The Studio Artists have arrived!

This morning we had a little meet and greet with our new Studio Artists. There were some familiar faces like soprano Heather Phillips who recently took first place at the 2009 National Opera Association Vocal Competition; and pianist/coach Naoko Suga (who was able to work hard in L.A. this summer) both of whom were with us last season.


New to the ranks include baritone, Eric Brown from Washington D.C.; Sarah Klopfenstein, a mezzo-soprano from Fort Worth, Texas both of whom are University of Kentucky Graduates. Craig Philip Price a bass- baritone who got his masters from Manhattan School of Music; Johnathan Stinson, a baritone whose work with Lyric Opera of Kansas City included a World Premiere of John Brown. Also among the new singers, is tenor Clark Sturdevant who will be the new Artist in Residence for Dayton Opera. We have also enlisted the talents of University of Louisville masters student Lydia Cepeda as an apprentice.

You can read their full bios on Kentucky Opera's website here.

Along with these talented young professionals, Kentucky Opera's Studio Artists program has deepened its educational role by developing a third tier to include four interns from the Youth Performing Arts School who will participate in the Kentucky Opera chorus.

Their first tour of duty will include performing at the Guild of Kentucky Opera's event, Viva Voce on Thursday, August 28. Get your reservations now by calling 502.584.4500!


They will be working hard through the season with Traviata, Of Mice and Men and Hansel and Gretel. Beyond the main stage commitments, they will also be responsible for a Madama Butterfly concert with Owensboro Symphony as well as the Opera Bound program and the multitude of other school tours.