 2017 and performed in AÏDA in June
and Amahl and the Night Visitors in order to support and
2018. Jeff has had a love for music and singing that goes
spend time with his musical prodigy daughter Elena. He
back to his earliest memory. In his spare time, he enjoys
previously performed in the Opus production of Dido
participating in endurance sports and hopes to run two
& Aeneas also to support his amazing daughter and to be able to shock people
marathons in 2018. He is also an accomplished nature
with his claim of having performed in an opera. Jered has no other current
photographer having won numerous awards. However,
productions in the works and no plans to go professional ever.
his favorite activity is volunteering as a foster parent
with the Maryland SPCA, raising orphaned kittens— Xinzhi Xue (violinist) has always been fascinated
sometimes from the day of birth then up until they are by the beauties of science, technology, and art.
ready to be adopted. He also volunteers with the LIVESTRONG Foundation as After receiving a bachelor's degree with honors in
a LIVESTRONG Leader, raising awareness of cancer programs available to all Mechanical Design and Automation from China, he
those affected by cancer. continued his graduate study at the Johns Hopkins
University with a full scholarship. He earned a Master
Benjamin Walker, (Tenor), a graduate from the
of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2015 and is
University of Maryland at College Park, with a Bachelor
currently finishing his Ph.D. work in Experimental
of Arts degree in Theater. While in college, Mr. Walker
Fluid Dynamics. While at Hopkins, his love of music
performed with the Gamer Symphony Orchestra in the
reignited him to study Music in
chorus, as well as the Kreativity Diversity Troupe, and
Violin Performance (minor) at
worked as an actor, writer, and director in the group.
the Peabody Conservatory concurrently. He has played
His primary focus was costume making, with his work
in recitals, chamber groups, and orchestra ensembles
appealing in several plays and operas, including La
before but not yet in opera. He is excited to be a part
Bohème, Miss Havisham’s Fire and Rent, all of which
of the Amahl and the Night Visitors production for the
were performed at the University of Maryland. He
first time.
has sung with the Opus Concert Theatre before in the
chorus for their performance of Dido and Aeneas last year. Walker's dream is Daniel MacKie (viola) is a 21-year-old violist who
to one day become a professional singer and songwriter, a goal he has been is currently attending Shenandoah University in
practicing to achieve since graduation. His primary influences for his singing Winchester, Virginia.
~12~ ~13~Who’s Who
Thank you!
Niall Casey (oboist) is a burgeoning young oboist in
the greater Baltimore area. After receiving his bachelor's
degree in oboe performance at the Peabody Institute
of the Johns Hopkins University, he returned to the
Peabody Institute for a masters degree, which he plans
on completing in the coming year.
Usher Volunteers—Opus Angels
Niall regularly plays in the Baltimore and DC area on
Dana Bius, The Boy & Girl Scouts of America,
the baroque oboe as well as the modern oboe alongside
esteemed groups such as the Musicians of St. David's Tracy Lynge, Stacey Brocker
church, the Thrive recital series, and Symphony No. 1.
As a lover of opera, Niall is thrilled to perform Amahl Special Thank You to:
and the Night Visitors. Our donors whose financial help is most appreciated. You help support the
Shelly Monroe (Cellist) local arts community and help us give voice to great music!
Pavin Rajagopal (Cellist) is a talented young cellist.
Daniel Lynge, Reece Lynge, Chris Lynge, Kara Lynge, Kevin Crysler,
Pavin loves music; he started learning how to play the
piano at the age of 4 and the cello at the age of 7. He Deborah McKinney, Artemis Studios & Productions
has five years of experience playing in school concerts
and private concerts including at Howard Community
College. In addition to his love of music, Pavin loves
About
history and recently won a medal in the National
History Bee. Pavin is currently a seventh-grader at
Burleigh Manor Middle School. He is excited to perform
for the very first time for the Opus Concert Theater
Chamber Orchestra.
Mrs. Fen Han (choreography) has a lovely daughter,
Alice Chen, who proudly sings soprano in the Opus
Opus Concert Theatre
Theater Orchestra Chorus. Mrs. Han joins the Opera "I believe that the Arts have a responsibility to help make the world a little
Amahl by bringing her 5 years of choreography better place. It is our job to explore the human condition, address various
experience in the Howard County Chinese School issues—some joyful, some disturbing. As a result we, the audience and artists,
performances. Mrs. Han thinks that the Shepherd Dance come away from performances with a better understanding of ourselves, and
in Amahl touches the heart. The opera Amahl and the just perhaps will be inspired to create positive change." —Diana Cantrelle
Night Visitors has a basic story and easy-to-understand
message—Be kind to one another! The most heartfelt Board Members
sentiments are often best expressed simply. The Diana Cantrelle, Artistic Director
choreography mixes classical ballet moves with hints of Kevin Crysler, President
the Israeli horah folk dancing. Mrs. Han hopes to present a beautiful and fun Dana Bius, Treasurer
merry dance performance to the audience.
J.R. Murray
Ron Israel, Videographer
Deborah McKinney, Designer
www.cfhoco.org
Giving Voice to Great Music
Opus Concert Theatre is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.
Ron Israel
State-of-the-Art Videographer/Editor (410) 913-8095 9644 Sandlight Court • Columbia, MD 21046 • (301) 377-0563
~14~ www.OpusConcertTheatre.org • www.facebook.com/OpusConcertTheatrePeabody Career Development Grant Winner
Le
Step into the land where
New Orleans Jazz meets
Old World Charm
Chat
(Puss in Boots)
Lyrics & Music by
Diana Cantrelle
Botté
A 50-minute
Opera for the Young
and the forever
Young at Heart—visit
www.puss-and-boots.com
for more information
Soir de la Comédie
n trelle Dement
C a ed
iana
eR Merry MIS
&H fits Div
D a
Opera &
Musical Theatre
with a fun-loving twist
featuring the original
composition of...
The History
of Opera in
the Time it
takes to Cook
a Hamburger!
CominG
SooN!
Aejin Kim & Ellen Suh
AccompanistsYou can also read
