18th Annual Messiah Sing Along

HANDEL Messiah: Part I
CERULLI Christmas Sing-Along

American soprano Mary Anne Kruger has earned acclaim across Europe and the United States for her vocal brilliance, expressive artistry, and commanding stage presence. Equally at home in lyric and dramatic repertoire, she has built an impressive career spanning more than forty major operatic and concert roles.

A graduate of Indiana University, Kruger studied with the legendary Margaret Harshaw, whose mentorship shaped generations of world-class singers. After completing her degree, she moved to Germany, where she rapidly established herself on the European opera circuit. Her repertoire is remarkable for both its vocal range—from Pamina in Die Zauberflöte to Salome—and its stylistic diversity, encompassing roles such as Poppea in Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea and Anne Trulove in Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. She has been featured in numerous world and German premieres, earning a reputation for her musical intelligence and fearless approach to contemporary works.

Kruger built the foundation of her extensive repertoire during her tenure at the Hessisches Staatstheater Darmstadt and has since performed in more than twenty major European houses, including the Bayerische Staatsoper–Nationaltheater Munich, Staatstheater Stuttgart, Theater Basel, and the Latvian National Opera. Her artistry has been praised by critics across Europe—Opernwelt described her Contessa (Le nozze di Figaro) as “dazzling,” while Orfeus International hailed her Salome as “worthy of the greatest houses.”

Mary Anne Kruger has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, appearing frequently under the baton of Aaron Collins. Among her many collaborations are the acclaimed world premieres of Christopher Marshall’s Canco del Mar and Mark Piszczek’s Brigit and the Banshee—two works composed expressly for Kruger and fellow soprano Amy Cofield. These performances not only showcased Kruger’s rare gift for shaping contemporary music with emotional immediacy and dramatic insight but also affirmed her deep commitment to championing living composers and expanding the modern vocal repertoire.

A consummate musician and passionate advocate for the arts, Mary Anne Kruger continues to perform and mentor emerging singers. She resides in Satellite Beach, Florida, with her husband and their two beloved dogs, sharing her wealth of international experience and artistry with audiences and the next generation of performers.

Mezzo-soprano Jacquelyn Pileckas has distinguished herself as a dynamic and versatile performer, appearing frequently with leading companies throughout Central Florida, including Opera Tampa, Opera Orlando, and Central Florida Vocal Arts. Recognized for her rich tone, expressive phrasing, and strong stage presence, she brings both musical and dramatic depth to every performance.

Recent operatic engagements have highlighted her wide-ranging artistry. She portrayed Ruth Bader Ginsburg in Opera del Sol’s acclaimed production of Scalia/Ginsburg, a role that showcased her dramatic poise and vocal command. As Jo March in Harrower Summer Opera’s Little Women, she embodied the character’s passion and independence with warmth and sensitivity. Her portrayal of Alisa in Opera Williamsburg’s Lucia di Lammermoor further demonstrated her ability to bring sincerity and precision to the bel canto repertoire.

In addition to her work on the opera stage, Jacquelyn maintains an active presence in the sacred music community. She serves as section leader at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando and is a frequent guest soloist at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Gainesville. Her recent appearances there include featured solos in major choral masterworks such as Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Bach’s St. John Passion, and Ellingboe’s Requiem. Her contributions in these settings have been marked by artistry, professionalism, and a deep respect for the musical and spiritual dimensions of the repertoire.

Jacquelyn earned her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Florida, where she refined her technique and interpretive skills under distinguished mentorship. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, where she first cultivated her passion for operatic and concert performance.

In the upcoming season, Jacquelyn will appear as the alto soloist in the Bach Magnifcat at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and will join Opera Tampa in their upcoming productions of The Shining and The Magic Flute.  As her career continues to flourish, she remains dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence, bringing intelligence, authenticity, and emotional depth to her performances across both operatic and sacred music stages.

Bryan Hayes is a versatile vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and composer whose artistry transcends genre boundaries. Equally at home in the worlds of Classical, Jazz, Blues, Soul, R&B, Rock, and Pop, he brings a distinctive blend of technical mastery and heartfelt expression to every performance.

A graduate of the University of North Florida, Bryan earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Classical Voice Performance and Jazz Studies (Voice) in 2013. This rare combination of disciplines has allowed him to develop a unique musical identity—one grounded in classical precision yet infused with the freedom and improvisational spirit of jazz.

Throughout his career, Bryan has appeared in countless concerts and productions across the globe. He has performed major roles in opera, oratorio, and musical theatre, captivating audiences with his commanding stage presence and expressive vocal range. His international performances include appearances with the University of North Florida and University of British Columbia Opera Ensembles in two separate productions in the Czech Republic, as well as a tour of Italy with the UNF Chorale in 2010. In 2014, he joined the St. John’s Cathedral Choir of Jacksonville on their distinguished tour of Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral in England. That same year, he also performed as a featured vocalist aboard Carnival Cruise Lines, further expanding his professional reach.

Closer to home, Bryan has become a familiar face in Central Florida’s vibrant music scene, performing frequently with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera Orlando, among other regional ensembles. His collaborations span an impressive spectrum of styles and artists, including performances with The Royal Symphony of England, Reggie Wooten, Coolio, Ben Folds, and Andrea Bocelli—each partnership reflecting his versatility and deep musical sensitivity.

In 2015, Bryan released his debut album of original music, This Is Me, showcasing his talents as a composer and songwriter. The project reflects both his personal journey and his wide-ranging influences, weaving together soulful lyricism, intricate harmonies, and heartfelt storytelling.

As he continues to evolve as an artist, Bryan remains dedicated to a lifelong pursuit of performance, collaboration, and creative exploration. Whether on the concert stage, in the recording studio, or composing new works, his mission is clear—to inspire, connect, and move audiences through the universal language of music.

American baritone Jacob Pence is celebrated for his versatility, commanding vocal power, and magnetic stage presence. Acclaimed for a voice described as “robust and colorful,” he brings a rare blend of classical refinement and dramatic authenticity to both opera and musical theatre. Whether performing on grand stages or in more intimate settings, Pence captivates audiences with performances that balance precision, passion, and character.

A native of Crestwood, Kentucky, Pence earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Evansville and his Master of Music degree from The Ohio State University. His academic training laid the groundwork for a career that has since flourished across the United States, with performances for St. Petersburg Opera Company, Opera Tampa, Kentucky Opera, Indianapolis Opera, and Opera Orlando. He has further refined his artistry through engagements with the Martina Arroyo Foundation and the Crested Butte Music Festival, programs renowned for nurturing exceptional emerging talent.

Pence’s repertoire encompasses more than twenty leading and supporting roles that highlight his remarkable range and dramatic versatility. Among his notable portrayals are the clever and charismatic Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro, the darkly compelling Judge Turpin in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, and the endearing Corporal in Donizetti’s La fille du régiment. Equally adept in both comedy and tragedy, he brings nuance, emotional depth, and a strong sense of character to works such as Die Fledermaus, Carmen, and other pillars of the operatic repertoire.

An accomplished concert soloist, Pence has been featured in major choral and sacred works, lending his resonant baritone to Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and the Requiems of Duruflé and Fauré. A devoted advocate for new music, he frequently collaborates with living composers, premiering contemporary works and contributing to the evolving dialogue of modern vocal performance.

In addition to his performing career, Pence is deeply committed to arts education and community outreach. As Education Coordinator for Indianapolis Opera, he developed initiatives designed to inspire young audiences and support the growth of future performers.

Now based in Central Florida, Jacob Pence continues to inspire listeners through performances distinguished by expressive depth, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to storytelling through song.