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L'enfant et Les Sortilege (The Bewitched Child)

A one act opera fantasy in which a wicked child (L'Enfant) is disciplined for his bad behavior when the items in his room come to life to exact revenge.

Written by Maurice Ravel (presented in English)

Performed with the Nazareth University Chamber Orchestra led by Dr. Raul Munguia

 

Crystalina Baumer (she/her) is a sophomore double major in Music and Communication Sciences & Disorders with minors in Mathematics and the Honors Program. She is a passionate singer and cellist hoping to blur the lines between musical arts and STEM through science-based pedagogy. Following the opera in April, she is excited to present her research connecting opera singing techniques with mathematics and physiology at Nazareth's Creativity Activity and Research Showcase (CARS). Also, she is heavily involved in music education advocacy by serving as the historian of Nazareth's National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and American String Teachers Association (ASTA) chapters and as a Collegiate Co-Representative of Province 2 of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA). Though this is her first opera, she has been enthusiastic about classical voice for many years. She studies with Dr. Nicholas Kilkenny of Nazareth University and Mrs. Karen D'Angelo of Lockport, NY. Recently, she competed in CS Music's International Classical Voice Competition and placed first in the 2024 VOICE Box singing competition near her hometown in Niagara County, NY.

Pascale Tsering (any pronouns) a Junior Theatre Tech & Design major, is thrilled to be involved in the opera again this year! Last year, she appeared as Sister Ann of the Cross. She is excited to continue this year as a stage manager. Recently, she has stage managed dance concerts at Naz, and is hoping to go on to stage manage Naz musicals!

Lucille Clemo (she/her) is a freshman majoring in Music Therapy at Naz. She has been taking private voice lessons for seven years and has always enjoyed singing opera in her free time. While this is her first opera performance, Lucille has participated in numerous musicals, including Pippin, Matilda, and Once Upon a Mattress, among others. She is excited to have the opportunity to be part of this show!

Molly Connors (she/her) is a Junior Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Psychology double major with a minor in Music. Since arriving at Nazareth, she has been studying voice under Ms. Lani Hoskins and performing with Chamber Singers, Treble Choir, and with Nazareth's only all-gendered treble acapella group, Call4Backup. She traveled to Poland to perform with Chamber Singers and performed a duet at Nazareth’s Holiday Gala. At Nazareth, she has performed in last year's Opera Scenes and Opera Dialogues of the Carmelites (Sister Gertrude) and this year's Opera Scenes, Portraits. In the future, Molly looks forward to enriching the lives of children in school with the joy of music. She is currently completing her Honors Capstone project on the benefits of bringing music into the classroom. She would like to thank all of the wonderful people in the Music program who have made her time here at Nazareth so incredibly enjoyable. 

Soprano Madeline Downing (she/her) is a senior music therapy and vocal performance major at Nazareth University. Her previous operatic credits include Blanche de la Force in Dialouges of the Carmelites and Cinderella in Cinderella with the Nazareth University Opera Workshop. She also recently performed the role of Adina in L’elisir d’amore at the Rochester Fringe Festival. In addition to operatic roles, Madeline was a winner in the 2024 Nazareth University Concerto/Aria competition, which led to her performance of "Glitter and Be Gay” with the Nazareth Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, Madeline went on a choral tour of Poland where she performed Green Finch and Linnet Bird and internationally premiered Michael Ching's Dater Duet 22/23 from Speed Dating Tonight!.  In addition to her performance career, she is pursuing a degree in music therapy and will begin her internship in July at A Place to Be in Leesburg, Virginia.

Austin Hebert (he/him) a Graduate Occupational Therapy major, is thrilled to be performing in this year's production of L'Enfant. Although Austin is not a music major, he has participated in various ensembles and productions at Nazareth University through both his undergraduate and graduate studies. Most recently, Austin was a member of the cast of Nazareth's Dialogues of the Carmelites in last year's Opera. He is incredibly grateful to the community that has formed through this production and hopes you enjoy the show!

Abigail Hoerbelt (she/her) is a sophomore Music Education major from the studio of Andrea Folan. Previous roles include Fantine (Les Misérables), Tanya (Mamma Mia), and Sister Mary Robert (Sister Act). Abigail is from Batavia, NY where she studied dance with Denise Chatt and voice. Abigail is excited to perform in her first opera and would like to thank the directors and production team for all their support and hard work on this production!

Alex Honkamp (she/her) is a senior Vocal Performance major with a Piano minor from Rockford, Illinois. Following her first two years of performance study at Illinois Wesleyan University, she transferred to Nazareth. Alex currently sings in Chamber Singers and Opera Workshop where she played the role of Mother Marie in Dialogues of the Carmelites in February of 2024. During her time at Illinois Wesleyan, Alex performed the roles of Mrs. Wilson in Ballymore Pt. II: Losers and Dido in Dido and Aeneas. She recently performed with the Nazareth University Symphony Orchestra as the 2025 Concerto-Aria Competition winner. Alex studies voice with Dr. William Hudson. After graduation, she will pursue a Master’s in Vocal Performance. Outside of school, Alex enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog Hubert.

Patience Ingison (she/her) a freshman Vocal Performance major, is thrilled to be a part of this exciting production! Having grown up with a deep love for musicals, she has always felt a strong connection to the stage and the transformative power of performance. In past productions, she has portrayed characters such as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She is always eager to dive into new challenges, and embraces the opportunity to grow as a performer with each new project. When not performing, she enjoys spending time with her beloved Chihuahuas, and dreams of someday owning a pet pig—a long-time favorite animal. The joy animals bring to her life mirrors the joy that performing brings, and she is incredibly grateful for the chance to share this passion with the audience.

Megan Lawton (she/they) is a senior Music Education and Performance major, attending Nazareth University. Her most recent roles at Nazareth include Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus) and The Third Lady (Die Zauberflöte). Lawton has also performed the role of Sr. Mathilde in Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmelites in February of 2024, additionally understudying the role of Mme. Croissy. Megan appeared as Armelinde in Cinderella and the Royal Ball: A Multiverse Experience with Nazareth in January of 2023. In May of 2023, Megan had the opportunity to travel with Nazareth University to perform a concert series in Poland, internationally debuting the role of Alice in a performance of “The Two Alices” from Michael Ching’s Alice Ryley. Megan studies under Dr. Nicholas Kilkenny at Nazareth University, and has worked with both the Nazareth University Chamber Singers and Treble Choir during her collegiate career.

Rhylie Lynch (she/her) is a dedicated performer with a love for the stage! Starting at the young age of nine, she has had the amazing opportunity to play a variety of roles in productions like Mamma Mia (Donna Sheridan), The Diary of Anne Frank (Margot Frank), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy Gale), and many more. Rhylie also directed a middle school production, where she loved guiding and supporting her fellow performers. Now, as a freshman Music Therapy major at Naz, she’s excited to continue performing and singing while pursuing her passion for music and helping others.

Kristen McGarvey (she/her) is a freshman Music Therapy major with an Honors minor. Since arriving at Nazareth, she has been studying voice under Sue Cotroneo and performing with Chamber Singers, Night Flyers (on clarinet), and Nazareth’s only all-gendered treble a cappella group, Call4Backup. Prior to coming to Nazareth, she participated in PMEA District, Region, and All-State Choir as well as District and Region Band. Kristen appeared in the Opera Workshop’s “Opera Scenes” show in the fall semester and is looking forward to performing in her first full theatre production with this show. In the future, she is excited to become a licensed music therapist and work with school aged children to help them accomplish their goals through musical interventions. Kristen would like to thank all of the amazing individuals in the Music program and the Opera program who have helped to make her first year at Nazareth wonderful and supported her through the new (to her) adventures of theatre.

Elizabeth Ogonowski (she/her) is very excited to be part of this production! She is a freshman Communication Sciences and Disorders major with a minor in Religious Studies, and this is her first opera! In high school, she participated in audition-only honors choirs, and was ensemble in her school’s production of Oklahoma! She was also Betty Bumbrake in her school’s production of Peter and the Starcatcher. Elizabeth wants to become a speech-pathologist in a hospital when she finishes her schooling. She sends much love to her family and friends for always supporting her and dealing with her shenanigans. And, a special thanks to Professor Kasi, Dr. Nitsch, and Katie for giving her this opportunity!

Marley Ohl (she/her) is a freshman Vocal Performance and Music Education major with a love for the stage. She has been in musical theater for 5 years starring as Helen Hill in The Hello Girls, Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, and Maleficent in Descendants. Marley has been singing classical music for 7 years, and is excited to have the opportunity to be in her first opera this semester.

 

Gerard Powers (he/him) A Powerful clear tone.” (NATS 2021). A senior Music Performance and Music Education major, Gerard recently performed in Rochester Fringe Festivals production as Nemorino in the Elixir of Love. Nazareth University Opera scenes as Ferrando from W.A Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte and Tamino from Magic Flute. Dialogues of the Carmelites as Chevalier de La Force (Francis Poulenc),  The Impresario as Mr Angel (WA Mozart) and in Cinderella and the Royal Ball: A Multiverse Experience as Le Comte Barigoule (Pauline Viradot). In the Summer of 2021 he performed in Die Fledermaus  as Alfred(Richard Strauss) with the Rochester Summer Opera. He placed 2nd in the underclassman classical TTBB NATS competition for the Eastern Region in 2021. He recently performed in Nazareth University Opera scenes as Ferrando from W.A Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte and Tamino from Magic Flute. He sang a recording of Dr. Octavio Vasquez’s Opera Dreams.

Jon Reome (he/him) is a senior Music Education and Vocal Performance double major. After his first two years at Nazareth, Jon was inspired to add a second major in Vocal Performance and immerse himself in operatic and classical repertoire. This would lead Jon to perform two named roles in operas at Nazareth University in 2023 and 2024 (Prince Charmingin Cendrillon and The Chaplin of the Monastery in Dialogues of the Carmelites). Jon also has experience in sacred music and is currently the Tenor section leader at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pittsford. Jon also leads the Tenor section for the Nazareth University Chamber Singers, who will perform at the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Connecticut this April. Once Jon graduates from Nazareth University in May of 2025, he plans to teach music and continue performing in the Rochester area. Jon would like to express his gratitude to Kasi Krenzer Marshall, Katie Scheible, Dr.Kevin Nitsch, the orchestra, and the cast and crew for creating such a wonderful production!

Maeve Rosati (she/her) a freshman Music Therapy major, is very excited to be in L'enfant et les sortileges! Although this is her first opera production, she has been involved in musical productions in high school and has played roles such as Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins and Ms. Norbury in Mean Girls. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, baking, and hanging out with friends! She would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her.

Braeden Ross (he/him) is a Junior at Nazareth studying Music Therapy. He enjoys participating in the Chamber Singers, AMTAS, Interfaith club and at the PFS site Rochester Hope. He plays piano for St Luke's Community Church and leads music for the Nazareth Catholic Community, both on campus. During his time off he enjoys leading community music, lifeguarding and fishing in his hometown Port Jervis, NY. He’d like to thank the directing team, his family and friends, and his pals @314 Gregory St.

Katie Scheible (she/her) is a second-semester graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at Nazareth University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Roberts Wesleyan University in 2012. Currently, Katie serves as the full-time vocal music teacher at Padilla High School within the Rochester City School District, the Opera Graduate Assistant at Nazareth University, and as a regular member of the worship team at Pearce Church in North Chili. Katie has a deep passion for opera and musical theater, having performed a variety of roles, including Kate in Pirates of Penzance, Liesl in The Sound of Music, Daisy Mae in Li’l Abner, Maria in West Side Story, and Madame de La Grande Bouche in Beauty and the Beast. In 2011, she was honored as the RWU Concerto/Aria winner. Additionally, Katie has directed several community theater and school productions, including The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Jr., and The Lion King Kids. Throughout her career, Katie has had the privilege of studying under distinguished mentors, including Mrs. Anita Firman, Dr. Jeffrey McGhee, and currently Dr. Kimberly Upcraft. She is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with this talented cast and extends her deepest gratitude to her husband David and son Andrew for their unwavering support.

Carly Stevens (she/her) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theater major here at Naz, and she’s so excited to make her opera debut! This is her first opera with the school, and she’s thrilled to be part of the cast. She is grateful for the collaborative and creative work she got to do with her castmates. Here’s to many more adventures in music and theater!

Erin Teasdale (she/her) a junior Theatre Arts and Inclusive Early Childhood Education major, is thrilled to once again be a part of the opera this year as the titular character. Last year, she was Blanche de la Force in Nazareth’s production of Dialogues of the Carmelites. Erin has participated in the Opera Scenes program for the past two years, singing both Italian and French selections from renowned operas such as Don Giovanni and Carmen. This past fall, she made her mainstage debut as Christina Mundy in Dancing at Lughnasa with the Nazareth Theater and Dance Department. Outside of performing, Erin works in the Admissions office as the Hiring and Training Coordinator for the Student Ambassadors. She also co-directs the Nazareth Catholic Community Choir alongside her castmate, Braeden. She is currently in the midst of Elementary School observations right now and is extremely grateful to be "teacher" by day and performer by night, getting to do the two things she loves most! 

Kevin Nitsch is a pianist, collaborator and teacher in the Rochester area. Kevin is a member of the piano faculty at Nazareth University, holds the full-time collaborative pianist position, and teaches Wellness for Musicians. Kevin is a vocal coach at SUNY Geneseo. Kevin performs regularly with Rochester Oratorio Society, Rochester International Vocal Competition, Finger Lakes Opera, and Madrigalia. Kevin was co-creator of Labyrinth of Light and Sound, offering an immersive experience in art and music.
Kevin holds a BM in Piano Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music, and a MM and a DMA in Performance and Literature in Piano Performance from the Eastman School of Music. Kevin has completed Yoga Teacher Training at Open Sky Yoga in Rochester. His favorite pose is pianobenchasana.

Kasi L. Krenzer Marshall joined the Nazareth University School of Music Faculty as the Adjunct Professor / Artistic Director of Opera in Fall of 2024. With her degree in Stage Direction and vast experience in design, stage management, performance, and production administration, she brings a wealth of knowledge, practical application, and excitement to our Opera Workshop. She previously served as the Costume Designer for the Nazareth's Opera Workshop productions of Daphnus und Chloe, and The Impresario. Krenzer Marshall works year-round with Finger Lakes Opera as their Community Engagement & Operations Director, as well as their Summer Festival Assistant Director of Production, and Fall Tour Stage Director. A few of her recent local credit include Pittsford Musicals' Legally Blonde and Beauty & the Beast (Costume Designer), JCC SummerStage's Austen's Pride (Costume Designer), Out of Pocket, Inc's The Palace of the Moorish Kings, belonging(s), and The Second Coming of Joan of Arc (Director), and Blackfriars Theatre's Spamalot, John & Jen, Calendar Girls (Costume Designer), Jerry's Girls (Director), Twelfth Night and Detroit '67 (Stage Manager), among many others. A Singer / Actress herself, favorite roles include Meg March (Little Women), Fastrada (Pippin), and Witch (Into the Woods).