Wayne Tigges: Figaro
Acclaimed by the Chicago Sun-Times for his “rich, dark tone and beautiful legato,” Wayne Tigges makes his Glyndebourne Festival debut in his first performances of Escamillo in Carmen, returns to the Lyric Opera of Chicago for Achilla in Giulio Cesare and Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia, and joins the North Carolina Symphony for Figaro and The Opera of North Carolina in Le nozze di Figaro in the 2007-08 season. In the past Mr. Tiggs has worked with companies such as San Diego Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Knox Chamber Orchestra.
Sari Gruber: Susanna
Hailed as "nothing short of sensational" by Opera magazine, soprano Sari Gruber's exciting and moving interpretations of a diverse operatic and concert repertoire have rapidly established her as one of today's most sought-after artists on the international stage. Ms. Gruber has worked with companies such as Boston Lyric Opera, Kentucky Opera, Opera Columbus, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Omaha Symphony, and the Julliard Opera Center.
Stephen Powell: Count Almaviva
Opera magazine has hailed him, writing “the big news was Stephen Powell's gorgeously-sung Onegin: rock solid, with creamy legato from top to bottom and dynamics smoothly tapered but never exaggerated,” while The Wall Street Journal lauded his “rich, lyric baritone, commanding presence, and thoughtful musicianship.” Mr.Powell has performed with companies such as Lyric Opera of Chicago, New York City Opera, Florentine Opera, Portland Opera, San Diego Opera, Berkshire Opera, and Florida Grand Opera.
Barbara Shirvis: Countess Almaviva
Barbara Shirvis has been acclaimed for her "gorgeous tone, technical security and a touching vulnerability" by the Boston Globe. As her reputation has grown, the soprano has been lauded as "magnificent" by the Los Angeles Times, "luminous" by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and an "authentic blonde beauty" by Opera News.
Mrs. Shirvis has peformed with companies such as Toledo Opera, Jacksonville Symphony, Kentucky Opera, New Jersey Opera Theatre, Opera Company of Rio de Janeiro, and New Mexico Symphony.
Barbara Shirvis began her career at New York City Opera where she sang for a decade in such roles as Pamina in Magic Flute, Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier and Yum-Yum in Mikado. She lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband, baritone Stephen Powell and their two children.
Krista River: Cherubino
Praised by The New York Times for possessing a “shimmering voice…with the virtuosity of a violinist and the expressivity of an actress” mezzo-soprano Krista River demonstrates these distinctive qualities in all of her performances, whether it is on the operatic stage, in an art-song recital or in front of a symphony orchestra. Ms. River’s has performed with companies such as the North Carolina Symphony, York Symphony, the Charlotte Symphony, Opera Aperta, Santa Fe Symphony, the Red House Opera, the Opera Southwest, and Intermezzo Opera.
Krista River began her musical career as a cellist, earning her music degree at St. Olaf College. She resides in Boston and is a regular soloist with Emmanuel Music’s renowned Bach Cantata Series led by music director Craig Smith.