Deena Grier is a Lecturer at the Desautels Faculty of Music within the University of Manitoba . She serves as a collaborative pianist and vocal coach, working extensively in choral and operatic settings. Education : Post-Baccalaureate Diploma from the University of Manitoba, MMus from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee Her research interests align with her practical expertise in Opera , Choral Music , Vocal Coaching , and Diction Coaching . She has performed with notable organizations such as the Boston Conservatory Opera and Manitoba Underground Opera, and currently collaborates with the Winnipeg Boy’s Choir and the University of Manitoba’s Opera Theatre Ensemble. Notable performances include music directing L’incoronazione di Poppea at Cathédrale de Saint-Boniface and premiering Michael McKay’s The Confused Castrato . She continues to coach young vocalists privately and in academic settings.
Julija Stupnianek Kalėdienė is an Associate Professor at the Department of Vocal Performance, Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (LMTA), and a principal soprano at the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre (LNOBT) since 2000. Appointed to the LMTA faculty in 2005, she attained the rank of Associate Professor in 2015. Her academic foundation includes a master's degree from LMTA (2003), earned after commencing studies in 1991. She refined her artistry through master classes with Ingeborg Wamser (Vienna, 1999), Galina Preobrazhenskaya (Moscow, 2000), and Håkan Hagegård (Sweden, 2000). Her research and pedagogical focus centers on vocal performance, operatic interpretation, and cross-cultural repertoire spanning Baroque to contemporary works. She specializes in Lithuanian and Russian operas while maintaining expertise in Italian, German, and French traditions. Her pedagogy emphasizes vocal technique, linguistic precision (Russian C2, Italian B2, German B2), and dramatic characterization across 20+ leading roles. Her distinguished accolades include the Grand Prix at the International Competition for Singers "Art in the 21st Century" (Kiev, 2005) and the Regina di Romanza nomination (San-Marino, 2018). Additional honors: 3rd prize, Dichler-Sato International Competition, Vienna (1999) 3rd prize, International Vocal Competition Romansiada, Moscow (2000) 1st prize, Vincė Jonuškaitė-Zaunienė Competition, Vilnius (2000, 2001) 3rd prize, International Competition of Concertmasters and Singers, Vilnius (2005) Lempaala International Competition for opera singers, Finland (2006) Musical Performance and Pedagogy competition, Lonigo, Italy (2011) She actively advances vocal pedagogy through international master classes (Kazakhstan, Italy, Greece) and maintains an extensive performance schedule across European festivals and venues including the State Kremlin Palace and Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society. Her concert collaborations with ensemble Cantus demonstrate deep engagement with chamber repertoire.
Matthew Wilson Smith is Professor of German Studies and Professor of Theater and Performance Studies at Stanford University, with prior faculty positions at Cornell University and Boston University. His interdisciplinary work bridges performance theory, neuroscience history, and multimedia aesthetics. His educational background: B.A., Brown University (1993) M.A., University of Chicago (1995) M.A. and Ph.D., Columbia University (2002) Smith specializes in historical intersections between theatre and scientific paradigms, particularly 19th-century neuroscience's influence on theatrical subjectivity and modernist opera's relationship to technological innovation. His research traces multimedia performance genealogies from Wagner to contemporary digital art, examining how scientific concepts shape artistic expression across eras. Core methodologies integrate archival analysis with theoretical frameworks from performance studies and science history. His publication trajectory reveals consistent focus on art-science dialogues: early work established multimedia performance lineages, mid-career research explored neural subjectivity in theatre history, and recent scholarship examines modernist opera's interdisciplinary dimensions. This evolution demonstrates deepening engagement with how scientific revolutions catalyze artistic innovation. Award recognitions: George Freedley Memorial Award finalist (2017) for The Nervous Stage MSA Book Prize shortlist (2016) for Modernism and Opera Smith maintains active creative practice as a playwright with productions at the Eugene O'Neill Musical Theater Conference and Richard Foreman's Ontological-Hysteric Theater. His academic service includes editorial roles for critical editions and interdisciplinary anthologies, though specific grant funding details aren't documented in the source material.
Troy Castle is a Professor of Vocal Studies at Millikin University , actively contributing to vocal pedagogy, performance, and research. He has served as Coordinator of Vocal Studies since 2020 and combines teaching, performance, and scholarly work in vocology. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Voice Pedagogy, Shenandoah Conservatory Master’s Degree in Voice Performance Undergraduate Degree in Church Music Research Interests: Dr. Castle specializes in the resonance strategies of operatic baritone voices and the science of vocology. His work, including research on elite operatic baritone voices, has been presented at The Voice Foundation and National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) conferences. Performance Career: He has performed leading roles such as Mr. Laurence in Little Women , Capulet in Roméo et Juliette , and the title role in Gianni Schicchi . His concert repertoire spans works by Zelenka, Brahms, Handel, Mendelssohn, Mozart, and others, with collaborations across operatic, musical theatre, and song canons. Scientific Awards & Recognition: 2023 American Prize Second-Place Winner (Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award, Men’s Division) 2020 NATS “Emerging Leader” Award 2015 Shenandoah Conservatory “Dean’s Graduate Scholar Award” (co-recipient) 2010 & 2012 NATS Artist Award Competition Regional Runner-Up Professional Engagement: Dr. Castle is a Level III Somatic Voicework™—The LoVetri Method instructor with post-certification training in pop/rock singing. He is a founding member of the Pan American Vocology Association’s Recognized Vocologist credential program (PAVA-RV cohort) and previously served as Vice President of the Central Illinois NATS chapter.
Michał Krężlewski serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Conducting at the Faculty of Conducting, Composition and Music Theory, Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk, while concurrently directing the Baltic Opera Orchestra in Gdańsk since August 2021. His dual roles bridge academic instruction and professional opera production across major European repertoire. His educational foundation includes dual master's degrees from the Academy of Music in Gdańsk: Piano performance under Professor Waldemar Wojtal Symphonic and opera conducting under Professor Zygmunt Rychert and Professor Kai Bumann Krężlewski's expertise centers on operatic conducting, piano performance, and chamber music interpretation with emphasis on classical/romantic works by Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, and Polish composers including Moniuszko. His repertoire spans over 20 major productions including "The Magic Flute," "La Bohème," "Carmen," and Moniuszko's "The Countess." His competitive achievements include: 2nd Prize at EPTA International Competition (Belgium, 2002) 1st Prize with dual special awards at IJ Paderewski National Piano Competition (2004) Diploma for outstanding accompaniment at International Brass Instruments Competition (2017) No information regarding student advising or research grants is documented in the source material. Professionally, Krężlewski collaborates with the Baltic Opera Orchestra, Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra, National Polish Radio Orchestra in Katowice, and Polish Chamber Philharmonic in Sopot, having conducted premieres including the orchestral version of "Apocalypse" (Mahler/Nowak Baczyński) in 2022.
Svilen Raichev is a researcher affiliated with the National Music Academy 'Professor Pancho Vladigerov' in Bulgaria. His work spans vocal pedagogy, performance practice, music theory, and historical analysis, with a focus on Bulgarian music traditions and avant-garde influences. Research Interests Vocal posture and teaching methodologies Operatic innovation and analysis 20th-century music challenges Historical dance in stage art Cultural policy impacts on music Digital resources for musicians Selected Publications His 2016 works include analyses of Georgi Zlatev-Cherkin's pedagogical principles, avant-garde operas, enharmonic phenomena in Beethoven, and methodological approaches to Bulgarian amateur music movements.
Agnieszka Długołęcka-Kuraś is a Doctor of Musical Arts graduate with distinction from the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk, specializing in choral conducting under Prof. Waldemar Górski. She holds a master’s degree in choral conducting and a bachelor’s degree in piano. Currently, she serves as Director of the Baltic Opera Choir (since 2018) and conductor of the Baltic Opera Children's Opera Choir (since 2017) and the Canzonetta Children's Choir at the F. Nowowiejski General Primary and Secondary Music School in Gdańsk (since 2016). Her career includes international performance tours and leadership in choral projects. Doctor of Musical Arts (with distinction) Master's in Choral Conducting (Class of Prof. Waldemar Górski) Bachelor's in Piano (Class of Dr. Paweł Rydel) Agnieszka's research and professional focus centers on choral conducting methodologies, voice production techniques, and artistic-scientific integration in choir training. Her work emphasizes performance excellence in operatic and oratorio contexts, with international collaboration in projects like ReVoice! and EuroChoir. She has participated in masterclasses with renowned conductors such as R. Joost, J. Eik Tulve, and Prof. P.R. Crabb, enhancing her expertise in choral and vocal pedagogy. Director, Baltic Opera Choir (2018–present) Conductor, Baltic Opera Children's Choir (2017–present) Founder, Synergia Artistic-Scientific Circle
Reinaldo Moya is an Associate Professor of Music at Wellesley College, where he teaches music theory, composition, film scoring, and Latin American/Caribbean music. A Venezuelan-American composer and educator, his work explores immigrant stories, identity, and contemporary social issues through vibrant musical forms. Recipient of the Charles Ives Fellowship, McKnight Composers Fellowship, Van Lier Fellowship, and Aaron Copland Award Commissioned by Minnesota Opera and Ellis-Beauregard Foundation Former Composer-Resident at The Schubert Club (2017-2019) Advocate for decolonizing musical canon and global music education His compositions have been performed by renowned ensembles including the Minnesota Orchestra, Juilliard Orchestra, and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. Moya's teaching integrates creativity and cultural analysis, emphasizing real-world applications of musical knowledge. He holds degrees from West Virginia University and The Juilliard School, where he studied with Samuel Adler and Robert Beaser.
Lada Valešová serves as a Tutor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, specializing in vocal coaching for Russian and Czech repertoire while directing the Russian Vocal Repertoire Class. Her dual career bridges elite performance and pedagogy across major European opera institutions. Her academic foundation includes: Prague Conservatoire Prague Music Academy Guildhall School of Music & Drama (full scholarship recipient for three years) National Opera Studio (alumnus) Valešová’s artistic identity centers on Slavic vocal traditions, with deep expertise in Russian and Czech art song interpretation. She champions linguistic authenticity and stylistic precision in romantic/20th-century repertoire, particularly through collaborative piano work that illuminates textual nuances in operatic and concert contexts. Her coaching methodology integrates historical performance practice with contemporary vocal techniques. Her distinguished honors include: Two awards at the International Smetana Piano Competition Alexander Wise Memorial Prize for romantic music performance Best Piano Duo Prize (with Zoë Mather) for Bartók’s Concerto As a mentor, Valešová shapes emerging talent through institutional roles at Guildhall and the National Opera Studio, while serving on the Anglo-Czechoslovak Trust Music Competition jury. Her Emmy Destinn Foundation board membership directly supports early-career singers through targeted funding and masterclasses. Performance engagements with orchestras like the Bamberg Symphony demonstrate her commitment to artistic excellence beyond the classroom. Her international collaborations span the Royal Opera House, Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne, and Garsington Festival Opera, maintaining active partnerships with institutions that define the European operatic landscape.
Dr. Emmanuelle Saulnier-Cassia is an Associate Professor of Public Law at the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) , where she co-directs the Master 2 Recherche Droit international et européen des droits fondamentaux and has held leadership roles including Deputy Director of the DEM Doctoral School and Director of the Versailles Saint Quentin Laboratory public institutions (VIP) . Her academic career spans roles in doctoral education, research governance, and cross-institutional collaboration with Paris-Saclay University. Her interdisciplinary research bridges European Union Law with theater studies and human rights , focusing on contentious dramaturgical quarrels, EU legal frameworks, and cultural administration. She has authored and edited significant works on EU terrorism sanctions, parliamentary participation in European integration, and art-law intersections. Recent publications explore EU-Brexit legal dynamics , operatic interpretations of human rights , and censorship in performing arts . Her academic service includes jury memberships for national competitions and scientific prize evaluations. 2022 : Senate thesis prize jury member 2016 : IHEDN scientific prize jury appointment
Dr. Thomas Rowell is a Professor of Music at the University of South Alabama, where he serves as the Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music, Coordinator of Vocal Studies, and director of USA Opera Theatre. He teaches studio voice, vocal pedagogy, and opera history and literature. Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Union University Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Austin Peay State University Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary A tenor with an active performing career, Dr. Rowell has performed over 40 operatic roles and served as a soloist with orchestras such as Nashville Symphony, Mobile Symphony, and University of South Alabama Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble. He has performed internationally in Europe and Asia and will direct USA Opera Theatre’s production of Offenbach’s *Orpheus in the Underworld* in March 2025. Dr. Rowell is a long-term member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), currently serving as President of the Alabama Chapter and previously as Auditions Chair for the Alabama Chapter and Southeastern Region.
Dr. Megan Zuhowski is an Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of South Alabama's Department of Music, where she teaches applied voice, vocal diction, art song literature, and music business. She also serves as Assistant Director of USA Opera Theatre. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Music from the University of South Alabama, Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from the University of Maryland, Master of Music from the Peabody Institute, and a DMA in Vocal Performance from James Madison University. Research Focus: Dr. Zuhowski specializes in developing entrepreneurial skills for young artists navigating evolving music industry landscapes. She maintains active membership in the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and has presented research at NATS national conferences. Performance Career: Notable operatic roles include Suor Angelica ( Puccini ), Donna Anna ( Mozart ), and Adina ( Donizetti ). She has collaborated with Mobile Symphony for major choral works and participated in masterclasses with Metropolitan Opera artists including Renée Fleming. Awards: NATS Competition Finalist (2016-2019) First Place in NATS Category (2019)
Bożena Harasimowicz is a full Professor at the Faculty of Vocal Studies and Acting of the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk. A distinguished vocalist, she graduated with distinction from the same institution in 1989 under Professor Zofia Janukowicz-Pobłocka. Her career spans collaborations with renowned conductors such as Krzysztof Penderecki and Antoni Wit, and performances at major venues including the Berlin Philharmonic and Teatro Real in Madrid. Specializes in vocal-instrumental works from Baroque to contemporary Operatic roles in Mozart and Tchaikovsky productions Director of the Summer Singing Academy and Sopot Days of Vocal Art Festival Active jury member in international vocal competitions (e.g., Ada Sari, J.S. Bach) She received the title of Professor of Musical Arts in 2012 and has earned accolades like the Medal of the Mayor of Gdańsk (2005) and the Silver Cross of Merit (2011). Her discography includes world premieres of works by Penderecki and Możdżer. Artistic agency founder: Impressio Art Management (2009–present) Collaborated with Grand Theatre National Opera (2000–2008) and Baltic Opera (2008–2012)
Lanfranco Marcelletti Jr. is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Studies at the Texas Tech University School of Music since January 2022. A Brazilian conductor and music pedagogue, he studied at Conservatório Pernambuco de Música (Recife), Musik Akademie (Zürich), Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst (Vienna), and Yale University. His career spans orchestral and operatic conducting across North America, South America, and Europe. Former Music Director, Xalapa Symphony Orchestra (2012–2019) Former Music Director, Aguascalientes Symphonic Orchestra (2020–2021) Associate Director, Accademia Rossiniana (Pesaro) Musical Director, Orquestra Criança Cidadã (Recife) Marcelletti’s research interests include orchestral conducting, operatic performance, and music education, with a focus on community engagement and pedagogical innovation. He has collaborated on musical theater projects, including a Mozart-based work with actress Carmen Bermejo. Scientific Awards: Conducting Competition of the Chilean Symphony Orchestra Giovani Solisti di Roma Competition São Paulo Association of Critics of Art – Debut Artist Conductor of the Year Yale University – Dean's Prize and Eleazar de Carvalho Prize Special citation for promoting music in Recife His guest conducting roles have included collaborations with the Brazil Symphony Orchestra, Chilean National Symphony, Orchestra del Teatro Communale (Bologna), and Galicia Symphony Orchestra, among others. Marcelletti also founded the Master's Program in Orchestral Conducting at Universidad Veracruzana in Mexico.
Kimwana Doner-Chandler is a Lecturer in Voice at Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, Department of Music. A distinguished American soprano, she has performed on major stages including the San Francisco Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, and Boston Lyric Opera, specializing in roles spanning lyric to dramatic soprano repertoire. Education: San Francisco Opera (Merola and Adler Fellowship), Seattle Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Opera North young artist programs Her research interests center on vocal performance, opera, and classical music, with a focus on interpreting works by Mozart, Puccini, Bizet, and Verdi. Awards include the Best Performance Leading Female Award 2006 (Opera Online) and the Emily Gaddes Memorial Award 2002 (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis). Recent performances highlight her versatility in operatic and concert settings across the United States.
