Lucy Hyeon Kyung Choi is a Korean lyric soprano living in Vancouver. She has performed extensively on both sides of the Pacific Ocean since graduating from the Dan-Kook University with a Master of Music Degree. Lucy has subsequently graduated from the Vancouver Academy of Music with an Artist Diploma and continues to study with Ann Golden Fischer. In addition to singing numerous solo recitals, Hyeon Kyung was soloist in Oratorio performances of Handel's "Messiah" and Mozart's "Coronation Mass". Ms. Choi has also performed the roles of Despina in "Cosi fan tutte", Una Conversa in "Suor Angelica" and Suor Dolcina in yet another production of "Suor Angelica". Lucy Choi was soloist in 4 mainstage productions of Opera Appassionata during the 2005-2006 season! Email: hk1019@hanmail.net

Debra DaVaughn has been an active professional performer throughout the lower mainland for over ten years. Her radiant voice and dramatic performances in opera, musical theatre and operetta have been widely acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. During her career she has had the pleasure to perform with many arts organizations including the Vancouver Opera, Burnaby Lyric Opera, Royal City Music Theatre, The Handel Society of Music, Opera Appassionata, Gateway Theatre, the Fraser Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society, The Willan Choir and The West Coast Symphony whose Concerto-Aria Competition she won in 2005. Ms. DaVaughn’s training includes study at Centro Studi Italiano in Urbania, Italy and at Vancouver Community College. She has coached with staff from respected opera programs including the Canadian Opera Company, Metropolitan Opera, and the San Francisco Opera. In addition to her busy performing schedule she also operates a successful private voice studio in South Surrey. Website:www.debradavaughn.com Email: debra_davaughn@hotmail.com

Edette Gagné has built a reputation of excellence in musical performance through her work as a conductor and singer. Blending careful attention to performance practice and historical accuracy, with her deep passion for music, Ms. Gagné’s performances reflect the high standards she sets for both herself and her ensembles. Ms. Gagné has been actively involved with Calgary Opera and the University of Calgary, and is in great demand as a soloist, vocal coach and guest conductor. In January 2005, she was privileged to conduct the North American Debut of Pauline Viardot’s operetta "Le Dernier Sorcier". Ms. Gagné is presently the Resident Conductor for Opera Appassionata Vancouver. Contact: musician4hire@shaw.ca

Michelle Keobke [kepp'-key], currently majoring in opera at UBC, has most recently had great success at the Chan Center as Susanna in Mozart’s "Le nozze di Figaro". Her operatic repertoire has encompassed tragic roles such as Donna Anna and Tatyana, both of which she has performed in the Czech Republic, as well as fiery and spirited characters such as Zerlina and Susanna, Menotti’s Lucy and Telemann’s Vespetta. In the latter role Michelle debuted with the new Vancouver company Opera Appassionata. This summer Michelle looks forward to singing Zerlina in Toronto with the National Youth Orchestra. Contact at: www.michellekeobke.com

Frank Klassen is one of the most energetic personalities in the artistic community. As Artistic Director of Opera Appassionata he will be conducting a fully-staged Opera Ball with orchestra on April 12th and 13th. Other engagements this season include Shostakovitch and Tchaikovsky concerts with the WCS. Website:www.maestroklassen.com Contact:frank@maestroklassen.com

Stephanie Manchulenko already began to love opera as a teenager. After winning a month of singing lessons at a silent auction, she continued to study voice with Carleen Wiebe and Alison Nystrom. Stephanie has since given two solo recitals each year and been invited to appear as soloist at funerals, conferences and special events. In addition to singing in a church choir, Ms. Manchulenko has been part of a Worship Team. Her opera experience includes singing in the chorus in Massenet's "Cendrillon" and performing the role of La Zelatrice in "Suor Angelica". She has also performed the role of Abessa in an Opera Appassionata production of "Suor Angelica" and sung numerous concerts at Seniors' Homes and Hospitals throughout the Lower Mainland. Stephanie Manchulenko is a member of the volunteer Board of Directors of Opera Appassionata. stevie09@telus.net

Louisa O'Keane was born in Dublin, Ireland and grew up in Ontario. She studied at the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto and has been slowly making her way out to the West Coast. She made a three year stop in Alberta where she was a principal performer at the 'Oh Canada Eh?!' Dinner Show and performed in several other productions including 'Seussical the Musical' in which she won Outstanding Lead Actress in a musical in Calgary. She has just happily made Vancouver her home and was fortunate enough to have performed in two projects with Opera Appassionata, 'Suor Angelica' and 'Serenades at Simmons'. She is currently taking voice lessons with Bernard Turgeon. And you catch her this summer as new cast member of Hoarse Raven Theatres 'Tony and Tinas Wedding'. louisaokeane@hotmail.com

Christopher Simmons Described by Opera Canada magazine as “an exciting tenor with consummate acting abilities”, American lyric tenor Christopher Simmons has won over Canadian audiences with a refined voice and compelling stage presence. One of the most sought-after tenors in British Columbia, his recent engagements include Haydn’s Creation with the West Coast Symphony and singing arias from Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri for the outreach program of Vancouver Opera. His resume includes work with an array of excellent arts organizations including: the Vancouver Opera, Vancouver Symphony, Vancouver Bach Choir, Portland Opera, Portland Baroque Orchestra, the Trinity Consort, Portland Symphonic Choir, the Linfield Chamber Orchestra, the Abbotsford, West Coast, and Dawson Creek Symphonies, and the Vancouver Handel Society. Christopher will be performing in Opera Appassionata's upcoming production of The Opera Ball. Contact at: csimmonspdx@hotmail.com Website: www.christophersimmonstenor.com