2024 Young Artists
Germany
Alyce Tarver, Soprano
Memphis, TN.Â
Alyce Tarver, a soprano in Memphis, TN, is a doctoral student completing her dissertation at the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. Most recently she has performed in a concert featuring a living female composer, Meira Warshauer’s “A Time to Blossom” and Benjamin Britten’s “Canticle No. 2” at Saint John’s Episcopal Church’s Concert Series. Alyce maintains a full private studio of piano and voice students of all ages and styles. She holds a BM in voice and piano performance from Louisiana Tech University (2014) and MM in vocal pedagogy from the University of Memphis (2017).
Amanda Moran, Soprano
Cleveland, TN.
Amanda Moran, a Vocal Performance Major from Lee University, embodies a deep passion for music rooted in her upbringing in Nyack, NY, and Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Her journey began with singing hymns in church at the age of 5, leading to a lifelong love for singing.
Throughout her academic career, Amanda has embraced choral music, participating in honor choirs and all-state choir. Her introduction to classical music at the Aspen Music Festival in 2019 sparked a newfound interest in opera, shaping her artistic direction. A highlight of Amanda's journey was her recent portrayal of Papagena and Spirit 1 in Lee University Opera Theatre's production of Mozart's "The Magic Flute." and the roles of Blue Fairy & Olympia in “Pinocchio.”
Ana soto, Soprano
Nashville, TN.Â
Ana Cristina is from Puerto Rico and started singing from age 6 with the San Juan Children’s Choir until she graduated High School. Ana is about to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Vanderbilt University. She loves Operas and has so much fun performing in them and working with new people. Ana is so excited to be a part of the IPAI experience.
Anne everhart, soprano
Winston-Salem, NC.
Anne Everhart is a Soprano currently studying under the tutelage of Jodi Burns at the University North Carolina School of The Arts. In summer of 2023 she competed in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Student Auditions for the first time, and secured 3rd place nationals in her division. Her latest role was 'Lucy' from Kirke Mechem's "The Rivals" and she continues to gain experience in opera choruses.
Camille Curran, soprano
New Orleans, LA.
Cami Rose Curran, a 16 year old rising Junior and Highest Honors student in High School, has been performing since the age of 2. She has studied dance for 14 years and voice for 12. Her love of musical theater was sparked when she received the role of Sally Brown (You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown Jr.) in her very first musical at the age of four. Some of Cami Rose’s favorite recent roles have been Bert Healy (Annie), and Albert (Newsies Jr.). She loved being dance captain for her school’s production of Annie. She is very exited to be the lieutenant on her school’s dance team this upcoming school year and is even more ecstatic to be participating in the IPAI Germany MT program this summer.
%20(1).jpg)
Connor Galle, Tenor
New Orleans, LA.
Connor Galle is a student going into his sophomore year at Loyola University in New Orleans. He is a tenor currently studying for a degree in vocal performance. He is currently studying under Irini Kyriakidou. He is very excited to have been allowed to work with IPAI this Summer.
David Maize, Tenor
Iowa City, IA.
Hailing from Iowa City, Iowa, David Maize has been performing in operas for over ten years. Having spent those years in Winston-Salem, North Carolina David has performed in twenty three operas ranging from Mozart to Kevin Puts all while studying at the University of North Carolina School of the arts for his Bachelors and Masters degrees. A participant in IPAI 2023 Maize returns with the intention of extending into a career in German houses.
Deshawn Stevens, Bass-Baritone
Beech Island, SC.Â
Deshawn Stevens, Bass Baritone, is a recent graduate from The University of South Carolina-Columbia with a BA in vocal performance and a Minor in Business. Deshawn enjoyed growing up singing and performing in productions and concerts at a young age and has developed a certain passion for stage life. Born in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Aiken, South Carolina, Deshawn graduated from Silver Bluff High School with the realization that he wanted to have the performer's life in his future.
Mr. Stevens has been involved in many events including the Southern Exposure New Music Series, “At War with Ourselves”, composed by Michael Abels with poetry by Nikky Finney, where he had a featured solo. He has had featured roles in operas and musicals like Bizet's “CARMEN”, Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, and the Musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”. Mr. Stevens also had very special opportunities through USC Columbia to travel outside the country, travel with the USC bands as a narrator, singing for the President of USC Columbia, and being nominated to sing the National Anthem for USC’s commencement. In doing all of those amazing things, he’s gained an exceptional amount of experience as a singer and has met and made so many connections with people over the years. Recently Mr. Stevens had taken a year off from his educational journey in music to become an EMT in order to expands his horizons in life skills and to help as many people as he can, but now is ready to get back on the path of music, the stage life, and to obtain his master’s in vocal performance.
Elizabeth peters, Soprano
Kenner, LA.
Elizabeth Peters is a recent graduate of Loyola University New Orleans with a Bachelor of Music. Throughout her time at Loyola, she appeared in roles and/or ensembles in Mozart’s The Impressario and The Magic Flute, Puccini’s Suor Angelica, and Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges. She has worked in collaboration with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, appeared in the chorus for Andrea Bocelli’s New Orleans concert, and currently works as a soprano section leader at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kenner, LA. This will be her first summer program with IPAI.
gabriella hawk, soprano
New Orleans, MS.
Gabriella Hawk is a senior from Chillicothe, OH who is pursuing a BA in Musical Theatre at Loyola University New Orleans. Recent university credits include Prudence Stone in the premiere production of "God Help Them if We Wake Up" and Narrator in "Horse Girls." She is very excited for the opportunity to work with IPAI this summer!
Greg Smith, Tenor
Columbus, OH.
A native of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Greg Smith is an undergraduate tenor at Ohio State University pursuing a degree in vocal performance studying with Dr. C. Andrew Blosser. After a sudden shift from chemistry to vocal performance, Greg is elated to be pursuing a career in art and making his international debut with the IPAI opera program in Kiefersfelden this summer. At Ohio State, Greg is a member of the OSU Chorale. Most recently, Greg has appeared as Angelica Petifour, the witch in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel with the OSU Opera Theater.
Isabella Arnett, Mezzo
New Orleans, LA.Â
Isabella Arnett is ecstatic to be studying with IPAI this summer, she is currently enrolled at Loyola University of New Orleans for a BA in Theatre. Her recent credits include Mopsa in Head Over Heels, Olive Ovstrovsky in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing. Upcoming productions include ensemble in Jekyll and Hyde at JPAS in New Orleans, and her directorial debut with The Talk Back in New Orleans! Isabella dipped her toes in the film scene this last year and fell head over heels in love, she’s starred and been a makeup artist for multiple short films. Her dream is to continue working in theatre and film in whatever capacity she can!
Isabella wallace, soprano
Memphis, TN.Â
Isabella Wallace, soprano, is currently studying for her Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Memphis. She received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Georgia Southern University. Some of her most recent roles include Donna Anna (Don Giovanni), Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street), Mabel (The Pirates of Penzance), and the Blue Fairy (La Bella Dormente nel Bosco).
Jayne edwards, soprano
Ocean Springs, MS.
Jayne Edwards grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She has a love for music in all capacities which lead to her graduate with her Bachelor’s of Music in Piano Performance and Vocal Performance from Loyola University New Orleans, become a certified audio engineer at Tweed Recording Audio Production School, and serve as a teacher, performer, arranger, producer, and worship leader across the southeast. Jayne is thrilled to spend the summer singing in Germany!
Jordan Bevels, Baritone
Covington, LA.
Jordan Bevels is junior transfer student at Loyola University New Orleans. He currently earning his Bachelor of Science in Popular and Commercial Music. He has previously studied at Northwestern State University Of Louisiana. He is currently located in his hometown of Covington, Louisiana. This is his 2nd year in a row at IPAI. He is excited to be back.
Kameren Batty, Tenor
Hattiesburg, MS.Â
A recent graduate from William Carey University in Vocal Music Education, Kameren is an avid performer with love for musical theatre. His most notable credits include title roles in both Jekyll & Hyde and Pippin the Musical. This is Kameren’s first summer experience with IPAI and he is elated joining the company.
Karley Swallow, Mezzo-soprano
Salt Lake City, UT.
Karley Swallow, a mezzo-soprano, has been described by the Utah Chronicle as showing “consistent power and control” and having “robustness and emotion [in] her voice, which easily command[s] an entire audience.” She is a junior in the Vocal Performance program at the University of Utah, studying under Prof. James Bobick and Prof. Kirstin Chávez. Recently, Karley performed the role of The Queen of Hearts in the World Orchestral Premiere of Amy Scurria’s A.L.I.C.E. Karley’s previous roles also include La Zia Principessa (cover) in Suor Angelica, Zita in Gianni Schicchi, La Cercatrice in Suor Angelica, Buttercup in An Evening of Gilbert and Sullivan, and Mabel in Pirates of Penzance. Karley is a member of the University of Utah’s Chamber Choir and the Michie Undergraduate Quartet. She is the recipient of the University of Utah Flagship Scholarship and the Leroy Robertson Promising Student Scholarship.
Kathlyn Arcemont, Mezzo-soprano
Brandon, MS.
Kathlyn Arcemont is a recent Music Education graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi. At USM Arcemont was a member of Spirit of Southern and the Southern Chorale. Some past roles include: Martha Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, Madame de la Grande Bouche in Beauty and the Beast, Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act, Margo Crawford in Bright Star, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, and most recently Betty/Ensemble/Cynthia US in Beautifu: The Carole King Musical. Arcemont is about to start a new journey as the choir and pop a cappella director at Brandon Middle School and Brandon High School in Brandon, MS.
Katie Abraham, soprano
New Orleans, LA.
Â
Hello, my name is Katie! I am going to be a junior as an undergraduate at Loyola University New Orleans in the Fall studying Music Therapy. I am so excited for this opportunity to participate in IPAI’s 2024 Summer Musical Theatre Germany Program and can’t wait to meet everyone in July :)
Lauren Mathews, Mezzo-soprano
Memphis, TN.
Â
Lauren Mathews is a recent graduate of The University of Memphis, receiving her BFA in Musical Theatre. Her recent shows include “Into The Woods” (Witch), “Sense and Sensibility” (Margaret Dashwood) and “The Rocky Horror Show” (Magenta). instagram: @lauren.mathews_
Dr.Luciana Simões, Pianist
São Paulo, BR.Â
Dr. Luciana Simões, Brazilian, pianist, is currently living in São Paulo, Brazil, where she has been constantly participating in opera productions at Theatro São Pedro, playing for voice lessons at Sala São Paulo, and actively performing in different venues in Brazil as a collaborative artist. She is also part of the music department of St. Paul's School, a very renowned British school in São Paulo city. Luciana holds a DMA from The University of Southern Mississippi and a MM from the University of New Mexico. Her main tutors were Dr. Michael Bunchman, Pamela Pyle, and Dr. Maria José Carrasqueira.
Meghan Burroughs, Mezzo-soprano
Minneapolis, MN.
Meghan Burroughs is a mezzo-soprano based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has performed widely, specializing in operatic performance, oratorio, and art song. Meghan holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Memphis, as well as two degrees from Lawrence University; a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.
Mia Janosik, Mezzo-soprano
Stockton, CA.
Mia Janosik is a mezzo-soprano studying vocal performance at University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music. As an emerging talent in the field, Mia can be found on stage performing opera, musical theater, and contemporary student compositions. With an affinity for classical and contemporary works alike, Mia has discovered a curiosity for exploring musical genres and styles to expand upon the classical canon. She is an active member of the award winning Pacific Opera Theatre, having most recently been seen on stage as Ruggiero in Handel’s Alcina.
Michael megenney, Tenor
Stockton, CA.
Michael Megenney is a tenor who is currently studying at the University of the Pacific for a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. From playing Jack in “Into the Woods” to Oronte in Handel’s “Alcina”, Michael enjoys performing many different styles of music. With a love for choral music and ensemble work, Michael hopes to continue his musical growth through new music and collaboration.
Nathaniel Worrell, pianist
Ithaca, NY.Â
Nathaniel Worrell studies piano performance and music education at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. Originally from Scranton PA, Nathaniel is an avid collaborative pianist, who frequently works with collegiate vocalists and instrumentalists. Nathaniel studies piano with Dr. Vadim Serebryany. He looks forward to returning to IPAI Germany, after attending the program last summer.
Sage Madsen, Mezzo-soprano
Salt Lake City, UT.
Sage Madsen is a senior studying Vocal Performance at the University of Utah under Professor Julie Wright-Costa. She is a budding mezzo-soprano who is fluent in Swedish and loves all things Scandinavian. She enjoys spending time with her musical family, and the outdoors.
Shelbi sellers, soprano
Memphis, TN.Â
Shelbi Sellers is an actress, singer, dancer, and choreographer from Memphis, Tennessee. She holds a Bachelor and a Master of Music with a minor in theatre from the University of Memphis. Past credits include ‘Something Rotten!,’ ‘Great Comet’ (Playhouse on the Square), ‘Le nozze di Figaro,’ ‘Ruddigore’, ‘Oklahoma!’(University of Memphis), ‘Mamma Mia!’, ‘Masterclass’(Theatre Memphis), and more. She is currently the Director of Partnerships at Opera Memphis. *Micah 6:8*
skye tobias, soprano
Hattiesburg, MS.
Skye Tobias is working towards her Bachelors of Music Education at the University of Southern Mississippi. She grew up in a small town on the Gulf of Mexico where she initially discovered her love and passion for music. Her goal is to create safe spaces and give a platform to local musicians in the LGBTQ+ community. She loves to travel and perform with the Southern Chorale at USM and will take any opportunity she can to go on a life-changing trip. This is her second time traveling internationally.
Tatiana rivera, soprano
New Orleans, LA.
Tamia Dayanari Poret, soprano, is on a mission to champion the music of her Black and Latinx heritages through vocal performance, outreach, and mentorship. Tamia graduated from Dr. Phillips High School Magnet Program for Visual and Performing Arts in Orlando, FL, in 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Xavier University of Louisiana in the studio of Dr. Sakinah Davis, and received the Sister Elise Sisson Award for the highest standard of excellence in music performance. She is currently pursuing her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at Loyola under the guidance of Irini Kyriakidou-Hymel. Tamia appeared in Loyola's Fall 2023 opera scenes program in duets from Jules Massenet's Manon and Ned Rorem's Our Town. She also played the roles as une pastourelle and la chouette in Ravel's L'enfant et les sortilèges in 2024. She also gives private voice and piano lessons with Beyond the Studio LLC. Tamia is grateful and honored to be a part of IPAI 2024 summer program.
Tatiana rivera, soprano
Hattiesburg, MS.
Tatiana Rivera is currently working of her Bachelor’s of Music Education at The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg campus. She is originally from Puerto Rico but moved to Mississippi in 2015. This is Rivera’s first time traveling abroad. She is electric with excitement and honored to be a part of this year’s Opera program. She cannot wait to explore the new musical and cultural experiences at IPAI.
William Tepner, tenor
Salt Lake City, UT.
William Tepner, Tenor, is a senior at The University of Utah pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies. He studies voice under Dr. Seth Keeton. Born and raised in New York City, he has been exposed to and had a love of music and theatre throughout his life. Some of his past roles include Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi, U Opera), The Defendant (Trial By Jury, U Opera), Master Peter (Master Peter's Puppet Show), and Anthony Hope (Sweeney Todd, U Opera). William is very excited to be participating International Performing Arts Institute in Germany. William is incredibly honored to be a recipient of the Michie Undergraduate Vocal Quartet Scholarship as well as the Barnes Choral Scholarship. During his free time, William enjoys traveling and spending time with his dog, Moose.
Xiao Liu,Soprano
Columbus, OH.Â
Xiao Liu is currently a DMA student in Voice Performance at The Ohio State University. She has successfully performed The Dew Fairy in Hansel and Gretel and Clara in Signor Deluso in The OSU Opera Theatre. She returned to the Wexner Center for the Arts as a soloist for the Counterpoints Series concert in 2024. She also appeared as a soloist for the NOW Festival of Capital University, featuring the resident composer, Alla Zagaykevych.
Dr. Yuecheng LU,Pianist
Troy, AL.Â
Dr. Yuecheng Lu is currently a faculty member of Collaborative Piano at Troy
University, where she teaches Concert Chorale, Collegiate Singers, and Opera Workshop. As an active collaborative pianist, she frequently works with guest artists and participates in multiple festivals.
​
A sought-after guest artist and clinician, she has given performances and masterclasses in
China, France, and across the United States. Her love for collaborative musical settings and
advocacy of new music has led her to serve as a pianist with several active professional chamber music groups, including LuSidenstricker Duo, which she founded, The Rio Grande Valley Chamber Music Society, and serves as a pianist for the Texas State Solo-Ensemble Contest.
​
Yuecheng holds an extensive repertoire for both instrumental and vocal literature,
including a focus primarily on Asian composers, including Yuko Uebayashi, Sang Jin Kim, and
Jin Ta. She has been invited to perform at numerous workshops and festivals, including the Texas Flute Society, Atlanta Flute Club, La Melodieuse, South Flute Festival, and Mid South Flute. Her upcoming projects include a CD release in late 2024, recitals in various locations throughoutChina and the United States, feature as a guest artist in France, Germany, and the United States, and a new premiere written exclusively for LuSidenstricker Duo.
In 2023, Yuecheng gave the US premiere of Yuko Uebayashi Deuxieme Sonate, Jin Ta
The Girls from Alishan Mountains, and Blaz Pucihar Prima Sonata.
Yuecheng Lu holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano from the University
of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of South
Florida, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Xi’an Conservatory of Music.