Resonanz Opera 2018 Singing Artists Program
A Program For All Singers
The Singing Artists Program is unique and forward-thinking. Resonanz Opera offers role opportunities to artists of all ages and stages of development in a supportive and positive environment dedicated to study and performance. There is no age limit to audition or work with Resonanz Opera. Resonanz Opera also emphatically rejects any form of discrimination for personal characteristics or traits, and encourages every singer with a good voice and a desire to work to apply for an audition.
The Program Goals
The Singing Artist Program was established by Resonanz Opera’s Heidi Skok, mezzo-soprano from her vast career experience. Singers seeking vocal and stage study and who want to bring their talent to the mainstage should apply. The program is offered in three different sessions with each session having three weeks of study that includes being cast in productions with national and international mainstage artists.
The Singing Artists Program is being extended in 2018 to include Bigger Voices in its support. Heidi Skok has worked for years with singers of bigger voices in her private studio Skokstudio and specializes technically in their vocal development. Similarly, the Singing Artists Program has also been extended to include talented high school student singers with the Resonanz Opera High School Internship Program. The Resonanz Opera Singing Artist Program is for ALL singers, without any age limit.
BIG Voices Program at Resonanz Opera
Resonanz Opera is pleased to announce the launch of a new program celebrating and championing Big Voices in this country and in Europe. Our first three week session of the Singing Artist Program (May 26-June 15), will present Richard Wagner’s Act 2 of Tristan und Isolde and Giuseppe Verdi’s Act 3 of Rigoletto. Voice lessons with Heidi Skok, who specializes in big voices, will take place. Other faculty to be announced shortly. This is an opportunity to prepare these roles for the stage and present them to an audience in Northeastern Ohio at the beautiful new Mentor Amphitheater. Resonanz Opera anticipates continuing to build this dramatic voice program with success.
High School Internship Program
With the institution of the High School Internship Program, Resonanz Opera initiates area high school students into world of formal vocal study with emerging opera singers and esteemed professional singers, all together on one stage. High School interns are given the opportunity to perform small roles on stage with professional opera singers and study under master instructors. Resonanz Opera’s internship program is singular in The United States because it casts High School Interns in small roles in the opera, and not just in the chorus. Visit the Resonanz Opera High School Internship Program page for full information.
The Curriculum
Singing Artists will receive voice instruction with Heidi Skok and coaching for their roles in the performances. Additionally, Singing Artists will perform in the smaller roles of the mainstage productions, in the chorus and will cover the bigger roles and have the opportunity to sing some of the big roles that are not cast by mainstage artists. Yoga and Mindfulness instruction are also provided to encourage a healthy “mind-body-voice” connection and a lasting foundation of wellness and focus for developing singers.
Program Productions
First Session: |
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| Act II of Tristan und Isolde | |
| Act III of Rigoletto | |
Second Session: |
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| The Medium | |
| Suor Angelica | |
Third Session: |
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| The Magic Flute |
Auditions
Enrollment in the Singing Artists and the High School Interns Programs require program participants to complete an online application for the audition. Audition applications must be submitted by candidate program participants before an audition can be considered. There is a fee to apply for an audition, which is paid online before the application is submitted.
• The application fee is $50.00 for the Singing Artists Program and the BIG Voices Program.
• The application fee is $25.00 for the High School Internship Program.
Send a request for information to info@resonanzopera.org for full information about applying for an audition with Resonanz Opera.
Tuition
• The tuition fee is $1500.00 per session to enroll in the Singing Artists and BIG Voices programs.
• The tuition fee is $500.00 per session to enroll in the High School Internship Program.
Other Program Information
• Vocal technical training with Heidi Skok and active training for the opera performance roles by well recognized vocal coaches.
• Additional mindfulness and vocal fitness instruction to also enhance a singer’s vocal wellness, mental focus, and “mind-body-voice” connection.
• Performances will be at the City of Mentor’s Civic Amphitheater, The Wildwood Cultural Center, Andrews Osborne Academy, Lawrence Upper School, Fairmount Center for the Arts, and St. Noel Church.
Housing, meals, and transportation are not provided.
Scholarships, discounted tuition, and financial assistance are not available for the Singing Artists, BIG Voices, or the High School Internship program enrollment fee.
An official Resonanz Opera Letter of Request for Sponsorship is available upon request to program participants who wish to seek sponsors on their own. Please email info@resonanzopera.org to request a copy.
Tentative Program Daily Schedule
| 9am | Mindfulness | |
| 10am | Yoga | |
| 11am | TBA | |
| 12pm | BREAK | |
| 1pm – 5pm | Opera Rehearsals, Voice Lessons, and Coaching | |
| 5pm | BREAK | |
| 6pm – 9pm | Evening Opera Rehearsals/Masterclasses |
John Ramseyer
Tenor
Praised for his “hypnotically lyrical” voice (Parterre Box), tenor John Ramseyer is an emerging artist residing in New York City. Most recently, Mr. Ramseyer performed the titular role in Joel Mandelbaum’s opera The Dybbuk at Merkin Hall and Lefrak Concert Hall in New York City. In his 2016-2017 season, John performed leading roles with LoftOpera (Gondolier, Rossini’s Otello), The Bronx Opera Company (Fenton, Falstaff), and Apotheosis Opera (Monsieur Taupe, Capriccio). In August, 2017, the Illinois native returned to the Midwest to join Resonanz Opera’s inaugural season as “L’Aumonier” in Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites. Read more..
John received his Master’s degree from Mannes College, where he studied with Metropolitan Opera tenor Dan Marek. With the Mannes Opera, and under the baton of Joseph Colaneri (Met Opera, New York City Opera), Mr. Ramseyer performed the role of “Bill” in the New York City premiere of Jonathan Dove’s opera Flight, as well as “Laurie” in Mark Adamo’s Little Women. Before relocating to New York City, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance at Illinois State University. At ISU, he sang several roles including “Lysander” in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In 2011, John began a multi-year relationship with the Midwest Institute of Opera. From 2011-2016, he performed many roles such as Tamino (Die Zauberflöte), Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), and most recently, Fenton (Falstaff). John is very excited to be returning to Resonanz Opera this year to sing the role of Tamino in The Magic Flute.
Heidi Skok
Mezzo-soprano
Mezzo-soprano Heidi Skok performed in numerous productions at the Metropolitan Opera as a soprano from 1992 to 2003. Ms. Skok is renowned as a recitalist and concert presenter. Recent engagements have included her first Sesto with Upstate Chamber Opera, a concert for Gay Pride at the Spectrum premiering new mezzo and flute song cycle by American composer Gerald Busby in New York City, a St. Paul’s Cathedral appearance, concerts with the Octavo Singers including an appearance at Proctors Theater in Schenectady, NY, a concert in Princeton, NJ premiering songs of American composer Gerald Busby, her first Messiah, several Saint Rose Camerata Series concerts, a concert celebrating the music of American composer Gerald Busby at the Massry Center for the Arts in Albany, NY, and the premiering of one of American composer Martin Hennessy’s songs at The National Opera Center in New York City. Heidi also recently reprized her role as Coissy in the 2017 Resonanz Opera production of summer in Dialogues of the Carmelites.
Lindell Carter
Tenor
Lindell O. Carter, has been noted as a “promising young tenor … who lacks nothing in power and carry” (Classical Voice of North Carolina), and praised for “his rich timbre and ringing, easy top” (London Herald). Singing a wide repertoire on the stage, operatic credits include the title characters in Massenet’s Werther , Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann , and Debussy’s L’enfant Prodigue. Other notable appearances include Il Duca (Rigoletto), Cavaradossi (Tosca), Des Grieux (Manon), Jenìk (Smetana’s Prodaná nevesta), Erik (Der fliegende Holländer), Alfredo (La Traviata), Riccardo (Un Ballo in Maschera), Rodolfo (La Bohème) and several other leading tenor roles. Engagements this season include debuts as Enzo Grimaldo (Ponchielli’s La Gioconda), Vaudémont (Tchaickovsky’s Iolanta), Alfred (Die Fledermaus), Canio (Pagliacci), and Edgardo (Lucia di Lammermoor). Read more..
Just as at home on the concert stage, Lindell has appeared in recitals and concerts in New York City, across the United States, London, Italy, France, and Spain in a concert of singers selected by Montserrat Caballé. His concert credits include tenor solos in Beethoven’s Christus am Ölberge, Choral Fantasy, and Symphony No. 9; Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde; Verdi’s Messa di Requiem; Händel’s Messiah; Dubois’ Les Sept Paroles du Christ; and Mozart’s Requiem in D and Coronation Mass. A native of the Bronx, NY, Lindell holds a BM in Vocal Performance and BA in French Language from the University of North Carolina.
Paige Heidrich
Soprano
Paige Heidrich, soprano, is an Ohio native who will graduate from Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Music in December of 2018 with double undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education. She is thrilled to be singing Pamina with Resonanz Opera this summer.
Hailed as “brilliant and funny” (www.news-herald.com) for her work on stage, Paige has been seen performing throughout the Northeast Ohio area in a variety of venues, including the Willoughby Fine Arts Association with Resonanz Opera, Rabbit Run Theater, with Mercury Theater Company at Notre Dame College, at “The 9” in Cleveland, and in the Baldwin Wallace University Opera mainstage productions. As a soloist, Paige had the privilege of debuting a chamber work by composer Lincoln Sandham titled “29 July, 1856” and has been a featured soloist for Baldwin Wallace’s Treble Choir as well as the Ashtabula Area Orchestra. Read more..
Paige studies privately with Dr. Marc Weagraff, coaches with Jason Aquila, and has performed in masterclass with master clinicians David Cangelosi, Kathleen Kelly, Sasha Cooke, and Rebecca Pitcher. At Baldwin Wallace, she is the recipient of the Dr. and Mrs. Lauria Opera Scholarship, based on her outstanding work ethic and performance. Paige is also a member of the Motet Choir under the direction of Dr. Dirk Garner, an elite group that sings yearly in the renowned Bach Festival.
An open-minded and innovative crossover performer, Paige believes in breaking the barriers between opera, music theater, and theater. Paige was most recently seen in the role of Carolina in the Baldwin Wallace Opera production of Il matrimonio segreto, and made her directorial debut working with Rabbit Run Theater in their 2018 summer youth production of Seussical. Her favorite roles include Sister Constance in Dialogues of the Carmelites, Molly in Peter and the Starcatcher, Frasquita in The Tragedy of Carmen, Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel, Fiona MacLaren in Brigadoon, and Little Sally in Urinetown the Musical.
In her free time, Paige enjoys teaching early childhood music classes, values spending quality time with family and friends, and enjoys traveling and trying something new!
Timothy LeFebvre
Baritone
Nationally acclaimed baritone Timothy LeFebvre has wide-ranging experience from the operatic stage to the concert hall. His frequently performed opera roles include Rigoletto, Sharpless (Madama Butterfly), Germont (La Traviata), Count (Le nozze di Figaro), Falke (Die Fledermaus), Marcello and Shaunard (La Bohème) and Father (Hansel and Gretel). LeFebvre’s operatic experience features performances with Central City Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, Sarasota Opera, Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Syracuse Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Opera Delaware, and Opera Theater of Pittsburgh. Mr. LeFebvre graduated with honors from Carnegie Mellon University and Binghamton University and is currently Associate Professor of Singing at Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
Jeffrey Tarr
Bass
Possessing a rich, warm voice with “rock-solid vocalism and powerful projection” (The Capital), bass Jeffrey Tarr is equally in demand for opera and concert work. Among the opera companies with which he has performed are the Washington National Opera, Baltimore Concert Opera, and Festspiele Gut Immling. Mr. Tarr’s portrayal of Basilio in Annapolis Opera’s production of Il Barbiere di Siviglia was described by The Washington Post as “fervent [&] robust.” Other operatic credits include Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, Osmin in Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Colline in La Bohème, Frère Laurent in Roméo et Juliette, Zuniga in Carmen, Bartolo and Antonio in Le Nozze di Figaro, Alidoro in La Cenerentola, Superintendent Budd in Albert Herring, and Collatinus in Rape of Lucretia. Read more..
On the concert stage, Mr. Tarr has performed in Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Faure’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Mozart’s Requiem, Brahms’ Requiem and Bach’s Magnificat with ensembles such as the Handel Choir of Baltimore, the Frederick Symphony Orchestra and the New Dominion Chorale. His performance of Messiah with the New Dominion Chorale was lauded by The Washington Post as “outstanding…a large, resonant voice, filled with both power and clarity.”
Mr. Tarr received a Masters of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University and is a former prize winner in the Annapolis Opera Competition, the Orpheus Vocal Competition, NATSAA, and Vocal Arts DC Discovery Competition. As such, he has performed recitals in prestigious venues, including the Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Mr. Tarr participated in the inaugural season of the American Wagner Program under the auspices of world-renown singers Dolora Zajick and Luana DeVol. He presently serves as an adjunct faculty member in the voice department at Texas Woman’s University. Jeffrey will be working in our BIG Voices Program with our singers as well.
See his website at: http://jeffreytarr.com/
Jonathan Stuckey
Bass
With a “smooth, deep voice” (Thomas Dyer, Berkshire Fine Arts), Jonathan Stuckey sings “with a refined vocal timbre” (Robert Rollin, Cleveland Classical). His repertoire includes roles in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Verdi’s Macbeth, Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, and more. He has performed with Resonance Works | Pittsburgh, Opera Western Reserve, and Hubbard Hall Opera Theater, among others.
Jonathan holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from The Peabody Conservatory of Music, where he studied with John Shirley-Quirk.
Heidi Skok
Founder and Artistic Director of Resonanz Opera
Master Voice Instructor, Mezzo-soprano
Ms. Skok has previously taught vocal instruction at The New School University on the Voice Faculty of the Actors Studio MFA Program, on the faculty of the New England Conservatory in Boston, Curtis Institute, the University of Kentucky, Bennington College in Vermont, and The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Her students have sung at such opera houses as The Metropolitan Opera, English National Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Leipzig Oper, New York City Opera (now defunct), Washington National Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Steans Institute at the Ravinia Festival, Santa Fe Opera, Glyndebourne, and San Diego Opera. Her students sing at The Metropolitan Opera, on Broadway, and in recording studios. Read more..
Ms. Skok maintains Skokstudio in Cleveland, New York City, Chicago and on Skype and Zoom. She filled in on the Voice faculty at Oberlin Conservatory in the Fall of 2017 and has now joined the Voice faculty at Lakeland Community College for the Spring, 2018. In addition, she has taught on the voice faculties of The New School University, Bennington College, New England Conservatory, The University of Kentucky and The College of Saint Rose. Heidi Skok’s career path has not been conventional nor straight, thus she loves to help other singers who struggle to find their way on their journey. Through her vast professional experience and her technical knowledge of the voice through her own transition to mezzo and other challenges, Heidi brings to singers her joy and passion for aiding other singers to Resonanz Opera which she founded in 2009 with the help of a talented team of singers. Resonanz continues in its new form in the Cleveland area since it’s re-launch in 2017.
Elizabeth Rotoff
Vocal Instructor, Fitness Trainer, and Nutrition Coach
Elizabeth Rotoff, mezzo-soprano, has performed across Canada and in England in opera, musical theater and recital. She has had leading roles in the operas Carmen, Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Tales of Hoffman, La Clemenza di Tito, Cosi fan tutte, Die Fledermaus, Hansel and Gretel, The Medium and many more. Most recently she appeared as Lalume in Kismet. Read more..
The Edmonton Sun stated that her performance was riveting and that she has a haunting mezzo voice. The Bognor Regis Observer (England) reported, “The range of her powerful voice, coupled with an obvious deep understanding of the poetry made a memorable experience for the appreciative audience.” Opera Today said of her performance in Lennox Berkley’s A Dinner Engagement, “She was brilliantly haughty and convincingly statuesque”.
Elizabeth has been a private voice teacher for over 20 years. She has taught students of all ages. Many of her students have gone on to professional careers in classical music, musical theatre and jazz. An active member of NATS, she is currently VP of the Manitoba chapter. In addition, Elizabeth is an active adjudicator and clinician. She was a guest presenter at the NATS National Conference in Chicago in 2016.
She has a strong passion for fitness and nutrition. As a certified personal trainer, Zumba and PiYo Live instructor, triathlete and nutrition coach, she frequently gives presentations on cross-training and nutrition to running groups and businesses, as well as instructing group fitness classes. This led her to develop The Fit Singer, where she empowers singers to achieve optimal health through an holistic approach encompassing body, mind and spirit. You can find out more about Elizabeth at www.thefitsinger.com.
Timothy Nelson
Stage Director
Timothy Nelson has directed over 70 productions of opera and theater throughout the United States and Europe. The Baltimore Sun and The New York Times have both referred to Nelson as “The Future of Opera.” He recently directed the Nederlandse Reiopera’s highy acclaimed production of Le Pecheurs de Perles and the Barbican’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea. Upcoming projects include Orphee et Eurydice for Opera Grand Rapids; La Calisto for the English Touring Opera’s UK National Tour; The Fairy Queen for the Iford Arts Festival in Bath, England; and The Lighthouse for the Armel Opera Festival in Budapest. Recent projects have included Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria for the Academy of Ancient Music and Barbican Theatre in London; and Ballo in Maschera for the Iford Arts Festival. Read more..
From 2002-2012, Nelson served as Artistic Director of the American Opera Theater, directing and designing a diverse body of productions including baroque masterpieces Messiah, La Calisto, and Jephtha. Nelson also directed the American premiers of La Didone and David et Jonathas at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and a national tour of his acclaimed circus production of Acis and Galatea. Other work includes productions of Rigoletto and Madama Butterfly for Sardinia’s Festival Ente Concerti, Aureliano in Palmira for the famed Festivale della Valle d’Itria in Martina Franca, Riders to the Sea for Amsterdam’s Grachtenfestival, La Voix Humaine for the Residentie Orkest of the Hague, and Giulio Cesare for Opera London. Nelson is a frequent guest of the Nederlandse Reisopera, where he has directed and designed productions of The Lighthouse and the theater piece Figaro in Four Quartets.
Nelson served as Artistic Director of the Netherlands Opera Studio where he directed and designed productions of Don Giovanni, La Boheme, Pelleas et Melisande, and The Rape of Lucretia. He is currently Artistic Director of Nieuwe Stemmen of the Rotterdam Operadagen and of the Accademia Europea dell’Opera, where he has directed and designed Les Dialogues des Carmelites, Die Zauberflote, Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria, Cosi fan Tutte, and Alcina.” Other guest credits include work for Bard College, Georgetown University, Indiana University, Oberlin College, Royal Hague Conservatory, and Peabody Conservatory.
Laura Gray
Self-Esteem Coach of the Singing Artists High School Internship Program
Laura is the Founder/Executive Director for IPride, a self-esteem building program for youth with an emphasis on creative thought/expression and basic physical fitness. IPride has been Alive! at: Wickliffe Middle School, The Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland, Lake County Juvenile Detention Center, Forbes House, Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District, The Loving Hands Group, After-School All-Stars, Willowick Public Library, Willoughby Public Library and a number of other organizations throughout Northeast Ohio. Read more..
A lifelong creative writer, in 2012, Luna Negra, a Kent State University publication, published her poetry. Laura’s poignant personal story of triumph and survival went live on a women’s website, Women for One, in July 2017. http://womenforone.com/the-little-cloth-secret-keeper/
A proud mom of three sons and three dogs, Laura is a certified personal trainer from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, a published author and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Bowling Green State University. She lives by the mantra “who can I help today?” For more information on IPride, please visit: http://www.ipride.net. IPride is dedicated to the honor and memory of her dear mother Elaine.
Evan Solomon
Pianist
Pianist Evan Solomon has appeared in chamber music and vocal recitals in France, Germany, China, Japan, Korea, and throughout the United States. His exceptionally wide repertoire has led to frequent engagements as official pianist at events such as the Hannover International Violin Competition, the International Viola Congress, the West Point Clarinet Summit, and the Starling-DeLay Violin Symposium. A highlight of this past season was his premiere of the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra by composer Gerald Busby with the Orchestra at Shelter Rock. Read more..
Mr. Solomon’s performances as faculty artist of the Great Mountains Music Festival in Korea have been heard on the Korean Broadcasting System and NPR’s “Performance Today.” Additional television credits include appearances on A&E Network’s “Breakfast with the Arts” with violinist Sarah Chang and cellist Han-Na Chang, and “Live from Lincoln Center: Perlman at the Penthouse” on PBS. His recordings with tenor Michael Sells and clarinetist Seunghee Lee have received wide critical acclaim.
Evan Solomon began his piano studies with Olga Radosavljevich at the Cleveland Institute of Music. A graduate of Grinnell College with a major in mathematics, he received the Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California as a student of Brooks Smith. Mr. Solomon was on the accompanying staff of the Juilliard School for over thirty years.
