César Aguilar César Aguilar was born and raised in Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. He is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree at Western University, under the instruction of Theodore Baerg. He holds a Bachelor of Music, Opera and Digital Audio Arts from the University of Lethbridge. He has performed with orchestras in México such as the Marine Symphony Orchestra, and in Canada with the Lethbridge Symphony and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. He has performed in Music Festivals such as Escapararte and Tercera invasión excéntrica. as well as solo recitals for the Institute of Fine Arts in México City amongst others. In Canada he has participated in recitals and festivals in Lethbridge, Red Deer and Calgary. He participated in the Chicago Classical Singer Convention in 2010 and performed the role of El Jovén Tepozteco by Mexican composer Federico Alvarez del Toro for its premiere in México. He has recorded three CDs of different musical genres. He was part of the music faculty at the University of Lethbridge Conservatoire for the past two years. His last performance was as part of the UWO Opera in the production of L’Enfant et les Sortilèges.

Jordan Baldwin After taking part in UWOpera's fall productions of L'Heure Espagnole and L'Enfant et les Sortilèges, Jordan is pleased to be back on stage in the Opera Gala. Past credits with the company include City Workers in Love, La Cenerentola, Così fan Tutte and South Pacific. Jordan is in his fourth year of voice performance at Western University studying under the tutelage of John Mac Master. Other theatre credits include 9 to 5 (Drayton Entertainment); Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dog Sees God (Simply Theatre); Listen to the Wind, Les Miserables, Pirates of Penzance, Grease (HSP: Grand Theatre); Bye Bye Birdie (MTP) and Godspell (FSA). Jordan wants to thank everyone who makes these productions possible for their continuous support and to the Don Wright Faculty of Music for allowing for this wonderful program to flourish.

Katie Barr Katie Barr is currently enrolled in her 4th year of the Bachelor of Music program at Western University. She is studying as a mezzo under Jackalyn Short. In the spring of 2014 she performed in a recital featuring another student and her. She is currently participating in an opera gala performance at Western University under Ted Baerg, where she is playing the role of Dorabella in Così fan Tutte in addition to several chorus numbers. She will be participating in the COAA program this summer at Western University. Katie is an alumnus of the Hamilton Children’s , where she spent nine years performing and travelling internationally under the direction of Zimfira Poloz. She performed in several operas with the Hamilton Opera Company, most notably as the third spirit in . She has studied under Marta Greda-Kicek in Hamilton and performed locally at several events. Katie is looking forward to many more performances in the future.

Patrick Bowman Patrick Bowman is a baritone singer, an actor, and a dancer, preparing to graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Music degree under the tutelage of Dr. Todd Wieczorek, majoring in Voice Performance. This is Patrick’s third appearance on the UWOpera stage this year, appearing first as Le Chat and L’Horloge in Ravel’s L’enfant et les Sortiléges, and then as Schaunard in Puccini’s La Bohème. Highlights from past seasons of UWOpera include Cascada in The Merry Widow, The Lawspeaker in Gisela in her Bathtub, and appearances in Die Fledermaus and South Pacific. Patrick has studied and performed at AEDO in Italy and COAA here in London, studying with world- renowned faculty including Tom Diamond, Kathryn Harries, and James Vaughan. Characters studied through these programs include Marco in Gianni Schicchi, Sprecher/Priester in Die Flëdermaus, Dr. Myracle in Les Contes D’Hoffmann, Conte in Le Nozze di Figaro, and The Water Gnome in Rusalka. Patrick has a taste for both opera and musical theatre, and has studied the latter with mentors including Tom Oliver and Lou Zamprogna, especially through Theatre Aquarius’s Performing Arts Program in Hamilton. Last summer, Patrick performed in Canada Sings! at The Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia. Previous musical roles include Roger in RENT (Aquarius), George in Aspects of Love (Aquarius), and Will in Oklahoma! (Palace). Patrick is honoured and thankful to have been the recipient of several awards during his studies at Western, including The Wilena Evans Award in Music, the Hymn Society Award, and The Board of Governor’s Award. He also represented London in the 2014 OMFA Provincial Competition, placing in both musical theatre and operatic classes. I cannot express my thanks enough to my family, to Todd, and to Tom, for all the support, advice, encouragement, and love through these four years!

Bevan Bühler Promising and ambitious baritone Bevan Bühler was born and raised in Yorkton, Saskatchewan and is currently completing his third year of vocal performance at Western University under the instruction of Theodore Baerg. Bühler's musical training began at a young age with a strong focus on piano performance. However, his passion for singing was ignited upon being invited to play Rolf in his high school production of The Sound of Music. Since then, Bühler has performed solo recitals and has been a featured artist at the Edmonton Vocal Arts Festival and the Saskatoon Music Festival. Previous operatic engagements include the role of Ramiro in L’heure Espagnole with UWOpera, the Offizier in with Opera Nuova, the Page in Amahl and the Night Visitors with the University of Saskatchewan, and the Messenger in Purcell's King Arthur with Saskatoon Opera.

Ellory Clayton Ellory Clayton is a vivacious young, Edmonton born mezzo-soprano. She is currently in the final year of her Master’s degree at Western University under the fine tutelage of Patricia Green. Ellory’s performance experience includes opera, oratorio and recitals. In UWOpera’s 2013 - 2014 season Ellory performed the role of Bianca in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia. Last summer, with Accademia Europea dell’Opera, Ellory performed the role of Mrs Grose in Britten’s Turn of the Screw. Her experience involves scenes and choruses from L’Ormindo, Albert Herring, To Hell and Back, Le Nozze di Figaro, Hansel and Gretel, and Gallantry. Ellory Clayton obtained her Bachelor of Music degree at Mount Allison University under Monette Gould, and Jennifer Farrell. Ellory is looking forward to her NUOVA debut playing the role of Mrs. Patrick De Rocher, in Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking. Ellory’s wide range of musical experience has shaped her into a vibrant and multifaceted musician who loves to be on stage.

Lauren Estey Hailing from Kennebecasis Valley, New Brunswick, Lauren Estey is a dedicated musician and a passionate emerging artist. Lauren began her musical journey early on, studying through the Royal Conservatory of Music and Conservatory Canada programs with the guidance of Deantha Edmunds. Her summers as a young girl were also dedicated to music, and she frequented the St. Andrew’s Voice Workshop under the direction of Wendy Nielsen and Mabel Doak. It was through these workshops that she developed an early love of opera. In her senior year, she studied privately with Mrs. Doak and had the great pleasure of performing in the adult chorus of Verdi’s La Traviata with Opera New Brunswick. During this production, Lauren became acquainted with Marcia Swanston. It was Swanston that encouraged Lauren to audition for Dalhousie University’s music program. Upon her acceptance, Lauren began her undergraduate studies in Swanston’s care. At Dalhousie, Lauren was frequently featured in the Opera Workshop where she performed as ‘Lauretta’ in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and ‘Belinda’ in Purcell’s . Lauren now resides in London, Ontario and attends Western University under the tutelage of Rachel Mallon. This year, Lauren looks forward to the university’s productions of L’Enfant et les Sortilèges under the direction of Michael Cavanagh and musical coaching of Alain Trudel, as well as the Opera Scenes Excerpts directed by Ted Baerg. Over the years, Lauren has been recognized for her performance excellence and has won various prestigious awards such as the Erik Perth Performance Award and the Richardson Family bursary. She has thoroughly enjoyed her performing experience, from touring with Debut Atlantic in the young artist series, to studying abroad in Sulmona, Italy, through the COSI program. Lauren’s musical endeavors have led her to other exciting university studies as well, including history, many languages, various styles of dance, and a vast range of literature. Lauren sincerely loves her work, and looks forward to the years of art and music that are to come!

Leanna Getty Leanna Getty is a fourth year voice performance major from London, Ontario. She is currently studying under soprano, Rachel Mallon. This is Getty’s premiere performance at Western Opera, and she is very excited to be singing a segment from Mozart’s , as the character Susanna. Along with completing her studies at Western, Getty also runs a private music studio, in London, where she teaches voice and piano. Getty performs as a soloist at two churches in London and has won first place in many classes at the Kiwanis Music Festival.

Caroline Gleason-Mercier Ottawa native Caroline Gleason-Mercier is in her 4th year of a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at Western University. She currently studies with Torin Chiles and is ecstatic to be performing in this year’s Opera Gala. In 2014, Caroline had the pleasure of performing in UWOpera’s production of Neil Weisensel and Michael Cavanaugh’s City Workers in Love. Some of her past engagements include singing for the annual National Peace Officers Memorial on Parliament Hill (Ottawa, 2012), singing for the induction of R. Murray Schafer at the Governor General’s Awards Ceremony at the National Art Center. (Ottawa, 2011) as well as receiving the Alfred E. Rosé and Maria C Rosé Award from Western University in 2014-2015.

Thomas Krasey Thomas Krasey is proud to be a part of the UWOpera Gala. Thomas is a baritone from Calgary, Alberta who is currently in the studio of Beth Hörst at Western University. He has been fortunate to have been involved in a wide range of opera which he hopes to continue to pursue in the years to come. Before attending Western University, Thomas studied mathematics and finance at the University of Calgary.

Euiene Lee Euiene is a soprano currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in voice performance under the guidance of Bethany Hörst at Western University. She is passionate about vocal arts ranging from operas to choral works. In 2014, Lee performed the role of the Second Witch from Dido and Aeneas, Flora from Turn of the Screw, and Susanna from Le Nozze di Figaro with the Canadian Operatic Arts Academy. Lee was also involved in UWOpera as an assistant stage manager where she managed the production of City workers in Love and La Cenerentola. As an active member of choral communities, Lee serves as a treasurer of UWOSingers and a choral scholar at Metropolitan United Church. Euiene is also a member of Thames Scholars where she enjoys expressing her passion for early music. In the 2014-15 season of Thames Scholars, she performed a number of solos in the works of Heinrich Schütz, Josquin des Prez and Vivaldi’s Magnificat.

Elizabeth Lepock Elizabeth Lepock, soprano local to Kitchener-Waterloo, has active performing and teaching careers. Her interest in new and local opera has led to her involvement with several productions including a title role in London, Ontario indie opera company, Opera2Go's production of Jason Noble's The Stupendous Adventure of Gregory Green, and as one of four soloists in Peter Hatch's street opera, MyAudia at Stratford Summer Music Festival and Montreal's Les Escales Improbables. She is also interested in bringing classical music to the public via local recital series and has been featured at several churches local to KW, as well as Conrad Grebel University College and Cambridge Galleries. Ms Lepock maintains a large studio of voice and piano students, many of whom have achieved first class honours in exams and been highly acclaimed in music festivals and competitions. In addition she has served as a clinician at local masterclasses and is co-director of Ontario Mennonite Music Camp.

Molly Luhta Molly Luhta is a young, lyric soprano, in her first year of her master’s degree. She is currently studying with Jackie Short and coaching with Paul Digout. She received her Bachelor’s of Music from Queen’s University in 2011. She was a member of Queen’s Student Opera Company, performing such roles as Micaëla in Bizet’s Carmen. In May, Molly will be travelling to Edmonton to participate in Opera NUOVA. There she will be studying the role of Mrs. Webb in Ned Rorem’s Our Town. She sang with the Ottawa Valley Music Festival in September, performing the soprano solo in John Rutter’s Requiem. In July 2013, she attended NYOS-DVO Summer Advantage Program where she studied the role of Countess in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. Molly is very excited and thankful to be a part of this year's UWO Opera Gala.

Amalea Lutsenko-Dueck Amalea Lutsenko-Dueck, soprano, from Grand Prairie, Alberta, has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Lethbridge, where she played Papagena in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte and Adele in Johann Strauss's Die Fledermaus. She was also a soloist in Handel's Messiah with the Grande Prairie Regional College Concert Choir in 2012. She is in her second year of the Master of Music program in Vocal Performance at Western University where she played Lucia in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia with UWOpera. She hopes to pursue a career in opera after she completes the masters’ program in 2015.

Marjorie Maltais Mezzo-soprano Marjorie Maltais is currently completing a Master of Music in Literature and Performance at Western University. She recently performed the title roles in Rossini's La Cenerentola with Western University Opera and Bizet's Carmen with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. Other roles include Concepcion in L’Heure Espagnole by Maurice Ravel, Dorabella in Mozart's Così fan tutte, Rosina in Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Hermia in Britten's Midsummer Night's Dream. In addition to her operatic experience, she has also performed with various ensembles in Québec and Ontario. Selected concert works include Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Messe à huit voix et huit instruments with the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute Chamber Choir, Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, The Seven last words of Christ by Dubois and Charpentier’s Messe de minuit with le Choeur Polyphonique de Charlevoix, Vivaldi’s Gloria with the King’s University College Chamber Choir and Beethoven's Symphony No.9 with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra. Marjorie will also be part of internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne's Music Academy of The West Summer Music Festival.

Jonathan Mayorov Tenor Jonathan Mayorov is currently pursuing his Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance & Literature under the tutelage of John MacMaster. Jonathan began vocal training 5 years ago while a piano major and has never looked back! Past performance credits include chorus roles in The Merry Widow, Così fan tutti, Die Fledermaus, South Pacific, and La Bohème. He also played the roles of Clem and Alfred in Benjamin Britten’s The Little Sweep. Jonathan is looking forward to this year’s Opera Gala production.

Shannon McManus Shannon McManus studies as a soprano with Jennifer Moir, and is currently in her fourth year of an undergraduate degree in performance. She was a member of the Cawthra Park Chamber Choir which won first place in the Youth Choir category in the national choral competition sponsored by the CBC and the ACCC. She is currently entered in the same competition with Western’s own Thames Scholars. She has sung in the Kaleid Choral Festival with the world-renowned a capella group , and has worked with their soprano Essi Wuorela in workshops and lessons. This March, Shannon makes her operatic debut in UWOpera’s Opera Gala as First Lady in a scene from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, as well as various chorus numbers.

Lisa Mulgrew Soprano Lisa Mulgrew is in her final year of her Master of Music in Literature and Performance degree from Western University, where she studies with Todd Wieczorek. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Lethbridge (Alberta) where she also grew up. She debuted with UWOpera as the Female Chorus in the Rape of Lucretia November 2013. Past roles include 'Mother' in Amahl and the Night Visitors, 'Mrs. Pinkerton' in The Old Maid and the Thief, and cover opportunities as 'Rosalinda' in Die Fledermaus and 'Pamina' in The Magic Flute at the University of Lethbridge. Lisa placed third in the UWO Maritsa Brookes Concerto Competition 2014, and will be performing Mahler's Rückert-Lieder with UWO Orchestra on April 1 & 2, 2015.

Ryan Nauta Ryan is excited to participate in this Opera Gala by UWOpera. He is currently studying Music Performance as an undergraduate in second year. UWOpera Credits: La Boheme, Chorus (2015); La Cenerentola, Chorus (2014). Other Credits: Jesus Christ Superstar, Judas, (Ursuline College Theatre Company); MAGI: A Musical, Music Director & Co-Composer, (Ursuline College Theatre Company). Among various awards received, Ryan received the gold medal in Speech Arts at the Ontario Music Festival Association. Tibi gratias ago, JR.

Stephanie O’Leary Stephanie is from London, Ontario and is currently enrolled in the first year of her Graduate degree in Performance and Literature at Western University. She recently completed her undergraduate degree with honours in performance and is thrilled to be continuing her studies under the instruction of Jackalyn Short. Stephanie was recently seen as the Chinese Cup, Dragonfly and Squirrel in UWOpera’s production of Ravel’s L’Enfant et les Sortilèges. She is extremely excited to participate in the Halifax Summer Opera Festival this summer and to perform the role of Madame de la Haltière in its production of Cendrillon. Last year Stephanie had the privilege of taking part in Opera NUOVA’s voice intensive workshop. She also made her opera debut as Ms. Demers in UWOpera’s production of City Workers in Love. In the past Stephanie has had the pleasure of working with Musical Theatre Productions in London Ontario, appearing as the Ghost in their production of Sondheim’s Follies, and Vittoria in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers.

Julia Obermeyer Julia Obermeyer is a and is in her last year of her Master of Music degree studying with Jennie Such. Julia started her vocal training studying with Mark DuBois and singing with the Mark DuBois Studio Singers. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from York University where she studied with Norma Burrowes. While at York, Julia performed in the University’s production of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas as the 1st Witch. She was also part of the York University Concert and Chamber and was the soprano soloist for their performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, and Mozart’s Coronation Mass in C Major. 2013 highlights included singing for the Canadian Austrian Society’s 40th Jubilee Ball and her symphonic debut with The Windsor Symphony. Last summer, Julia was accepted into the Canadian Operatic Arts Academy summer program performing scenes from operas including Nerone in Monteverdi’s L'incoronazione di Poppea, Belinda in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and Blonde in Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail, which was featured in a concert with Orchestra London. Julia was also accepted into the Summer Opera Lyric Theatre program in Toronto, performing the role of the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. This summer, Julia will be performing the role of Clorinda in Rossini’s La Cenerentola with the Accademia Europea Dell’Opera summer program in Italy.

Christopher Parker Christopher Parker received his undergraduate education at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. During those four years, he was classically training by various vocal professionals: Dr. Michael Sells, Mark Gilgallon, and Danielle Steele. Thanks to their mentoring and guidance, he undertook his first operatic roles, skillfully performing in The Magic Flute, Hand of Bridge, Gianni Schicchi, and HMS Pinafore with Butler University's Lyric Theater. Following commencement from Butler University in 2012, Christopher went on to perform in the chorus of Indianapolis Opera (Amahl and the Night Visitors and Der fliegende Holländer), joined chamber opera troupe Intimate Opera of Indianapolis, and portrayed The Hermit in Footlite Musicals' production of Young Frankenstein. During the summer of 2014, Christopher participated in La Musica Lirica - an annual 5-week intensive opera training program taking place in Novafeltria, Italy – where he performed the role of Crébillon in Giacomo Puccini’s La Rondine. Most recently Christopher made his Western Opera debut as both L’Horloge Comtoise and Le Chat in L’Enfant et les Sortilèges and is currently working towards his Masters of Music in Literature & Performance while studying with renowned baritone, Theodore Baerg.

Matthew Pauls Matthew Pauls is excited to be making his debut as a stage director in this year’s UWOpera Gala production. Better known for his on-stage performances, Matthew has been praised for his poise and magnificent singing (Opera Canada). He is in his fourth year of a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Performance at Western University. His stage credits include Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro, Marullo in Rigoletto, the Speaker and 2nd Armoured Man in Die Zauberflöte, Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus, Don Inigo Gomez in L’Heure Espagnole, Benoit in La Bohème, the Mysterious Man in Sondheim's Into the Woods, Frank Maurant in Street Scene, and Masetto in , which he performed with UWOpera and La Musica Lirica in Italy.On the concert stage, Matthew has performed numerous works such as Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Handel’s Alexander’s Feast and Messiah, Haydn’s Creation, Mozart’s Requiem and Vesperae solennes de confessore, Fauré’s Requiem, Grieg’s Four Psalms, J. S. Bach’s cantata Gottes Zeit is die allerbeste Zeit (BWV 106), and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem and Five Mystical Songs.Matthew has been delighted to perform as a featured soloist with ensembles such as the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional del Paraguay, Windsor Symphony, Canadian Chamber Choir, Pro Coro Canada, Winnipeg Singers, Guelph Chamber Choir, Windsor Classic Chorale, and the Windsor Symphony Chorus. In addition to performing, Matthew also maintains a small voice studio in London, Ontario.

Jason Ragan Jason Ragan completed a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Lethbridge, where he performed the roles of Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus, Tamino in The Magic Flute, Chevalier de la Force in Dialogues of the Carmelites and Kaspar in Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors. He is his final year of a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature at Western, studying with Theodore Baerg. He more recently performed the roles of Gonzalve in L’heure espagnole, Male Chorus in The Rape of Lucretia, and Ramiro in La Cenerentola with UWOpera. Other performances include Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni with AEDO, and the title role in Britten's Albert Herring with Opera NUOVA.

Brock Reid This is Brock’s second year of undergraduate studies at the University of Western Ontario; studying voice, he hopes to obtain a degree in music performance. Brock was a member of the Chorus last year in Western’s production of both La Cenerentola and City Workers in Love. This year, he played the arm-chair / tree in the university’s fall production of L’enfant et les Sortilèges by Ravel, and was in the chorus of Puccini’s La Bohème. Over the course of his musical study, Brock has enjoyed participating in such festivals as Kiwanis and NATS and hopes to continue benefiting from such educational opportunities. In his hometown of Calgary, Brock has been involved in the community theatre scene performing in productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, and Nine. In addition to his vocal and acting pursuits, Brock has played jazz guitar in both small-combo and big band settings; he is currently receiving a small-chamber credit as the guitarist in a university combo. Brock is very excited to be part of this year’s Opera Gala.

Emily Roughley Emily Roughley is a young soprano in her 4th and final year of voice performance studies at Western University. Emily has been cast in chorus and title roles in shows such as Miss Saigon, Chess, Aspects of Love, Rent and most recently in a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe. She has treasured every moment spent at Western from working backstage to performing in various concerts and recitals. Emily is very excited and honoured to have the privilege to perform with both friends and colleagues in this year’s UWO Opera Gala; and she is proud to finally be able to call herself a Western Graduate!

Meaghan Sider Meaghan is thrilled to be part of UWOpera’s gala this spring. This year, she is looking forward to completing her undergraduate degree in Voice Performance with Rachel Mallon. Over the past four years Meaghan has been active in the London community not only as a singer, but also as a dancer, actor, and director. She has most recently been seen in MTP’s Dare to Dream Gala and played the role of Laurey Williams in their production of Oklahoma! Enjoy the show!

Sharang Sharma Tenor Sharang Sharma is currently studying classical voice at Western University to develop his voice and repertory as a young artist. He is gaining artistic musicality under the guidance of soprano Jennifer Moir, following his study period with baritone Nelson Lohnes of the Elmer Isler Singers. Sharma has sung in multiple choirs as a choral scholar including St. James the Apostles Anglican Church in Brampton under Nelson Lohnes, and Christ Church Anglican in Brampton under organist André T. Rakus. As a part of an exchange programme organized by the Austrian Cultural Forum and Austrian High Commission, he has performed with the Vienna Boys Choir. He has also sung for Peel District School Board’s Honour Music Showcase for years 2014 and 2012. Since founding the TFSS Chamber Singers at Turner Fenton Secondary School, he has been given many opportunities to perform in Brampton and the G.T. A. Most recently, he performed in the chorus of UWOpera’s production of La Bohème. Marcel Sokalski Marcel Sokalski is currently in the second year of his undergraduate studies and is in the Vocal Performance Program. During his time at Western he has performed in a number of choral concerts and recitals, and was a member of the chorus in last year’s opera La Cenerentola here at Western University. Marcel plans to maintain active involvement within the music faculty as he continues to gain experience in the performance stream.

Amanda Weatherall Mezzo-soprano Amanda Weatherall is a third year vocal performance student at Western University, studying under Todd Wieczorek. She hails from Cranbrook, British Columbia, where she had her first taste of performing on stage. The highlights of her Cranbrook performances were playing Evangeline Harcourt in Anything Goes and Miss Lillian Tannhauser, a historical figure, at Fort Steele Heritage town where she worked as an actress. This year Amanda has performed in the University’s production of La Bohème in the chorus, and is looking forward the Opera Scenes Gala.

Kurtis Whittle Kurtis Whittle is completing his One-Year Artists Diploma in voice performance. He has his degree in Theory and Composition at Western but has decided to pursue his dream of performing. Although newer to the classical repertoire scene he is no stranger to music theatre. His past roles include Rapunzel’s Prince in Theatre Western’s Into The Woods (2015), Jason in King’s Players Bare (2015) and Roger in Theatre Western’s RENT (2014). This summer Kurtis will be playing the role of Argante in Handel’s Rinaldo.

Mengxi You Mengxi You, born in 1989, a soprano, originally from Zhejiang Province, China, has been studying vocal performance since a very young age. She appeared and won several national and provincial singing and speech competitions during her secondary education in China. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in vocal performance at Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 2012. She is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Literature and Performance at Western University’s Don Wright School of Music in Canada. Recent credits include the female chorus role in The Rape of Lucretia with UWOPERA and first place in the 2014 London Music Scholarship Fund Competition. In November 2014, she was invited to perform in concerts of XXI GALA DES JEUNES AMBASSADEURS LYRIQUES in Montreal. In addition, she was the winner of Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra's 25th Annual Concerto Competition, and was invited to perform in the Annual Showcase Concert in March 2015.