Alyssa Liu is a dedicated coloratura soprano whose music has led her to perform on stages around the world. Passionate about collaboration and bringing classical singing into unique spaces, Alyssa regularly performs with the local group, Busking Bus Theatre, whose variety show has been seen at several festivals in Utah. Her energetic stage presence and vocal agility have served her well in a variety of roles, her favorites being Gretel in Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel, Gilda in Verdi's Rigoletto (Lyrical Opera Theater 2020), the Queen of the Night in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, and Sœur Constance in Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmélites. She is delighted to reunite with Lyrical Opera Theater in February 2022, to perform the title role of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor.

James Miller is a graduate of the University of Utah where he studied Musical Theater and received a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts. Most recently, Mr. Miller performed Rodolfo in Lyrical Opera Theater's production of La Bohéme and Cavaradossi in their production or Tosca. He has performed with Utah Opera on numerous occasions over the past twenty-seven years. With Arizona Opera he has sung Ferrando in Cosi Fan Tutte, Romeo in Romeo & Juliette, Des Grieux in Manon and Tamino in Magic Flute. Mr. Miller has performed with several other professional opera companies including Utah Festival Opera Company, Utah Lyric Opera, Tulsa Opera and Boise Opera. He has appeared with the Utah Symphony and the Nova Chamber Series on several occasions. Previous experience includes performances of Mozart's Requiem with the Utah Symphony and the Grand Junction Colorado Symphony, Haydn's Creation and Mendelssohn's Elijah with the Oratorio Society of Utah and Handel's Messiah and with the Oratorio Society of Utah, Utah Symphony Chorus and several community organizations.

Josh Hooker grew up in the small town of Heber City, Utah. He is a current student at Utah Valley University majoring in Vocal Performance. It wasn't until recently that he decided to pursue opera as a career, and switched from his education degree to performance. His roles include: Arturo from Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor, Frederic from Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance, Parpignol from Puccini's La Boheme, and Dr. Blind from Strauss's Die Fledermaus. When Josh isn't performing, you'll find him running his family's river rafting company, in a whitewater kayak, on a snowmobile, or on a horseback ride with his wife.

John Knight Allen has performed internationally both as a violinist and singer, and enjoys interpreting the standard repertoire as well as championing newer works. From Provo, UT, John has studied music at BYU, the U of U, and abroad in New York and Italy. Recent operatic credits include the title roles in Rigoletto and Gianni Schicchi, Germont in La Traviata, Leporello in Don Giovanni, and Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief. Upcoming roles include Scarpia in Tosca with Lyrical Opera Theater, and the title role in Sweeney Todd at Kingsbury Hall this April.

Matthew Thomas Castleton (Salt Lake City, Utah) is delighted to appear with Lyrical Opera Theater. While Mr. Castleton has a large swath of operatic and musical theatre experience, recent credits include La Bohème (Utah Opera 2017), Chabrier's L'Étoile (Sin City Opera 2017), and Lucia di Lammermoor (Utah Opera 2017). Mr. Castleton also was a young artist at the 2009 La Musica Lirica Opera Young Artist Program (Novafeltria, Italy). He holds both Bachelors (2010) and Masters (2014) Degrees in Music-Vocal Performance from the University of Utah. When he is not performing, Matthew also works as a head cashier at The Home Depot while making his home in Midvale, Utah.

Nelson LeDuc has never been a stranger to music. He played clarinet in elementary school, bass guitar in a rock band in the late 1970s, and since 1988 has been a regular singer with Utah Opera Company, having now sung in 84 productions with that company. Besides singing a number of cameo roles with Utah Opera, Nelson has also been a featured soloist in the Mozart Requiem, Handel's Messiah, and with Utopia Early Music. He sang the title role in Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado with Pages Lane Theater (predecessor to Centerpoint Legacy Theater) in 1991. More recently, he has performed the role of Simone in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi with Utah/Idaho Performing Arts Company in 2015, and has sung the roles of Lord Mountararat in Iolanthe (2011) and Dr. Tannhauser in The Grand Duke (2017), both Gilbert & Sullivan operettas presented by Holladay Performing Arts. This is his third season with Lyrical Opera Theater, having previously sung the roles of Pistola in Falstaff and Baron Douphol in La Traviata. Besides his active performance schedule, Nelson is currently pursuing a degree in music composition from the University of Utah.

Daniel Tuutau, Baritone, is originally from Los Angeles, California. He holds BA & MM degrees in music from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Utah in Vocal Performance. He frequently sings with the Lyrical Opera Theater in Midvale, Utah, and is currently a regular member of the Utah Opera Chorus. He has worked as an adjunct professor in voice at the University of Utah in the Theater Department and also teaches private studio voice lessons throughout the Salt Lake Valley. He lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, Brandy, and their four children.

Daniel Perez, tenor, is originally from Mexico, now resides in Provo, Utah. He's currently a Vocal Performance student at Utah Valley University. Daniel's most recent roles include Arturo and Normano in Lucia di Lammermoor, Algernon Moncrief in the American premiere of The Importance of Being Earnest, Camille de Rossillon in the Merry widow, and Alfred in Die Fledermaus. He also has performed as an ensemble member for multiple performances with Utah Opera, Utah Lyric Opera and Utah Vocal Arts Academy. For his next upcoming role he will be singing Rodolfo from La Boheme in 2022. Daniel also works for the Hale Center Theater as a hair and makeup crew, and has designed for UVUs theatrical shows as well. "

José Miguel is a promising, eclectic, young Chilean tenor. He currently resides in Salt Lake City, UT where he is pursuing his D.M.A. in Vocal Performance under the guidance of Robert Breault and Jeffrey Price. The tenor is honored to be debuting as Arturo in Lyrical Opera Theater's production of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor next February, 2022. In October, 2021 José Miguel made his official directorial debut with De Falla's El retablo de Maese Pedro. Besides directing and co-producing the latter, he was the editor and post-producer for its movie version, which was released in December, 2021. More recently, he was a featured director in the "U Opera – Scenes" recital, where he staged works by Britten, Weill, and Bernstein. Last Spring, the tenor made his major role debut portraying the Duke of Mantua in Verdi's Rigoletto.

Lyric mezzo-soprano Natalie Easter, is an active and versatile performer. Her vocal prowess covers opera, art song, oratorio, and musical theatre. She has performed and covered a variety of roles throughout the U.S. and Italy. Highlights include: Julie Jordan in Carousel, Jenny in Company, Hansel in Hansel & Gretel, Mrs. Anderssen in A Little Night Music, Dorabella in Così fan tutte, Meg in Little Women, and April in The Cabaret Girl. She holds a Master of Music degree in Opera Performance from the University of Kansas where she studied with renowned mezzo-soprano, Joyce Castle. She has a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance, as well as a Theatre minor, from the University of Utah. For more info, visit: www.natalieeaster.com.

Holly Banfield is currently studying for her DMA in vocal performance at the University of Utah where she was recently cast as Mrs. Lovett for their April 2022 production of Sweeney Todd. This summer, she performed with the La Musica Lirica program in Baraboo, Wisconsin as the Principessa in Suor Angelica and Tisbe in Cenerentola. Earlier in 2021, she was assistant director for the University's production of Rigoletto, in which she also appeared in the role of Maddelena. She has portrayed the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors, the Komponist in Ariadne auf Naxos, Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, Zita in Gianni Schicchi, and Juno in Semele. She is thrilled to be on stage with Modesto Opera as Papagena for their production of The Magic Flute.

Anthony Ruiz has performed in various settings and with varying disciplines including chamber choirs, jazz, musical theatre, band, opera, and more! In fact, his introduction to the world of music began with instruments. That passion sewed by playing low brass instruments has driven him to explore vocal performance and many genres that have ultimately led him to where he is now: Performing on stage with Lyrical Opera Theatre. He is currently rehearsing in UVU's production of La Bohéme and A voice for Good's production of The Lamb of God by Rober Gardner, taking on the role as Peter. He participated in Utah Valley Vocal Arts Le nozze di Figaro by Mozart. Although he is only starting to explore the opera world, he's enamored by this classical art form and the opportunities it offers.

Betty Mathew, Soprano, is relatively new in Salt Lake City, her work got her here, along with her wonderful husband and loving son. She is also relatively new to the world of Opera - but loving the experience and challenge so far. She has grown up singing in the church choir - her father is her guide and inspiration growing up, introducing her to the world of music and giving candid feedback for seeking to create better versions of oneself as a singer continually. She is currently a student with Lynnette and is, in her own words, "humbled and thrilled to be a part of this production".

Heather Hillstead began performing at the age of twelve with the Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Kalispell, Montana where she grew up. She received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Idaho and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Northern Colorado. She has performed various mass and choral works with the Greeley Philharmonic, the Glacier Symphony Orchestra, and even performed as part of a quartet for a promotional tour for Disney's A Christmas Carol. Favorite past roles include Cherubino in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro, Mercedes in Bizet's Carmen, and Helen in Hindemith's one act opera Hin und zurück. She currently works as a Business Analyst in addition to singing and teaching voice lessons.

Idaho-raised soprano Jocelyn van Wyk is an actress, operatic stage director, private voice teacher, and owner of Sego Studios. She completed her Masters of Music in Opera Performance in the spring of 2020, from Longy School of Music of Bard College. Jocelyn specializes in character development and loves telling beloved stories in new meaningful ways. She has held a variety of operatic roles with her most recent being; Helen from Three Sisters Who are Not Sisters, Pamina from Die Zauberflöte. Jocelyn is thrilled to be joining Lyrical Opera Theater for their production of Lucia di Lammermoor.

Amy Banta didn't know she could sing until she was almost 30. Now she's making up for lost time. In Washington, D.C. she performed at The National Cathedral and with The Georgetown Gilbert and Sullivan Society, singing for prominent members of all branches of government. Locally, she's performed at The Empress Theatre and with The Motley Wandering Minstrels. She also sings and plays Celtic Harp (and occasionally the banjo) with her folk trio "The High Desert Harpies." This is Amy's first time performing grand opera. Thank you for being her first opera audience.

Maren Hansen is a professional singer and vocal coach who finds great fulfillment in working alongside other dedicated creators to make excellent art available to as many audiences as possible. They also have a deep love for new works, arts education, and art in non-traditional spaces. She is currently studying choral music education at the University of Utah. When they aren't singing or working on musical or theatrical projects, Maren enjoys baking and reading. Other recent credits include The Phantom of the Opera at Desert Star Playhouse, The Prince's New Pet with Utah Story Center, Mad Libs Live! and Pride and Prejudice at Creekside Theatre Festival, and Romeo and Juliet: Love is a Battlefield at Maeser Preparatory Academy.

A musician of extraordinary sensitivity, Avery Li is a pianist with a rather unorthodox background. Self-taught until the age of 18, Mr. Li was relentless in his pursuit of artistry. His first great triumph came when he won the Skyline Concerto Competition, beating out many other qualified musicians to close out the show with Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor. In his first year at conservatory, Avery presented Frederic Chopin's Four Ballades in a single recital, sang with the Utah Symphony, and performed in the Tabernacle Hall at Temple Square. Mr. Li is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Utah, School of Music.

Ben Spicer, Baritone, fell in love with music early on in his life performing in choirs from kindergarten through college and finds happiness in making music. Ben is also a percussionist and loves participating in drum circles and making music with friends. Ben recently became a student of Lynnette's and is enjoying learning from her. Ben has played roles in various musical theater productions, including; Scrooge the Stingiest Man in Town, Oklahoma!, Pirates of Penzance, Li'l Abner, and Brigadoon. This is Ben's first time participating in an Opera and he is excited for this opportunity.

As a country kid from a farm in rural Idaho, Michael Murray gained an appreciation and love for music through religious practice. That fascination grew with him as he participated in high-school, college, and community choirs. Having had music lessons on and off all his life, using his voice to artistically express himself has become second nature. After receiving a degree in Business from Brigham young University, he attended the Violin Making School of America and now works as a Luthier at CMC Strings in Millcreek Utah. He's excited to dip his toes into theatre and being on stage with Lyrical Opera.

Carly Schaub lives in SLC, where she also completed her M.F.A. at the University of Utah in Modern Dance. Before SLC, she lived in ND, dancing and serving as Outreach Coordinator for Northern Plains Dance. She also has a B.F.A. in Theatre/Dance from the University of Wyoming. Carly is an adjunct for Salt Lake Community College, and Westminster College, and teaches Modern and Ballet at Wasatch Arts Center. She teaches Dance for Parkinson's for UofU's Skagg's Wellness Center and RDT. She has choreographed for Deseret Experimental Opera, Snow College, and Cache Valley Civic Ballet, Northern Plains Dance and teaches Baroque and Renaissance dance. Carly directs Dance Balletti, an early Ballet reconstruction ensemble and she also dances with Municipal Ballet.

Constanza Murphy trained at North Star Ballet in Fairbanks, AK before receiving her BFA in Ballet Performance from the University of Utah. Throughout her career, she has worked with a wide range of classical, contemporary, modern, and opera companies across the country. Recently her work has brought her to the San Francisco Bay Area to companies such as Oakland Ballet, Bay Pointe Ballet, Sacramento Ballet. Notably, Constanza performed a variety of principal roles with Bay Pointe Ballet, including Tinkerbell, Sugarplum Fairy, and Lucy.

From Michigan, Caroline Sheridan began her classical training at the age of 5 in the Cecchetti Method. Caroline Sheridan graduated from the University of Utah with a BS in Economics and BFA in Ballet. Since graduation, Caroline Sheridan has performed professionally with Central West Ballet, Ballet Hartford, Syracuse City Ballet and Michigan Ballet Theatre. She has performed numerous classical works including, Swan Lake, Giselle, Cinderella, Les Sylphides, Coppélia, and The Nutcracker, as well as neoclassical and contemporary works such as George Balanchine's Who Cares? and Valse Fantasie, Val Caniparoli's Lambarena, and Gerald Arpino's Birthday Variations. Caroline Sheridan is also a highly sought-after teacher and an accomplished choreographer.

Megan Fotheringham has been a dancer since she was three years old. She danced with Ballet Center Utah, Inc. from 2006 to 2021 where she performed, choreographed, and taught. Megan had the privilege of working with Oleg Vinogradov and his acclaimed faculty with whom she has danced internationally, including St. Petersburg, Russia for the International Youth Ballet Festival, and Incheon, South Korea with the University of Utah. In 2021, she traveled to Detroit to study with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, where she performed work set by Clifford Williams. Megan is pursuing a BFA in dance at Westminster College where she studies and performs.

Ashley Mitchell started her dance training in Colorado Springs, CO. When she graduated high school, Ashley moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah School of Dance. During her time in school, she had the opportunity to dance roles in La Bayadere, Balanchine's Walpurgisnacht, Les Sylphides, and Swan Lake. After graduating, Ashley joined Municipal Ballet Company where she performed for three years in various new works. At the end of 2021, Ashley joined some of her fellow dancers to create a new performing company, Salt Lake Ballet Cooperative. This is Ashley's first time dancing in an Opera and she is very excited.

Matilda has been passionate about tech for 5 years now. She has worked on shows such as The Importance of being Earnest, Little Women, and Into the Woods. She also plays the piano, is absolutely nerdy, and has a deep fascination with science and the natural world.

Sydney Leavitt, is so excited to be a stagehand for this production! She has worked on production teams in the past, working as a Production Assistant on Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the Costume Designer for Xanadu, both done at Woods Cross High School. Sydney also enjoys preforming, she has been seen on stage in Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble), Curtains (Ensemble), and Xanadu (Urania, Andrews Sister, Hermes, Aphrodite). Sydney loves to go on adventures, playing E-sports, and learning new things. She is currently attending Utah Valley University where she is studying Deaf Studies and Costume Design.

I am excited to be working as a stagehand for the Lyrical Opera Theater again. I have recently graduated from Syracuse High School and have completed my first year at Brigham Young University. I have worked on many productions during my high school and college career including: Little shop of Horrors, Pirate Queen, Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Hairspray, and more. I enjoy cross-stitching, painting, sewing, and the outdoors.