The Future Voices of Opera in Concert
~By Norm Robins~
Photos By Dana Nollsch
The Institute for Young Dramatic Voices (IYDV) and the American Wagner Project held their gala Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at 6 PM in the Nightingale Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno, and what a gala it indeed was. It was the performance that capped 3 weeks of intensive vocal training in operatic voice technique. It was performed by 29 beautiful young rising opera stars to show off what they have learned. It was their chance to strut their stuff.
Jessica Lyublinsky, Mezzo-Soprano. Emily Hamper, Pianist 
Madison Bowling, Mezzo-Soprano. Cheryl Lin Fielding, Pianist 
John Babidge, Tenor. 
Meric Pittman, Bass. Cheryl Lin Fielding, Pianist 
Hannah Colvin, Soprano 
Maggie Renee Valdam, Mezzo-Soprano 
Maggie Renee Valdam, Mezzo-Soprano 
John Cotton, Baritone. Emily Hamper, Pianist. 
Courtney Ankerfelt, Mezzo-Soprano 
Jessey-Joy Spronk, Soprano 
Brooke Romaine, Soprano. 
Antoni Literes, Tenor. Beatrice Benzi, Pianist. 
Hunter Enoch, Baritone. Yelena Kurdina, Pianist. 
Amber Opheim, Soprano. John Parr, Pianist. 
Maggie Renee Valdam, Mezzo-Soprano 
Antoni Literes, Tenor, Andres Cascante, Baritone. Emily Hamper, Pianist. 
Antoni Literes, Tenor, Andres Cascante, Baritone. Emily Hamper, Pianist.
And strut their stuff they did. They sang 29 arias by 14 composers. This all-star cast was comprised of 8 sopranos, 6 mezzos, 7 tenors, 5 baritones, 1 bass-baritone, and 2 basses. The composers covered the spectrum from Handel and Bellini through Wagner, Puccini, and Verdi to André Previn.
If you missed it the IYDV and the American Wagner Project will be back next year. You shouldn’t miss it. In appearance, these stars look like the kids next door. When they perform they take your breath away.
