A talented group of performers from Opera Ithaca are the guest performers with the Symphony of the Mountain’s production of “La Bohème.”
Below is an introduction to each performer and the director.
Marc Webster (Colline). Bass Marc Webster has performed in opera and oratorio with companies throughout the United States. An active recitalist, he performed with the New York Festival of Song, and The Song Continues Series at Weill Recital Hall. He has received awards in Opera Competitions and holds degrees from The Juilliard School and Eastman School of Music.
Mike Nyby (Schaunard). Canadian-American baritone Michael Nyby has performed extensively in opera, concert and theater throughout Canada and the United States. He has created opera roles in collaboration with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, the Minnesota Opera and Toronto’s Opera in Concert.
Joshua Collier (Rodolfo). Joshua Collier, praised for his “thrilling high range” and “passionate commitment to character,” was hailed as “a great Italian tenor on the make” by Boston’s Classical Scene.
Nayoung Ban (Musetta). South Korean Soprano Nayoung Ban has been praised for vocal color, stage personality, and musicality beyond her years. As a Young Artist of Maryland Lyric Opera’s Young Artist Institute 2018, she has appeared in concerts and in opera roles.
David Neal (Benoit/Alcindoro). David Neal’s lyric bass-baritone voice has been described as having a “wonderfully rich and vibrant vocal quality.” He has performed a wide range of roles over a 30-year career in opera, concert, musical theater and recital in the U. S., Hungary, and France.
Emily Pulley, director. Acclaimed soprano Emily Pulley’s radiant voice and electrifying acting have won her both national and international acclaim on the operatic stages including 13 seasons with the Metropolitan Opera. One reviewer noted, “She also has that other thing every Carmen needs to succeed: a killer voice.”
Megan Nielson (Mimi). Megan Nielson has triumphed in many roles, including at The Juilliard School of Music, Opera Theater of Connecticut, Beth Morrison Productions. She made her Carnegie Hall debut singing the soprano soloist in the Faure “Requiem.”
Andrew Hudson-Sabens (Parpignol). Andrew Hudson-Sabens is a tenor/countertenor, having sung previous roles with Opera Ithaca. He has performed as a soloist for Rachmaninoff’s “All Night Vigil,” Reicha’s “Te Deum,” Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms,” Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” and others.
SeungHyeon Baek (Marcello).Baritone SeungHyeon Baek has been applauded and recognized for his “full, generous baritone voice” and his considerable “histrionic abilities combined with his rich artistry.” He has performed with Opera Tampa, St. Petersburg Opera, Maryland Lyric Opera, Opera North, New York City Opera, MidAtlantic Opera and Opera Ithaca.
