Matthew Reese

Countertenor
Matthew, who hails from Columbus, GA, will receive his Master of Music in Vocal Performance degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro this year. He has won first or second place honors in several NATS competitions, and was a finalist this year in the Partners of the Arts Vocal Competition held in Alexandria, VA.

He has participated in the well-known intensive Italian language and singing program in Urbania, Italy, “Si parla, si canta.” Following graduation, he will enter an Artist Diploma program and from there hopes to perform opera both in the US and internationally.

Edward Nelson

Baritone
University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music

Edward, a native of Los Angeles, CA, is a candidate for an Artist Diploma in Vocal Performance at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, anticipating receipt of his diploma in 2015.

His desire is to live a life in music, and to share his passion of music with others.

Armando Contreras

Baritone
Cleveland Institute of Music

Armando, from Phoenix, AZ, will receive his Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2014. He studies there with Vinson Cole..

Mr. Contreras has won several other prestigious competitions in 2013, and in 2012 was the George L. Hackett scholarship winner in the Mather competition. He has performed in several operatic roles at CIM and at the Aspen Music Festival.

He hopes to perform opera and art song throughout the world, and to share his love of music with many different communities.

Jack Swanson

Tenor
University of Oklahoma State

Jack, a native of Stillwater, MN, is a senior at the University of Oklahoma State, where he studies with Linda Esther Gray. He is the winner of several other contests, and has participated in the Tyrolean Opera Program, Seagle Music Colony, and the Young Artists Vocal Academy of Houston Grand Opera.

Upon graduation in 2014, he will enter the Santa Fe Opera apprentice program in. He hopes to perform opera in the United States and Europe, and aspires to owning his own opera company one day.