Artist Spotlights

One of the most prolific and admired living American composers, Dr. Adolphus Cunningham Hailstork III, continues to write music that is thrilling, poignant, and introspective. It was my honor to visit with him in early April. 

Internationally acclaimed soprano and Eastman faculty member Nicole Cabell will conduct a masterclass at the CS Convention on Sunday, May 25 at 11:00 AM. I visited with Ms. Cabell in April to talk about her approach to masterclasses and our conversation took some interesting turns.

Telly describes what it’s like to have a role built on him, and shares reflections on his experiences working with iconic living (and recently living) composers Stephen Schwartz and Stephen Sondheim.

Hailey McAvoy’s Journey as an operatic trailblazer for liberation and visibility for performers with disabilities is one that is changing who we see on our opera stages.

Soprano Penelope Shumate shares her experiences in multi-genre singing, as well as her approach to balancing performing and teaching.

Jordan Weatherston Pitts shares his experience as both an opera singer and a drag performer.

The New York region is known for its scrappy, adventurous, and unique opera companies. Some come in like a lightning bolt electrifying the opera status quo before going dim (think Loft Opera), while some steadily grow and become a fixture on the New York opera scene (Heartbeat Opera). And still other companies arrive on the scene with a fresh perspective, creative staging, and a mission to make opera feel like a totally immersive experience, like On Site Opera.

Every year, the CS Music Convention gathers aspiring singers, industry professionals, and seasoned artists in a dynamic space dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering career growth. This highly anticipated event provides young artists with unparalleled opportunities to learn from and connect with esteemed professionals who have paved the way in the classical music industry. Among the distinguished mentors at this year’s convention is the legendary soprano Carol Vaness.

Our conversation was wide-ranging yet moored to the topic of working with students. In part one of this two-part profile on Leung, we’ll focus on Telly’s most recent work with students, with an eye toward how he hopes to engage with singers at the convention later this month. But first, a little bit more on NYC born and raised Telly Leung.

Soprano and voice teacher Andrea DelGuidice has extensive performing experience in opera, opera directing, plus a robust voice studio, and leadership roles in programs of study and opera companies. It’s no wonder that she lends her creative flair and attention to detail to her home as well. 

When I spoke with Jocelyn Hagen earlier this month, she was putting the final touches on an exciting new project.

Tell us about your newest project. 

It’s a Christmas oratorio called Rose Ever Blooming, which I’m writing with my husband, Tim Takach, for Voces8. Years ago, Tim found this amazing book of poetry by Patricia Monaghan that’s all about Mary. It really humanizes her in a very beautiful way, and we had this idea for a large work based on this poetry. We had been commissioned by Voces8 in the past and had a good working relationship with them, so we approached them, pitched the idea, and they said, “Yes! And if we do it, let’s record it right away!” So, it just sort of snowballed into this huge project. 

Who doesn't love the magic of theatre? The world of the imagination, the suspension of disbelief, the communication of triumph and tragedy through words, music, lights, costumes, and sets. Anyone who has had a transformative experience through theatre will likely have a difficult time expressing the power of that experience through words. There are some words, however, that may be particularly inadequate or—in the opinion of at least one music professional—inaccurate.