Our Cast
The Impresario & Cavalleria Rusticana
Yi Li
Auditioning Tenor/Turiddu
Recently, tenor Yi Li débuted the role of Cheng Quing in Meredith Monk’s ATLAS with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and made his role début as Dick Johnson in La fanciulla del West in Maryland Lyric Opera’s inaugural season. He subsequently returned there as Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor and Turridu/Luigi in Il tabarro/Cavalleria rusticana and to The Metropolitan Opera as the Young Lover in Il tabarro. Last season, Mr. Li returned to Opera Tampa as Rodolfo in La bohème and he reprised his Fenton in Falstaff for his house début with Portland Opera. This season he makes his Opera Orlando début as Rodolfo. Recently, he joined Hawaii Opera Theatre to reprise his Rodolfo and to sing Canio in Pagliacci; he also reprised Tan Dun’s Buddha Passion with the National Academy of Saint Cecilia in Rome. He returned to Maryland Lyric Opera as Cassio in Otello and as Fenton, and he performed Buddha Passion with the Seattle Symphony.
Hilary Ginther
Auditioning Soprano/Santuzza
Mezzo-soprano, Hilary Ginther, has been equally hailed as a bravura artist in classical grand opera and contemporary works. Opera Now Magazine profiled her as one of ten young American singers intent on taking the opera world by storm, calling attention both to her "terrific stage presence" and "substantial and richly colored instrument". Ms. Ginther's Philadelphia Orchestra debut as a featured soloist in the orchestra's first-ever performances of Bernstein's MASS under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin has been recorded by Deutsche Grammophon and was internationally released in commemoration of the composer's centenary. Future engagements for 2025-26 include her debut as the Alto Soloist in Händel's The Messiah with The National Chorale at David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center, NYC, her long awaited role debut as Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana with Vero Beach Opera, Flora in La Traviata with Opera Columbus, and Suzuki in Madama Butterfly with Opera Louisiane.
Susan Neves
Madame Herz/Mama Lucia
Susan Neves commands a repertoire of some of the most challenging roles written for soprano and has been acclaimed in theaters such as the Opera Bastille in Paris, the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Vienna State Opera, Gran Teatro del Liceu in Barcelona, Monte Carlo, and opera houses throughout Italy including l’Arena di Verona, Bologna, Genoa, Parma, and Cagliari. She is a sought-after teacher and coach in New York City and Orlando, Florida. She has taught at Stetson University, at the Miami Summer Music Festival at Florida International University, and has given Master Classes at the Manhattan School of Music. Susan Neves is a native New Yorker with a French mother and a Portuguese father. Consequently, she feels at home in whatever city she performs, and speaks several languages.
Catherine Ortega Spitzer
Madamoiselle Silverklang/Lola
Recognized for her grace and warmth of tone, soprano Catherine Ortega Spitzer is an accomplished performer currently based in South Florida. She is a versatile soloist of elegance and strength, comfortable performing in a variety of genres from opera, to oratorio, to musical theater. Catherine most recently appeared as a Professional Artist In Residence with Gulfshore Opera performing in several concerts throughout Southwest Florida. Prior to that, she sang the role of Rosalinda in First Coast Opera’s New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day performances of Die Fledermaus. She was also featured as the soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Miami Oratorio Society. Last seasons’ engagements included a performance with the Miami Oratorio Society as the soprano soloist in a concert of Easter selections from Handel’s Messiah as well as a concert performance with Vero Beach Opera in La Bella Italia “Remembering Sergio Franchi.” She was also thrilled to sing selections from musical theater, operetta, and opera for Vero Beach Opera’s Valentine’s Day themed parlor concert. A favorite role includes Penelope Ann in Penelope Ann’s Revenge, a world premiere by First Coast Opera and A Classic Theatre with music by Curtis Tucker and lyrics by Nelson Sheeley.
Jonathan Lasch
Auditioning Baritone/Buff/Alfio
Jonathan's photo and bio coming soon.