The Rochester Aria Group’s Sixth Season featured many talented singers and some truly memorable performances. As we prepare to open our next concert year, the roster of performers is equally strong, with a number of remarkable young singers committed to appear.

Soprano Hannah Nelson, who sang Massenet’s Fairy Godmother in Cendrillon in May 2004, is completing her Master of Music degree at Rice University. This past March she sang the soprano solos in Vivaldi’s Gloria with the South Dakota Symphony, and returned in April for Handel’s Psalm 112, which includes four arias for soprano and two choruses with soprano solo. In fall 2005 she sang the Dew Fairy in Rice Opera Theater’s Hansel and Gretel, and will sing the title role in their production of Cavalli’s La Calisto.

Tenor Thorstein Arbjörnsson sang the role of Nemorino in Urbania, Italy in summer 2005, followed by a series of recitals in his native Iceland. In the fall he performed the role of Chevalier in Oberlin Conservatory’s production of Dialogues des Carmelites, and will graduate in Spring 2006.

Katherine Pracht continued her association with Mark Adamo, singing Jo in Little Women with Milwaukee’s Skylight Opera, under the direction of the composer. She has previously sung the role of Meg with Lyric Opera Cleveland, also directed by Mr. Adamo. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal said “The talented Katherine Pracht has been building to a breakout performance for a few years, and Jo is it. Her rich, emotionally shaded, rhythmically supple voice and her conviction as an actress command a difficult, crucial role.” Katherine was also selected as a winner of the Wisconsin District Metropolitan Opera Auditions in October 2005.

Dominick Rodriguez was awarded 2nd Place in the Minnesota District Metropolitan Opera Auditions in November 2005. He was recently the tenor soloist for Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Minnesota Orchestra (Hurricane Relief Benefit) and will solo in Vaughan Williams’ Hodie with the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis. In April 2006 he will sing Rodolfo in the University of Minnesota Opera Theater production of La Bohème.

In October 2005 Tracey Gorman was a featured soloist with the Bel Canto Chorus in Milwaukee, and was also featured with the St. Olaf College Orchestra in their recent Carnegie Hall concert. Upcoming events include a solo recital at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and a performance of Mozart’s Exultate, jubilate and Coronation Mass with the Valley Chamber Chorale.

Tenor Joel Burcham, who has sung excerpts from La Cenerentola and Don Pasquale with the Rochester Aria Group, has had a particularly busy year. In 2005 he appeared with Opera Omaha, including roles in La Traviata (Gastone), Turandot (Pang), and Dream of the Pacific (Meriwether Lewis). He also sang the role of Dancairo in Cedar Rapids Opera production of Carmen. Upcoming engagements include tenor soloist in Messiah and Beethoven’s Mass in C with Utah Symphony, Tamino with Utah Opera (cover) and Ernesto in Utah Opera’s touring production of Don Pasquale.

In March 2006 Melody Johnson will be the soprano soloist for Poulenc’s Gloria & Barber's Prayers of Kierkegaard with the Oratorio Society of MN in St. Paul.

Soprano Jennifer Josephsen, who appeared in our May 2005 Romance, Romance!! Concert will sing the role of Frasquita in Minnesota Opera’s concert version of Carmen in August 2006.

Since appearing in A Cinderella Story in May 2004, Rebecca Olthafer has continued work toward her DMA at the University of Wisconsin. She appeared as Mercedes (Carmen) in Madison Opera’s Overture Center Grand Opening Gala, and will sing the Second Lady in the Magic Flute this season. Rebecca was selected as a 2005 National Association of Teachers of Singing Intern and is currently adjunct professor of voice at Luther College in Decorah, IA.