Venus & Adonis... and the Rest of Us

Elizabeth Fast, soprano (she/her), is pursuing a BMus in Voice Performance at the University of Calgary under Dr. Laura Hynes. Raised by singers, she has been surrounded by music all her life and receives praise for her stylish interpretations of Renaissance and Baroque repertoire. She has been featured as a soloist on the Early Music Voices Concert Series and the Mount Royal University Conservatory and has performed with Juno Award winning orchestra Rosa Barocca as well as the Calgary Youth Orchestra. Elizabeth has performed in two student-composed operas at UCalgary: Echo by Maria Bustos and Willoughby by Mickail Hendi. She has attended Cowtown Opera Summer Academy, Opera NUOVA, Halifax Summer Opera Festival, and Orfeo Vocal Arts Academy, and is looking forward to performing in L’elisir d’amore with the Calgary Opera Chorus, as well as singing the soprano solo in Fauré’s Requiem with the Festival Chorus of Calgary.

Nathan Severson-Baker is a Baritone, studying with Laura Hynes in the  first year of a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Calgary. In addition to Collegium Musicum, he is a member of the UCalgary Chamber Choir, and Voice Lab ensembles. Off-campus Nathan is in his second season with both the Calgary Renaissance Singers and Players under the direction of Paul Grindlay, and Spiritus Chamber Choir, under the direction of Andrea Ciona. Nathan has performed as Massetto with Cowtown Opera in their 2019 production of Who Killed Don Giovanni, and as the Page in Ambrose University Arts 2018 production of Amahl and the Night Visitors. Nathan also has an extensive theatre background, including recent performances at the 2023 Calgary Fringe Festival in the Calgary Theatre Critics Award-winning production of Ophelia Rising as Laertes. In his spare time Nathan helps run the UCalgary Improv club as V.P. Internal, workshop instructor and frequent performer. 

Brenden Lengsfeld (he/him) is a countertenor from Calgary, Alberta, with a passion for exploring repertoire that breaks expectations of gender and vocal fach. He is currently completing the final year of a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance at the University of Calgary. In July 2023, Brenden received a Calgary Arts Development grant to attend the
Orfeo Vocal Arts Academy in Dresden, Germany, a three-week voice training program and concert series. In 2023, Brenden won the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Southern Alberta Songfest and the Calgary Performing Arts Festival. He later earned a silver medal at the Alberta Provincial Music Festival and was a finalist at the Vancouver International Music Competition. As an emerging professional, Brenden has appeared as a soloist with Early Music Voices and performs in the Calgary Opera chorus. Outside his career as a singer, Brenden is an avid gymnast.

Rucell Voloso, coloratura soprano, is an avid and aspiring performer in her fifth year of her Bachelor’s of Music in Voice Performance under Dr. Laura Hynes. Before she began her studies, Rucell was an active voice performer from the time she could talk. She fell in love with singing even more, as a result of winning numerous singing competitions in the Philippines. She then continued to pursue music when she moved to Canada. Rucell has appeared as a member in Choirs and Musical Theatre productions during her junior and high school years. These include Seussical, Grease, Into the Woods, and Footloose. In the fall of 2018, she began classical voice lessons with Winston Noreen and attended NATS Southern Alberta Songfest. Her first appearance with Early Music Voices was in a concert celebrating Heinrich Schütz’s music in the fall of 2022. She is currently working on UCalgary Collegium Musicum’s production Venus & Adonis… and the rest of Us as Iris, a shepherdess. After completing her undergraduate studies, Rucell plans to pursue a master’s degree in opera and voice performance.

Passionate for singing her whole life, soprano Ruth Yang began her formal studies at the University of Calgary in 2021, studying with Dr. Laura Hynes. She is a member of the Universities Collegium Musicum ensemble, chamber choir and Voice Lab, directed by Julie Harris, Katheryn Parotta, and Dr. Laura Hynes respectively, and the Choral Scholar with the Calgary Renaissance Singers and Players, directed by Paul Grindly. She will be playing the role of Dorinda, a shepherdess, in Venus and Adonis… & The Rest of Us, based on John Blow’s Venus and Adonis with the University's Collegium Musicum ensemble. She has also been the recipient of awards including the Norman J. Kennedy Memorial Scholarship, and the President's Admission Scholarship. Ruth not only enjoys reading music, but
is also an avid reader of anything she can get her hands on, especially during the summer months.

Chelsea Woodard is a multidisciplinary artist based in Calgary. Previously, she studied theatre at George Brown Theatre School in Toronto where she honed her language, acting, and storytelling skills. After graduating, Chelsea took on the challenge of producing theatre and made directorial debut with Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. The pursuit of environmental education and theatre is what brough her back to Western Canada. Chelsea is now pursuing a Bachelor of Music Degree in vocal performance at the University of Calgary, where she aims to marry musicianship with her love of storytelling. When not as school, she sings with the Calgary Philharmonic chorus as the soprano section principal. When not acting or singing, she is found in the mountains engaging with nature and sharing with others her love of the wilderness. Chelsea’s love for storytelling means that she is eager to learn, listen, and share in collective discovery and creation with others.

Juan Tonita-Charriez (He/Him) is a first year vocal performance student in the Bachelor of Music
program at the University of Calgary, from Regina Saskatchewan. Prior to beginning his school
here, he took part in various musical theatre projects, most notably taking on the roles of
Captain Hook in DIWC’s Peter Pan, Touchstone in DIWC’s As You Like It, and Milky White the
Cow in DIWC’s Into the Woods. Venus and Adonis will mark his debut on stage in a classical
work. Juan was very involved in the music community in Regina taking part in community
concerts and competing in local and provincial music festivals. After several close encounters
with the possibility of studying something drastically different, he is excited to finally be working
on music with such talented people.

Kyla Lomocso (she/her) is a third-year University of Calgary student enrolled in the Integrated stream of the Bachelor of Music program. She is studying classical voice with Dr. Laura Hynes and jazz voice with Johanna Sillanpaa. She presently participates in the Collegium Ensemble, Chamber Choir, and Jazz Combos at the University of Calgary. Over the years, her musical development included taking part in various church choirs, playing the piano, and was often surrounded by amateur musicians. Her frequent exposure to a diverse array of musical genres has resulted in an ardent desire to explore and perform as many different musical genres as she can. Other than singing she has a deep interest in composing for films and video games. In addition to music, she enjoys learning various languages, sewing, crocheting and making gifts for friends and family.

Lauryn Anderson (she/her) is in her final semester at the University of Calgary, majoring in Computer Science and Linguistics. She previously sang in the UCalgary Chamber Choir for 3 years and the 2023 Alberta Youth Choir. While at UCalgary, she was President of the Women in Computer Science club and published research in Human-Computer Interaction. Lauryn loves to discover new things, whether listening to music, cooking dinner, writing code, or travelling.

Born in Calgary, AB, Sonja Sward (she/her) is a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in French Horn Performance at the University of Calgary. Raised by a musical family, she was encouraged to explore any and all musical endeavors which led to her studying piano, violin, trumpet, voice, and of course, french horn! Currently studying with Laurie Matiation, Sonja has developed her solo performance skills through the Mount Royal Academy for Young Artists, and her ensemble skills through the University of Calgary and the Calgary Youth Orchestra. When she is not studying music at school, Sonja enjoys spending time with her horse and going to competitions across Western Canada. In future, she aims to pursue a career in orchestral and solo performance on French Horn to continue sharing her love of music and inspire girls to join the brass section.

Tomisin Adeleye (he/him) is a passionate 5th-year business analytics major based in Calgary, Alberta. With a keen interest in the intersection of art and data. His previous stage experience includes performances in Voice Lab (2022-2023). Outside of academics, Tomisin is a dedicated musician and songwriter, finding inspiration in the art of musical storytelling. He enjoys composing music, learning instruments, and exploring the creative process. Tomisin values the power of collaboration and is thrilled to be a part of this production.

Daniel Sanguinetti, originally from Venezuela, is an active member in music, theatre, and film here in Calgary! In just under two years, his musical theatre journey has spanned Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia!, Grease, Kinky Boots, and Carrie. Daniel is excited to be performing in his very first opera production. He is currently a third-year BMus in Jazz Guitar Performance and Drama Minor at the University of Calgary. Outside of his classes, you can find him at CJSW 90.9 FM, making videos with NUTV, or writing for the Gauntlet. In his free time, Daniel enjoys cooking, Latin American and Caribbean culture, and making content on TikTok and YouTube.

Gino Velasco (he/him) is a first year BA Music student in University of Calgary. He previously played bass for a variety of bands and gigs from rock concerts to musical theatre productions. After recovering, he rekindled his love for learning and began pursuing his music aspirations. Outside of music he is an avid follower of stand up comedy.

Isaac Stenhouse (he/him) is hornist working as a free-lance performer and clinician while pursuing his Bachelor of music at the University of Calgary. The music staff of Central Memorial high school awarded Isaac with the Robert Eklund award for his excellence in music. Isaac studied digital audio design at SAIT in 2018 and received a certificate in digital audio engineering. In 2019, Isaac performed the premier of Johan de Meij’s 5th symphony with the University of Calgary Wind Ensemble. In 2023, he performed in the world premiere of Katrina Florez’s UNESCO with the Kensington Symphonia. Isaac is currently finishing his Bachelor of Music degree in Calgary under the teaching of Laurie Matiation.

Marley Turner is a Horn player in his fourth year of a Bachelor of Music (integrated) at the University of Calgary. While avoiding practicing etudes, Marley likes to study antiquated instruments such as the recorder and cornetto, and if he gets to wear 16th century clothing while doing so, he is very happy.

Dakota Perez (he/him) is currently studying with Dr. Jani Parsons in his fourth year of a BMus in piano performance at the University of Calgary. He obtained an ARCT in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music at the age of 16. In 2021, he made his solo debut with the first movement of Rachmaninoff’s first piano concerto with the Calgary Civic
Symphony. Dakota has enjoyed participating in festivals and competitions at the local and national level, most recently in the final round of the Vancouver International Music Competition in October 2023. In addition to studying piano, he loves theory, music history, composition, and enjoys teaching it all. One of the most rewarding parts of his work is collaborating with various instrumentalists, vocalists, and ensembles.

Luke Hasslbeck (he/him) is an organ student currently undertaking his BMUS degree in organ performance at the University of Calgary, where he’s been studying under Chellan Hoffman, the music director and organist at Knox United Church. Since 2021, Luke has been working as organist for St. John the Evangelist. Previous to his time at St. John’s, he spent time volunteering as an organist for the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy at St. Bernard’s parish and St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Sebastian Reinberg-Abernethy is in his fourth and final year of a BMus in Organ Performance with a minor in Computer Science at the University of Calgary. In addition to his university studies, Sebastian is currently employed as an organist at St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Anthony’s Church, Sacred Heart Church, and Historic Trinity Lutheran Church. Outside of music, some of Sebastian’s hobbies include hiking, biking, snowboarding, squash, and a plethora of other sports. He also enjoys playing chess and reading novels.

Gaby Nunez (she/her) is currently completing her third year of a BSc Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. She studies violin with Professor Edmond Agopian and plays in the UCalgary Orchestra. Growing up, she studied in the Amici Program and the MRU Conservatory’s Academy and Junior Orchestra programs, and won awards in the Calgary Performing Arts Festival. After joining the Calgary Youth Orchestra, she had the chance to tour Austria, Poland and Hungary in Summer 2018, and played as an electric violin soloist and rotating concertmaster for the 2019/20 season. Gaby enjoys being involved in performance outreach in the community and collaborating in projects such as Venus and Adonis!

Alissa Kazakoff (she/her) is a UCalgary MSc student in Kinesiology and violinist based in Calgary/Moh’kins’tsis. She is an established member of the Calgary music community and has played in several ensembles, including the UCalgary Orchestra for the last 10 years, the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra, and Stringendo. She is a versatile musician and has supported diverse acts and international artists such as Michael Buble and 2Cellos. 

Megan Mazil (she/her) graduated from the University of Calgary (UofC) in 2019 with a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance under the direction of Dr. Dean O’Brien. She has been studying music since the age of five, starting on violin and later finding her passion for viola. Megan has been an active participant in orchestral programs ranging from the Calgary Youth Orchestra, to being principal violist of the UofC Orchestra, to her current guest position with the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra. Megan has performed with musicians across many genres including astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield in the Northern Lights Series, Michael Bublé as part of his 2019 & 2022 tours, and most recently recording “Prelude and Jig” with the local composer Daniel Pelton.

Daniel Galvao (he/him) is a cellist from Florianópolis, Brazil. He holds a bachelor's degree in cello from the State University of Santa Catarina - UDESC, under the guidance of Professor Hans Twitchell (USA). He was a member of the Camerata Florianópolis orchestra for 17 years, taking part in public performances in Florianópolis and an international tour of various cities in Italy. He has played with the orchestra in operas such as Bizet's Carmen, Verdi's Rigoletto and La Traviata, and Rossini's The Barber of Seville, among others. He has also performed major orchestral works by Beethoven, Mozart, and J.S. Bach. In the popular genre, he has performed works by MPB, jazz, folk, and rock, arranged for orchestra. He has recorded CDs and DVDs, as well as soundtracks for institutional videos, commercials, and films. He has worked extensively at the Camerata Florianópolis school and in the Educando com Música project, as a cellist, teacher, and conductor.

Isaac Stenhouse (he/him) is hornist working as a free-lance performer and clinician while pursuing his Bachelor of music at the University of Calgary. The music staff of Central Memorial high school awarded Isaac with the Robert Eklund award for his excellence in music. Isaac studied digital
audio design at SAIT in 2018 and received a certificate in digital audio engineering. In 2019, Isaac performed the premier of Johan de Meij’s 5th symphony with the University of Calgary Wind Ensemble. In 2023, he performed in the world premiere of Katrina Florez’s UNESCO with the Kensington Symphonia. Isaac is currently finishing his Bachelor of Music degree in Calgary under the teaching of Laurie Matiation.

Marley Turner is a Horn player in his fourth year of a Bachelor of Music (integrated) at the University of Calgary. While avoiding practicing etudes, Marley likes to study antiquated instruments such as the recorder and cornetto, and if he gets to wear 16th century clothing while doing so, he is very happy.

Soprano Julie Harris (she/her) holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Calgary and an Artist Diploma from the University of Toronto. She also spent a year studying early music at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Julie has appeared with the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Toronto Consort, Opera Atelier, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Alberta Baroque (Edmonton) and La Cetra (Vancouver). Upon returning to Calgary in 1999, she founded the Early Music Voices Concert Series. Julie teaches voice at the University of Calgary and directs the Collegium Musicum.  She also teaches at Mount Royal University, maintains a private voice studio, and enjoys coaching various local community choirs and high schools.

Vanessa Porteous is a director of theatre, opera, and film; an educator; an arts leader; a writer; and a dramaturg based in Calgary. Previous opera credits include co-creator and director of The Yuletide Sessions: a seasonal concert film; Christmas at the Opera; Amahl and the Night Visitors (twice), The Enchanted Child, and La Divina/Le Portrait de Manon, all for Calgary Opera. She has taught in the School for Contemporary and Performing Arts at University of Calgary for the past six years. Another favourite teaching opportunity was creating and leading We Are the Music While the Music Lasts: An Acting Intensive for Opera Singers, for the McPhee Artists at Calgary Opera. In recent seasons, she has directed Richard III (The Shakespeare Company) and The Replacement by Clem Martini (SAL); the world premieres of Between Us by Meg Farhall and Michael Rolfe (Handsome Alice Theatre), Bronte: The World Without by Jordi Mand (Stratford Festival), and To the Light by Evelyne de la Chenelière translated by John Murrell (Alberta Theatre Projects); and The Humans at Theatre Calgary, for which she was nominated for a Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Direction. Vanessa recently completed her second dramatic translation at The Banff Playwrights Lab, is currently editing her second short film, Things I Know to be True, and is an MFA candidate in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia. In the spring, she directs the workshop reading of The Book of Joan by Grant Tilly as part of the Alchemy Festival at U of C and undertakes a research trip for her first novel, Hole in the Torso.

Narda McCarroll is an award-winning set, costume and lighting designer currently based here in Calgary. Favourite design credits include: The Extractionist, Cipher, The Drowning Girls, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Vertigo Theatre); To the Light, Red, Cockroach, The Circle, Mary’s Wedding (Alberta Theatre Projects); The Mikado (Calgary Opera); Vigilante (Catalyst Theatre/NAC/Grand/Persephone); Brontë: The World Without (Stratford Festival); Le Compte Ory (Edmonton Opera); Peter and the Starcatcher, A Few Good Men, Julius Caesar, Vimy  (Citadel Theatre); Rock of Ages (More Entertainment Toronto); Glory (WCT/ATP - National Tour); Grease (Western Canada Theatre); Cinderella (Rainbow Stage); The Wizard of Oz (WCT/Rainbow). Narda was the costume designer for Edmonton’s Shakespeare in the Park for 16 seasons. She also designed the costumes for the feature film, Cut Bank, starring John Malkovich and Liam Hemsworth. See images of her work at: https://narda.ca/

Kate Pallesen (she/her) has been actively stage managing and assistant stage managing operas, plays, and other live events across Alberta since graduating from the University of Lethbridge with a BFA in Technical/Design Theatre in 2017. She also recently expanded her craft into new roles, working as the Production Associate and Digital Marketing Specialist for Pochsy IV (Keep Frozen Productions). Kate has toured across Canada as the Stage Manager for bliss: the birthday party play (Verb Theatre), touring to Victoria’s Uno Fest and to Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. Some of her other stage management credits include: Béatrice et Bénédict, Macbeth, La Traviata, La Bohème, Christmas at the Opera (Calgary Opera), Ghost Opera (Old Trout Puppet Workshop/Calgary Opera), STRUCK (Ghost River Theatre), The Jungle Book (Alberta Theatre Projects), The Thin Man, The Drowning Girls (Vertigo Theatre), and she’ll be returning to Calgary Opera this season for Elixir of Love and Das Rheingold. Outside of the arts, Kate enjoys hiking in the mountains, baking, and spending time with her husband Derek and orange tabby Oscar.