Featured Singers for The Elixir of Love

Yoo Sun Na - Sue Ellen (wealthy and capricious ranch owner)
Yoo Sun Na is a soprano from Seoul, South Korea. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Seoul National University, receiving the Presidential Scholarship and graduating cum laude. She also graduated with honors at the New England Conservatory of Music with a Masters degree in Vocal Performance. Her numerous operatic performances include Diana in “La Calisto”, Beatriz in “Rappaccini’s Daughter”, and Blanche in “Dialogues of the Carmelite.” She is completing her DMA in vocal performance at the University of I.

Chester Pidduck - Reno (simple and penniless young cowboy)
Chester has sung opera, recitals, concerts, musical theatre, and oratorio throughout the country. He received his Master of Music in vocal performance from Indiana University in 2007, where he performed opera and was an active concert soloist, but he also studied in Florence, Italy, and Paris, France. Chester's multidimensional career includes lead singing roles and soloist performances with San Francisco groups in previous years. Chester played the role of Count Almaviva in High Desert Opera's “The Barber of Seville” last summer.

Thom King - Doctor Carl Errata, Production Director
Thom has an impressive and varied list of High Desert Opera roles to his credit, including Baron Scarpia in “Tosca,” John Wellington Wells in “The Sorcerer,” and Dr. Bartolo in “The Barber of Seville.” He has performed with other opera companies, including the Chautauqua, Houston Grand, Florida Grand, and Connecticutt Opera. Thom has served at the Cantor of Beth El Congregation, the largest synagogue in Maryland, for the past 11 years. He directed “The Barber of Seville” in 2011.

James Werner - Sergeant Buchanan (sergeant of local garrison)
James had an extensive career as an actor on Broadway before moving to Grand Junction 11 years ago. This career included lead singing operatic roles in the U.S. and Europe and concert soloist appearances with many regional symphonies. He has since then acted and directed extensively in the Grand Valley. James is the founder and artistic director of High Desert Opera, having also performed in the company's productions—his most recent being Merlyn in “Camelot.”

Sierra Rode - Eliza (a local girl)
is a freshman at Mesa State, majoring in Psychology. She's been taking voice lessons from Jim Werner for six years and performing with HDO for five. She's played Maria Rainer in HDO's summer production of The Sound of Music, Pitti-Sing in The Mikado and Antonia in Man of La Mancha, Aline in The Sorcerer. She has also portayed Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, and Aunt Eller in Oklahoma for other companies. Her long-term goal is to perform on Broadway.

Featured Singers for Camelot

Richard Cowden - King Arthur
Richard R Cowden (Arthur) returns to the Grand Valley stage, having spent the last two years working professionally as an actor, singer, and director in New York City and Denver. He is the former Head of Colorado Mesa University's Department of Theatre, where he directed such memorable productions as THE PRODUCERS and WEST SIDE STORY. As an actor he has appeared in dozens of productions from Grand Junction to New York, including AMERICAN BUFFALO and TRUE WEST, THE WEIR. He currently lives in Denver with his wife, Jessica, and their children.

Rebeca Weitzel - Guenevere
Rebecca Weitzel has been blessed to perform in many local theater productions over the last 10 years. Her favorite roles include Anna in THE KING AND I, Sarah in GUYS & DOLLS, and Milly in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS . She has also enjoyed a part-time career acting in various TV and radio commercials. Rebecca stays busy with her day jobs as a Personal Fitness Trainer (Crossroads Fitness) and Corporate Wellness Coordinator (Hilltop). She is thrilled to join The High Desert Opera for the first time in this production and thanks her husband, Barry, and her boys, Josh and Brendon, for being her biggest fans and greatest support.

James Werner - Merlin
James had an extensive career as an actor on Broadway before moving to Grand Junction 11 years ago. This career included lead singing operatic roles in the U.S. and Europe and concert soloist appearances with many regional symphonies. He has since then acted and directed extensively in the Grand Valley. James is the founder and artistic director of High Desert Opera, having also performed in the company's productions.

Trevor Adams - Mordred
Trevor studied Music, Theater, and Dance at Mesa State College and performed in many shows there, as well as The Cabaret Dinner Theatre and Empire Theater. Some of his favorite roles include The Pharoah in Joseph, Charlie Brown in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Motel in Fiddler. Trevor works at the Mesa County Public Library and plays in the band Dreamboat.

Carlene Goldthwaite - Morgan Le Fey
This is Carlene's second show with the company, having appeared 2 years ago in "Man of La Mancha." More recently, Carlene joined the Theatre Project in "Fiddler on the Roof." Local audiences may have seen her as Joan in "The Guys" for Two Chairs Theatre, Jeanette in "The Full Monty" at the Cabaret, or as Truvy in "Steel Magnolias" with the Atomic Theater. She thanks you for your support of live theatre.

Kellie Egging - Nimue
Kellie Egging graduated with a B.A. in Voice from Western State College of Colorado in May of 2010. She currently lives in Ouray, CO, where she teaches private voice lessons, directs the Weehawken Children's Chorale, waitresses, and fends off bears and other wildlife with operatic song.

Dr. Christopher McKim - Lancelot du Lac
Dr. Christopher McKim is an Instructor of Voice at Colorado Mesa University. He has extensive performing experience in both classical music and Music Theatre genres. He has previously been the head of the voice area at the University of Puget Sound, and has been a member of the vocal faculty at Metropolitan State College in Denver. In Grand Junction he has performed with High Desert Opera in The Mikado, Man of LaMancha, and The Sorcerer. He also performs with the Western Colorado Chorale, and Creative Avenues Theatre Project

Lee Borden - Pellinore
Lee Borden majored in music theatre at Mesa College (now CMU) under the tutelage of William S. Robinson, in the early 1980s. Since then Lee has performed in hundreds of productions, both professional and amateur. Some of Lee's most memorable roles are Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, Norman in On Golden Pond, and Henry in A Lion in Winter. Lee works as a free-lance voice-over actor and is Events Manager at The Western Colorado Center for the Arts.

Featured Singers for The Barber of Seville

Kindra Scharich - Rosina (Dr. Bartolo's ward)
Kindra, equally at home on the operatic or concert stage, studied voice and piano at University of Michigan and Eastman School of Music, and completed her post-graduate degree at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Recent performances include Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Opera San Luis Obispo and LA Opera's Saturday mornings at the Opera series. A dedicated recitalist, Kindra currently coaches and collaborates with pianist John Parr at the San Francisco Opera.

Chester Pidduck - Count Almavida (a local nobleman)
Chester has sung opera, recitals, concerts, musical theatre, and oratorio throughout the country. He received his Master of Music in vocal performance from Indiana University in 2007, where he performed opera and was an active concert soloist, but he also studied in Florence, Italy, and Paris, France. Chester's multidimensional career includes lead singing roles and soloist performances with San Francisco groups in previous years.

Thom King - Doctor Bartolo (Rosina's guardian), Production Director
Thom has an impressive and varied list of roles to his credit, including Baron Scarpia in TOSCA for High Desert opera last summer. He has performed with such companies as the Chautauqua Opera, the Houston Grand Opera, The Florida Grand Opera and the Connecticut Opera. He has served at the Cantor of Beth El Congregation, the largest synagogue in Maryland, for the past 11 years. His directing credits include productions of BARBER OF SEVILLE and RIGOLETTO with the Connecticut Lyric Opera,

Jim Werner - Figaro (the barber of seville)
Before moving to Grand Junction 10 years ago, James had an extensive career as an actor on Broadway & singing lead tenor roles in opera across the U.S. and Europe, and a concert soloist appearing with many regional symphonies. James has acted and directed extensively in the Grand Valley. He conducts the Messiah Society, First United Methodist Church and the Grand Mesa Chorus of Sweet Adelines International. He's also the founder & artistic director of High Desert Opera.

Christopher Davis - Don Basilio (a music teacher)
Chris is a native Tennessean who holds a Bachelor in Music Education from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Memphis. He has performed with Opera Memphis, Natchez Opera Festival and Opera Iowa in addition to performing in Italy. Christopher sang the four villains in High Desert Opera’s production of Tales of Hoffman and the role of Falke in Die Fledermaus. Christopher lives in Dyersburg, Tennessee with his wife Katie, and their 2 children.

Tarasina Compagni - Berta (a servant to Dr. Bartolo)
is no stranger to the Avalon stage. She has been a principal performer with HDO since 2005. She made her opera debut as Nedda in HDO’s Pagliacci. She has also been a featured soloist with the Grand Junction Symphony and Western Colorado Chorale, with whom she has been a member for 7 years. She serves on both the HDO and GJ Symphony Board of Directors. Tarasina has been singing since the age of three and studied opera at Southern Utah University.

Phil Freitas - Ambrosius
Phil has been active in local theater for 50 years. His tombstone will read: "He played most every stage in town." It is a real pleasure for him to work with High Desert Opera in the productions to which he has contributed.

Gregory Robert Watts - Fiorello
Gregory, a baritone, has been in the music department at Southern Utah University. He has appeared as a soloist in concerts and recitals with several groups, including the Master Singers and the Orchestra of Southern Utah in their annual performance of the Messiah. He has also appeared with the Utah Opera and in several operas at Southern Utah. His favorite roles include Sarastro from "The Magic Flute" and is exhibition in “The Mikado.”

Robert Wallace - Officer
A member of High Desert Opera since July 2005, Rob has also performed with the Schumann Singers, the Messiah Choral Society, All State Honor Choir and Colorado Ambassadors of Music to Europe. Lead musical roles include Gilbert in Anne of Green Gables, Curly in Oklahoma, and Pish Tush in The Mikado. Robert currently attends Colorado Mesa University as a recipient of a music scholarship.

Featured Singers for The Sound of Music

Sierra Rode - Maria Rainer
is a freshman at Mesa State, majoring in Psychology. She's been taking voice lessons from Jim Werner for five years and performing with HDO for four. She's played Pitti-Sing in HDO's summer productions of The Mikado and Antonia in Man of La Mancha. She played Aline in The Sorcerer, Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, and Aunt Eller in Oklahoma. Her long-term goal is to perform on Broadway.

Leah Lyon - Sister Berthe
has participated in every High Desert Opera performance. She is active in many of the areas of the show productions. She played Maria, the Govener's Wife in HDO's Man of La Mancha. It is a great pleasure to perform with such a talented and committed cast. Thank you to Jeffery and my family for all you do to support me!

Elizabeth Bartoszek - Sister Maragaretta
Performed as lead or second lead in productions of Can- Can, Damn Yankees, Pajama Game, Guys and Dolls, Mame, etc., at various locations in Arizona before relocating here in Grand Junction. Enjoyed having the opportunity to be lead soloist with the Sun City Vistoso community chorus and a vocalist with a Scottish performing group called the Seven Pipers in Tucson, AZ.

Dazie Kirtland - The Mother Abbess
is a graduate of Mesa State College, majoring in Vocal Performance. She has held many lead and supporting roles at MSC, the Cabaret Dinner Theatre, and HDO. She also teaches private voice, tap dancing, and music theater at the Grand Junction Academy of Dance. Dazie directs the choir at Fruita Middle School and teaches music at Shelledy Elementary School. In addition to these many activities, her main passion is her husband and three children.

Lisa Jacobson - Sister Sophia
presents classical art song with guitar, piano or orchestra. She enjoys singing oratorio works with choir and orchestra. Her stage experience includes roles in opera and musical theater. She maintains a private studio, teaching voice and flute. She serves as Worship Leader and Music Director at Monument Presbyterian Church. Lisa has a Master of Vocal Performance from Oklahoma City University and a Bachelor of Music Education in voice and flute from Oklahoma State University.

Paulette Bourget - Sister Laurette
is thankful for this opportunity to work with such a great cast under the talented "Captain" Jim and wonderful Leah. She has loved singing for over 40 years and has taken voice lessons many of those years. She feels so blessed to be in a musical that encourages music and singing, and to be in it with her daughter is so much fun, too. And thanks to my husband Mike for making it possible!

James Werner - Captain Georg von Trapp
before moving to Grand Junction 10 years ago, James had an extensive career as an actor on Broadway, singing lead tenor roles in opera in the U.S. and Europe and a concert soloist appearing with many regional symphonies. James has acted and directed extensively in the Grand Valley. He conducts the Messiah Society, and First United Methodist Church. He's the founder & artistic director of High Desert Opera.

Tyson V. Repke - Franz
has performed in the HDO's past 3 productions, most recently as Nanki-Poo in The Mikado. In real life, he is the Director of Vocal Music at Fruita Monument High School and also serves as Musical Director of the Schumann Singers.

Gladys Dial - Frau Schmidt
This is her first time to be in a HDO production. She is very excited. She's been performing for about 6 years in the valley. Some of the shows were: My Fair Lady, Seven Brides and Seven Brothers, Beauty and the Beast, Wizard of Oz. The last show was, Unsinkable Molly Brown, with The Lost Theater Troupe. I want to give my love to my family and Rocky the love of my life for 37 years.

Carissa Christensen - Liesl von Trapp
is 15 years old, a freshman at Central High School. The role of Liesl is one that she's wanted to play since about age four. She's performed as Belle, in Beauty and the Beast Jr., and many other ballet's. Recent with the Moscow Ballet's production of The Nutcracker. HUGE thanks Stan Scott, Tara Gatseos, Krystal Young, Dazie Kirtland and my amazing dance teacher, Heidi Heath-Fay. My friends and family have been such a support to me and I'd like to dedicate this performance to them.

Michael Robinson - Friedrich von Trapp
9th grader at Fruita 8/9. He been in musical theater since he was 11 and this is his 12th show. It is by far the biggest! He enjoys sports, music (rock & alternative rock), and does well in school. "I'd like to thank my parents and grandmother for transporting me to rehearsals, and being supportive of all of my passions. Thank you to all my friends for caring about me and being with me through all the rough times in my life.

Shannon Reeve - Liesl / Louisa von Trapp
has performed in Rent, High School Musical, Fame and more. She has also worked with Showtime Productions, GJ Parks and Rec, Paramount Playhouse and the Cabaret. Her hobbies include: dancing, singing, playing guitar, painting and skiing. "It is a thrill to be part of one of High Desert Opera's productions!

Jaime Bourget - Louisa von Trapp
"Thanks to my wonderful Mom, I've been performing since the age of seven.� Jaime has performed in 7 different musicals including The Sound of Music as Gretel, Narnia as Lucy, & The Wizard of Oz as the lion. Plus many shows that her sister Aimee directed. Dancing has been a big part of her life. She's has been taking ballet for 7 years. "I'd like to thank my parents Mike & Paulette Bourget, Tara Gatseos, & Mrs. Diane Revie for all their help & support.�

Davis Devereux - Kurt von Trapp
is excited to perform with High Desert Opera. He is a Grand Junction native. He loves singing and was selected to be part of the Southwestern American Choral Directors Association Childrens Honor Choir last year. He's been a member of Grand Valley Children's Choir for three years. His theater experience includes the Sultan in Alladin and the King in Cinderella. He plays piano, trombone, and rings handbells with his church group. The Sound of Music is now his favorite musical.

Clarissa Berry - Brigitta von Trapp
She is in the 6th grade at Caprock Academy. She loves to act and is also on the Dolphins Swim Team. She has been Prince Cheng Hi in the Pretty Pink Dragon, Mozart in Of Mice and Mozart, and Tweedle Dum in Alice In Wonderland. Clarissa loves The Sound of Music particularly because of the beautiful music!

Amber Lively - Marta von Trapp
is 8 years old and attends Wingate Elementary. Her passion from the age of 3, has been dance. She has performed in the Nutcracker with Absoute Dance, Mesa State College, and the State Street Ballet. This is her first time in a musical. She enjoys learning, reading, drawing, and spending time with friends.

Kodi Kirtland - Brigitta von Trapp
is a member of the Grand Junction Academy of Dance Junior Company. She began dancing at the age of three, and has performed in the Moscow Russian Nutcracker Ballet for the past two years. She has competed with NUVO in Denver and Salt Lake City. Kodi found her voice singing in the Appleton Acoustic Angel Choir at school. Performing on stage, dancing, singing and acting is her passion. Outside of the hard work perfecting her performing chops, Kodi loves to read.

Chloe Noga - Gretl von Trapp
is a student at Wingate Elementary School in Grand Junction, CO. She enjoys dancing, singing, and acting. She also enjoys writing music. She loves dolphins, dogs, and horses. Performances include Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, and several dance recitals and showcases.

Liliana Flanigan - Gretl von Trapp
began dance training at the age of 2. She is studying at the Academy of Dance and is a member of their Mini Company. A highly gifted child, she enjoys science, math, music, chess, learning other languages and participating in outdoor activities. She takes piano lessons with her mother, Dr. Gisela Flanigan. She is a high achiever and loves to perform. She's performed with the Moscow Ballet in The Nutcracker, with the Grand Junction Symphony in The Nutcracker and Peter and the Wolf.

Bryan Carlson - Rolf Gruber
has been in theatre for 15 years; performing at the Cabaret, the Metro, Central high school, Showtime productions, the Lost Theatre Troupe, and Mesa State College. Bryan enjoys hiking with his best girl and his husky chow Midnite, sword fighting and reading. He plans to attend Mesa State as a history major. Thank you to Jim Werner and the cast of Sound Of Music for they're support and faith, and a special shout to Mom, Dad, Kellie, Ben Bailey and especially Lyzz for they're undying love!

Katie Johnson - Elsa Schrader
graduated with her B.A. in Vocal Performance from Mesa State College and frequently performs regionally as a guest artist and soloist with the Western Colorado Choral, High Desert Opera and the Messiah Choral Society. She recently was selected to sing for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition held in Denver. Her memorable roles include Maria in The Sound of Music, Marsinah in Kismet, the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors and Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus.

Jeffrey Stroud - Max Detweiler
is thrilled to be playing Max in tonights production. Another role he can take off his bucket list! You may remember Jeffrey from Tosca, and from many other roles with Greenshoe Theatre Co. and MSC. Enjoy the show!

Joe Graham- Baron elberfeld
is a retired elderly person who loves to act, sing and enjoys people. If you are a fish, then it might interest you to know I have a doctorate in the ecology of fishes. If you are not a fish----Oh Well.

Rocky Dial - Admiral von Schreiber
loves to be in shows. His first role with High Desert Opera was the Captain of the Men of the Inquisition and a Moor in Man of La Mancha. He is thankful for the opportunity to be on stage again and this time with his wife. As always a big thank you to my loving and supportive wife.

Seth Armour - Herr Zeller
acted at the Cabaret for 8 years. This is second time he's had the joy to work with Jim. Jim directed Seth in the Cabs first production of Fiddler on the Roof. He's performed with the Lost Theater Troupe's production of Cannibal the Musical and recently Annie with Creative avenues. When he's not on the boards he's the assistant manager the Egg & I restaurant. "I just want to thank everyone at High Desert Opera for the opportunity to do this show.

Heidi Heath-Fay - Choreographer/Stage Manager
a long-time resident of the Grand Valley and has had thirty-five years of dance training. While growing up in Grand Junction, she performed numerous jazz, modern, ballet, and tap leads and solos with Mesa State College Repertory Dance Company. She has taught dance professionally for twenty-four years all over the US, working with every level of dancer, from age 2 to adult. Locally, Heidi has worked with numerous organizations including High Desert Opera, and Moscow Ballet, and has been the Director of Grand Junction Academy of Dance since 1997.

Featured Singers for The Sorcerer

Sierra Rode - Aline Sangazure
Debuting as a principal with High Desert Opera last New Years' Eve, Sierra graduated last May from Central High School where she was very active in both music and theater - appearing in The Mikado, Pride and Prejudice and Oklahoma! She is "incredibly excited to be in The Sorcerer, and would like to thank her family for supporting her in everything she does and her voice teacher, James Werner, for giving her this fantastic opportunity". This fall she plans to attend Mesa State.

Tyson Repke - Alexis Pointdextre
Tyson is a US Navy veteran who served six years as a submarine Nuclear Reactor Operator before deciding to return to music. He received a Bachelor of Music Education from UNC in Greeley where he performed often in their operatic productions. He's also appeared in numerous musicals along the Front Range. Currently, he is the Director of Choral Music and Drama Productions at Fruita Monument High School.

Thom King - John Wellington Wells, Production Director
Thom has an impressive and varied list of roles to his credit, including Baron Scarpia in TOSCA for High Desert opera last summer. He has performed with such companies as the Chautauqua Opera, the Houston Grand Opera, The Florida Grand Opera and the Connecticut Opera. He has served at the Cantor of Beth El Congregation, the largest synagogue in Maryland, for the past 11 years. His directing credits include productions of BARBER OF SEVILLE and RIGOLETTO with the Connecticut Lyric Opera,

James Werner - Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre
Before moving to Grand Junction 10 years ago, James had an extensive career as an actor on Broadway & singing lead tenor roles in opera across the U.S. and Europe, and a concert soloist appearing with many regional symphonies. James has acted and directed extensively in the Grand Valley. He conducts the Messiah Society, First United Methodist Church and the Grand Mesa Chorus of Sweet Adelines International. He's also the founder & artistic director of High Desert Opera.

Shazy King - Lady Sangazure
Shazy King has appeared with such companies as the Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera Carolina, Connecticut Opera, Greater Miami Opera, and with the Mississippi Opera as Amneris in Aida. Mrs. King has appeared in three Gilbert & Sullivan productions with Baltimore's Young Victorian Theatre Company, as Katisha in The Mikado, as Little Buttercup in HMS Pinafore, and as Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance.

Debra McVicker - Mrs. Partlet
Debra marks her debut with High Desert Opera as Mrs. Partlett. She recently performed Marcellina in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro with Mission City Opera in Santa Clara, California, and Julia Child in Hoiby's Bon Appetit for WCTE-TV. She has been a featured soloist with the Denver Pops Orchestra, Musica Sacra, the Confluence String Quartet, the Greeley Chamber Orchestra, Opera Colorado, Central City Opera, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, Loveland Opera Theatre and the Empire Lyric Players.

Jayme Mazon - Constance Partlet
Jayme is currently student at Mesa State College seeking a degree in Vocal Performance. Previous stage experience includes, performing The First Lady in Mozart's The Magic Flute at MSC in 2009, several choral performances with the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra and a Choral performance on the stage of Carnegie Hall in January 2008. I will be returning in January for a second performance on the Carnegie Hall stage.

Dr. Christopher McKim - Dr. Daly
has recently moved to Grand Junction from Tacoma, Washington. He has enjoyed numerous leading role performances of both Classical and Musical Theatre repertoire. Chris has also been an active director, producing shows such as the Mikado, Die Fledermaus, and Threepenny Opera. Chris, his wife Heather, and son Cailan enjoy living here in Grand Junction, as well as their positions teaching at Mesa State.

Joe Graham - The Notary
Retiring from marine biology, Joe and his wife moved from coastal Maine to the Western Slope. After beginning voice lessons with James Werner, Joe's love of singing found himself in the realm of in many of the productions of the High Desert Opera. Because of his advanced age he appreciates the kindness and consideration shown to him by other members of the casts. Joe is also the founder of a Celtic Singers, who entertain those in need about the valley.

Guest Singers for Tosca

Josh Shaw - Tenor
Josh Shaw is happy to be singing Cavaradossi for High Desert Opera. The young tenor has performed all over the western United States stretching from southern California to Fairbanks, Alaska. Mr. Shaw's recent credits include Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Rodolfo in La Boheme, Alfredo in La Traviata. Mr. Shaw has a Master's of Music degree in Opera and Music Theatre Performance from Southern Illinois University and is also a Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions District Winner.

Maria Cicciaglione
Maria Ciccaglione, lirico spinto, has sung Opera and Oratorio in Canada, USA and in Europe. After winning First Prize in the Concurso Internacional de Canto de Bilbao in Spain, she made her European operatic debut with the Teatro Arriaga in Bilbao. She has been a Finalist in many international competitions, including the Luciano Pavarotti International Competition. She earned her Licentiate Diploma in Music/Performance at McGill University, as well as a B.A. in Drama & Theatre.

Thom King - Baritone
Thom King has an impressive and varied list of roles to his credit, including Baron Scarpia in TOSCA, Escamillo in CARMEN, Enrico in LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, and Carlo Gerard in ANDREA CHENIER. He has performed with such companies as the Chautauqua Opera, the Houston Grand Opera, The Florida Grand Opera and the Connecticut Opera.

High Desert Opera Featured Singers and Guest Artists

James Werner - Tenor
Before moving to Grand Junction 10 years ago, James had an extensive career as an actor performing on Broadway & a operatic singer in lead tenor roles across the U.S. and Europe, and a concert soloist appearing with many regional symphonies. James has acted and directed musicals and operas extensively in the Grand Valley. He is the conductor for the Messiah performance, The Schumann Singers and the Grand Mesa Chorus

Jeff Ayres - Baritone
With a Masters degree from the University of Denver in 2007. Jeff performed eight leading roles during his undergraduate and graduate years there, including, Papageno in ""Ihe Magic: Flute" and the Count in "The Marriage of Figaro." He performed the leading role of Silvio for High Desert Opera in 2006, and also has sung leading roles for the Maud-Powell Festival in Illinois.

Jeremy Franklin - Baritone
Holds a BA in Vocal Performance from Ouachita Baptist University. He is currently a adjunct instructor at Mesa State. You may remember him as Tonio from HDO's Pagliacci. Jeremy has been a frequent performer at the Cabaret. Some of his other favorite roles are Horton in Seussical the Musical, Pikering in My Fair Lady and Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast.

Terri Metcalf-Peterson - Soprano
A recitalisl and frequent soloist with local opera companies, symphonies, and choral groups on the Eastern Slope. Recent roles with the Colorado Opera Troupe include "Musetta" in La Boherne, and "Nella" in Gianni Schicci. In 2005, she was selected for the Spoleto Vocal Arts Symposium in Italy where she performed and mentored with such greats as Knza Ferrari, Maria Callas' teacher. Terri resides in Westminster, Colorado.

Tarasina Compagni - Soprano
Tarasina is no stranger to the High Desert Opera stage. She has been a principal performer for 4 years and now serves as High Desert Opera's Board President.

Megan Beauregard
Megan sings with the Schumann Singers and was a featured soprano soloist for the Messiah Society's performance. She has sung in many High Desert Opera's New Years Eve Galas.

Phaelen French
Phaelen is the daughter of Beth and Don French. A senior at Delta High School, She has taken private voice lessons since age 8. "I appreciate the outlet to grow in my performing experience, and the friends that I have made by participating High Desert Opera."

Riana Kettle
Singing in the cathedral of Siena Italy's Duomo, a decade after she had embarked upon formal operatic training, Riana is inspired by the spirit of musicians from the past who had performed in that very spot. A lyric sopranist, she hopes to impart to the audience the same sense of connection to the past that the language of music elicits.

Harmony Ludlam
Graduating from Mesa State with a BS in Biology. Harmony has been singing since she was twelve. She currently sings with the Schumann Singers and has been part of High Desert Opera since it's beginings.

Brandon Motz
Happy to return and perfrom for his hometown audience. He is currently finishing his senior year at Otter-bein College in Westerville, Ohio where he's had many performance opportunities including singing a mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris with the Concert Choir.

The Elias Duo
Formed by Carlos Klias, Concertmaster of the Grand Junction Symphony and his wife, concert pianist Andrea Arese-Elias in 1994. The Elias Duo has performed throughout the United States as well as in countries such as Argentina, Japan, Italy and HI Salvador. Their New York debut at Carnegie Hall in 2002 was received with great acclaim. The duo released a new CD of Argentinean Tangos. Their new album, Let's Tango features tangos by Carlos Gardel, Astor Piazzolla, Angel Villoldo and more.