Sean Christopher Stork, lyric baritone, has been singing across the state of Florida since graduating from Florida State University in 2007, including regular engagements with Florida Opera Theatre as well as First Coast Opera in St. Augustine, The Florida Lyric Opera in Tampa, and the Villages Philharmonic and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestras. He has made his unique mark on such roles as Guglielmo Cosí fan tutte, Count Almaviva Le nozze di Figaro, Escamillo Carmen, Procolo Le convenienze ed inconvenienze tetrali, Fiorello Il barbiere di Siviglia, Captain Corchoran HMS Pinafore, and musical theater roles such as Hucklebee The Fantasticks, Rapunzel’s Prince Into the Woods, and Harold Hill The Music Man.

Sean has also been a featured Master Work soloist for such works as Theodore Dubois’ Seven Last Words of Christ, Franz Schubert’s Mass in G, W.A. Mozart’s Regina Coeli and Requiem in Dm as well as George Friderick Handel’s The Messiah, Giaccomo Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and Ralph Vaughan William’s Five Mystical Songs and Dona Nobis Pacem, and most recently Charles V. Stanford's Songs of the Fleet as a special guest of The University of Florida Symphony Orchestra and combined choirs. A strong supporter of modern music, he has collaborated with local composers in recordings of new works such as The Sculptor, War and Peace, La Nina Carolina, and Starboy. He is also an active composer and arranger, having commissioned works for the Basilica Choir of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, and is principal arranger for The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra, and numerous choruses and ensembles. www.seanstork.com <https://www.seanstork.com>

Christie Duffer is thrilled to be playing the role of First Mate Frigga in Opera Del Sol’s premiere performance. Ms. Duffer, a native of Illinois, currently resides in the Orlando area where she has most recently been seen in productions with Opera Orlando (Don Giovanni) and Orlando Light Opera (The Student Prince). Duffer has also recently made her international debut with the Vienna Summer Music Festival in their production of Don Giovanni as Zerlina.

She has performed in several productions with the Midwest Institute of Opera, including the title roles in Rossini’s Cenerentola and Bizet’s Carmen, as well as their productions of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Le nozze di Figaro, Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, and Puccini’s Suor Angelica. Ms. Duffer holds a BA in Vocal Performance from Illinois State University. During her time at Illinois State University, Duffer has been seen in Puccini’s La Bohéme, as Laurey in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, a soloist in Handel’s Messiah, and the featured soloist for the song cycles, Labyrinth of Love by Michael Dougherty and Alcott Songs by Steve Danyew, performed with the Illinois State University Wind Symphony.

American soprano Janette Zilioli is rapidly establishing herself as an exceptional artist with a dynamic, engaging stage presence and an exciting shimmer and brilliance to her voice.   Ms. Zilioli’s favorite roles performed include Musetta in La Bohème with Palm Beach Opera and the Orlando Philharmonic respectively, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni with Ash Lawn Opera, Micaëla in Carmen with the Orlando Phil, Hanna Glowari in The Merry Widow with Opera Santa Barbara, Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus with Orlando Opera.  She opened the 2011-12 Season with Puccini E Verdi, the Opening Concert with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and Symphony in HD in April – a collaboration between Full Sail Live & Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra where she performed the Queen of the Night’s Vengeance Aria within a virtual opera set.   She performed as a principal soloist in The Opera Show at the Kilworth House Theater in Leicestershire, England and toured Europe with The Opera Show to Barcelona, Lisbon and Milan in 2010.  She also appeared as the soprano soloist in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Bach Festival Society in Winter Park, Florida.   Ms. Zilioli was a 2001 national semi-finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.  The same year, she was the 1st place winner and the Audience Choice winner at the Houston Grand Opera's McCollum Competition. After winning the 1st-prize at the Australian Singing Competition, she was invited to sing in the winner’s concert in Tokyo, Japan. She has been the recipient of two notable fellowships in 2004 and 2008 to the Music Academy of the West entitling her to study with Marilyn Horne and Warren Jones.

Janette Zilioli was a guest artist at the Rosa Ponselle Competition Winners' Concert making her debut at Carnegie Hall at the age of 17. Thereafter, she sang recitals and tours internationally in Iceland, Italy, Australia and Japan. She has appeared frequently as a principal soloist with the Orlando Philharmonic in performances of Sunset & Symphony, Richard Rodgers Spectacular, Young People's Concerts and Mahler 2.

Kevin Romero, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, received his Music education in Vocal Performance from Valencia College, University of Central Florida, and Stetson University.  He began his vocal training as a Lyric Tenor specializing in Classical and Romantic repertoire under countless of critically acclaimed professional Vocal Coaches.

He has remained an active member and frequent soloist on both of Valencia’s and Stetson University’s Vocal ensembles and Opera-Theatre Workshops, and has been honored with representing these Music Institutions in a wide variety of National Singing Competitions and Conventions, winning numerous 1st place Awards, Certificates and Achievements. Outside of Music education, Mr. Romero has sung and performed in multiple operatic roles and productions with many of Central Florida’s most prestigious theatre groups and companies. Kevin Romero is delighted to join Opera Del Sol in the official opening of their first season “Opera Wars.”

Leyla Lawrence is delighted to be part of this maiden voyage of Opera del Sol!  When not channeling her best Orbit gum girl/flight attendant from The Fifth Element impressions, Leyla can be found trying to find an acceptably healthy alternative to fuel her pizza obsession. Pre and post pizza experiment, she can be found entertaining the masses at Universal Orlando, on your TV pretending to not know how to cook, or popping up in random commercials as you wait to get your car serviced/tires rotated/cavity filled, etc.

If none of the above applies, you may find her creating content for her YouTube channel so she eventually reaches her dream of getting paid to travel and be marginally witty. Special thanks to the WESH/Publix crew, the incomparable Nicole Dupré, the parentals, and her ginger.

Amanda Millar began singing professionally at age 15, getting her start performing at funerals and weddings. In college she studied vocal performance and mortuary science, and worked in the funeral industry for several years while fronting the progressive-metal band Carnevil and performing in productions with Central Florida Lyric Opera.

In 2013, she began freelancing with several local burlesque and cabaret troupes under the stage name Cabana Macabre, the Siren of the Swamp. She makes her home in Orlando, but performs all over the southern states in various stages shows and states of undress. She is also an avid death-care reform activist and animal lover.

Israel David Viñas was born on March 18th in Orlando, Fl and moved to NYC with a scholarship to attend The American Musical and Dramatic Academy during the summer of 2005. Upon graduation, he appeared in his first national tour and continues to pursue his passion for the performing arts throughout New York City and Florida.

He has originated several roles including Winston in All About Meat and for his roles in Showgirls! and Bayside!, he recieved critical acclaim for his singing, dancing and comedic chops. Israel has also appeared on film in Lady Peacock and is featured on the original soundtracks of Showgirls! the Musical! and most recently Stoned: The Rock Musical.  For more information on Israel, visit GlitterIsrael.com.

Ola Rafało, a Polish-American dramatic mezzo-soprano, has been called a “vocal powerhouse” by critics, and “a budding next Fiorenza Cossotto”. Ola has been called “a Mezzo with great promise”, by Tim Smith, of the Baltimore Sun. “Ola Rafało proved to be a mezzo to watch, with a strong Stride la Vampa” said Anne Midgette, for the Washington Post.

Ola's solo concert credits include: Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Pacific Symphony, Opera Silesia: Poland, Teatro Curci di Barletta: Italy, Paderewski Symphony of Chicago, Springfield Symphony. She has appeared with opera companies: Syracuse Opera, Opera Carolina, Baltimore Lyric, The Lyric Orchestra, Opera Forza, Martha Cardona Opera, Opera Orlando, Gulfshore Opera, Opera Tampa, Sarasota Opera, Palm Beach Opera, performing the following roles: Carmen in La Tragedie de Carmen, and the classic Bizet Carmen, Fenena in Nabucco, Azucena in il Trovatore, Charlotte in Werther, Fricka in die Walkure, the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Praised for his “laserlike precision in a role that demanded nothing less” (Tamba Bay Times) and a voice that “he can deliver…all the way to the parking lot” (Archikulture Digest) tenor Samuel Hall has made a career on the concert stage, in musical theater, operetta, and opera.

This year, Sam was a Resident Artist with Opera Naples, singing the role of Giovanni in Daniel Catán’s La hija de Rappaccini in March, and covered the role of Hoffmann (Les contes d’Hoffmann) for St. Petersburg Opera in June. In October, Sam made his role debut as the title character in Gounod’s Faust, also with St. Petersburg Opera.

Next year, Sam will sing the role of First Armored Man (Die Zauberflöte) with St. Petersburg Opera, followed by singing Borsa (Rigoletto) with Gulfshore Opera and Malcolm (Macbeth) with Opera Tampa.

Other performance credits include Benvolio (Roméo et Juliette​) with Opera Grand Rapids, Prince Karl Franz in Orlando Light Opera’s The Student Prince, Don Curzio in The Marriage of Figaro with Opera Columbus, and Gherardo (Gianni Schicchi), King Kaspar (Amahl and the Night Visitors), and Nelson Deadly (Too Many Sopranos), as well as covering the role of Canio (Pagliacci), all with Opera Project Columbus. Additionally, Sam has covered the roles of Calàf (Turandot), Don José (Carmen), and Manrico (Il Trovatore) for St. Petersburg Opera and worked with Sarasota Opera as an Apprentice Artist.

In addition to his operatic roles, Sam played Monsieur Thénardier in Mansfield Renaissance Theater's production of Les Misérables, was the tenor soloist in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the New Albany Symphony, and performed excerpts from Madama Butterfly with the Tampa Bay Symphony.   Sam Hall graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy, and studied with John Maloy at the Eastman School of Music.

Caitlin Reichel was born and raised into a circus family.  Until the age of eight, her family traveled around the world with different circuses including Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.    Her family then moved to Florida where she began her training with the Orlando Ballet School Academy.   Caitlin trained with Orlando Ballet six days a week and took part of many of the company's productions.   Currently, Caitlin travels the world doing circus events, but calls Orlando home.    She’s performed in Japan all the way to Jamaica.   Reichel has performed at theme parks, music festivals, USO tours, NBA halftime shows, international corporate events and many productions.   Caitlin enjoys teaching on her down time, breaking down technique to all ages.

Viktoria Zsilak is a third generation juggler, born in Budapest, Hungary.  Viktoria graduated from the Hungarian Performing Arts School in 1990.   She has worked with her parents in a renowned juggling act all over Europe and the US.   In 1999, Zsilak started to work for Ringling Brothers and the Barnum and Bailey Circus through 2017.

MEET THE CREW

A passion to turn every face into an artistic masterpiece is what drives MeLissa Duran (MAKE-UP).  For well over 20 years in the industry, she has been a prolific figure in the Central Florida beauty, bridal & production scene.  Spreading her artistry across canvases from New York Fashion Week, London, Canada & Brazil. This craft has been well received by her clients, which include celebrities, actors, musicians, models, authors, politicians, and dignitaries. Her artistry has been displayed for names such as Paris Hilton, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows, Bravos Award Winning Show, Bridezillas, The Bachelor & MTV.  She has illustrated her magic on legendary faces in the world of fashion, music, print & film.  MeLissa's services are in high-demand and have been featured in Central Florida Bride Magazine, Glamour & Allure. She has provided artistry for several productions including live shows such as The Morning Drive, Golf Central, Fariety, Daily Buzz, Wesh News, Fox News & multiple documentaries.  MeLissa’s talent, flawless artistry & determination are the traits which set her apart as an published artist. With an innovative eye and a devotion to her craft Ms. Duran will continue to paint faces with the elegant sophistication.  After years of partnering & working with the Opera, she is now the Director of Hair & Makeup.

Conny Williamson (STAGE MANAGER) is thrilled to be “on board” and Stage Managing for Opera Del Sol’s Premiere Production of Opera Wars. Most recently, Conny has Stage Managed Merry Widow for Orlando Light Opera, and an independent production of Saint Joan. Conny has also worked with the Orlando Philharmonic for their Opera Trio of The Magic Flute, Candide, and The Elixir of Love last Season. Previously, Conny worked with Central Florida Vocal Arts on Soap Opera Sloppy Seconds for Fringe, and their Productions of Double Jeopardy, and Grimmly Ever After, as well as an independent production of Dracula. In 2016, Conny Stage Managed the Premiere of The Student Prince, which was a collaborative effort between OLO, CFVA, and the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra. She has worked with Opera Tampa, and the Orlando Opera, on such Productions as: Madama Butterfly, Samson and Delilah, Pirates of Penzance, and The Elixir of Love. Conny called the Winter Park Playhouse home for three Seasons doing some fun Musicals, including Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits; 8 Track: The Sounds of the 70’; and Musical of Musicals: The Musical.

When she is not Stage Managing, Conny is a Textile Services Manager at The Walt Disney World Resort. She is also a Team Member at Universal Studios, and works closely with the Events Team as a Sub Coordinator for Halloween, Christmas, and Mardi Gras. Conny is a Manager (MOD) and Trainer at Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Shows. In the Orlando area, she has worked with, Yow Dance, The IceHouse Theatre, Ibex Puppetry, The Mad Cow Theatre, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Theatre Winter Haven, Baggy Pants Theatre Company, and Polk State College. Conny is a former panelist for the Small Budget Category for United Arts of Central Florida.

A native of Winter Park, Florida, Vincent Connor (DIRECTOR) has established himself as prominent and versatile stage director. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree and performance certificate from The College of Music at Florida State University as well as a Master’s Degree in voice with emphasis in stage direction from The University of Arizona, he began his performance career as a bass-baritone, performing such roles as Pooh-bah in The Mikado, Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, Thomas Putnam in The Crucible, Geronimo in Il Matrimonio Segreto, Superintendent Budd in Albert Herring, Leporello in Don Giovanni, Dulcamara in L’elisir d’amore, and Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro.

Now moving his focus to stage direction, he has already made his directing television debut with WGN’s hit series Manhattan, and recently brought Puccini’s Suor Angelica to the University of Arizona Opera Theatre, which the opera appreciation organization “Living at the Opera” praised for its “… remarkable directorial touches.”

Mr. Connor is a passionate believer in opera outreach and education, and is continually working with various universities and opera companies such as The University of Arizona, UMKC Conservatory, University of Pennsylvania, The University of Delaware, University of Central Florida, Opera in the Ozarks, Marble City Opera, Brevard Music Festival, Janiec Opera, Arizona Onstage productions, Northern Lights Music Festival, Opera Orlando, Kuala Lumpur City Opera, Gulfshore Opera, Gulfcoast Symphony Orchestra, Vero Beach Opera. Savannah Voice Festival and Opera North and The Vienna Summer Music Festival.

Johnathan Lee Iverson (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / WRITER) began his career circling the globe and crisscrossing the United States, as a member of The Boys Choir of Harlem, gracing the world’s most renowned stages, including the Broadway stage under the direction of the legendary Geoffrey Holder in “The Boys Choir of Harlem & Friends” at the Richard Rogers Theater. In addition to performing before world leaders and dignitaries, including United States Presidents, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and Jimmy Carter, as well as, Noble Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, Iverson has shared the stage with such artist as Lou Rawls, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Betty Buckley, Pete Seeger, Zubin Mehta, Perry Cuomo, Kathleen Battle, Shirley Verett, Tony Bennett, James DePriest and Lena Horne, all before the age of eighteen.

A proud graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art & Performing Arts and The Hartt School of the University of Hartford, Iverson took his first steps into the pages of history at only 22 years old, when he became the youngest, the first New Yorker, and the first African American Ringmaster in the near 150 year history of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.[1] Iverson’s presence at The Greatest Show On Earth set box office records for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey throughout the United States. Audiences and critics alike were immediately smitten by the native New Yorker. Ebony magazine said of him: “The instant he appears out of the darkness and into the spotlight…the audience is rapt.” The San Francisco Examiner stated: “Now imagine mesmerizing the crowd with a powerful voice and the bearing of a superstar.” The Times-Picayune wrote: “Tall and self assured…he works a crowd like a three ring evangelist.” And syndicated columnist Liz Smith gushed: “I…liked six foot [five] youngest ringmaster ever, Johnathan Lee Iverson, who is commanding enough to be noticed in the melee, and he can sing.”

During his legendary tenure with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Iverson was one of the busiest live entertainers in the world, performing an estimated 450 shows annually in arenas around the United States and Mexico. As the voice of The Greatest Show On Earth, Johnathan has been seen and heard via numerous media outlets including, print, broadcast and the world wide web. He is also a featured blogger for the Huffington Post, among other publications. His many accolades include being selected as one of Barbara Walters’ 10 Most Fascinating People. Iverson’s historical tenure with The Greatest Show On Earth is featured in numerous publications, including, “Black First: 4, 000 Ground-Breaking and Pioneering Historical Events” by Jessie Carney Smith,”African-American First” by Joan Potter, “Live Life! Be Young, Black, and Successful” by Quincy Benton, “Beat of a Different Drum: The Untold Stories of African-Americans Forging Their Own Paths in Work and Life” by Dax-Devlon Ross and “Beyond the Statistics” by Zane Massey.

Established in the mind of its Founder & Executive Director, Nicole Dupré, Opera del Sol was manifested from her adoration for all things Orlando and her love for opera. Having labored for nearly a decade in various capacities within the world of the performing arts, Nicole imagined, believed, and then conceived a way of facilitating opera for a 21st Century audience. Lifting it beyond the opera house and over the walls of the concert hall and delivering it straight to a multigenerational and multiethnic audience, via Central Florida’s most cherished structures is its mission.

Since 2009, Nicole Dupré has worked alongside and within numerous Performing Arts institutions, including Opera Orlando, The Orlando Philharmonic, Stetson University, UCF, The Orlando Ballet, Vero Beach Opera Company, among others. As a heavily sought after Hair, Makeup and Wig Designer her work has been seen in such productions as: Madama Butterfly, La Traviata, Tosca, Barber of Seville, Marriage of Figaro, Impresario, Les mamelles de Tiresias, Don Pasquale, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Don Giovanni, Magic Flute, Candide, Beauty & the Beast, Don Quiote, Dracula and many more. Her highly regarded expertise in skincare has earned the trust of such notable clientele as: FORBES Magazine, The Today Show, MSNBC, The Golf Channel, WESH2News, and even a 500lb. tiger.

Affectionately regarded as the unofficial Empress Of Orlando, Nicole Dupré is unapologetic about her love and zeal for Orlando. As a graduate of The Mayor’s City Academy, she has determined to help shape Orlando’s Performing Arts culture. Opera del Sol endeavors to re imagine operatic classics, cultivate and create modern gems and expose audiences of every age and background to the wonders of the Performing Arts.