LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT THEIR WORDS,
Every day at AVA, Resident Artists dedicate themselves to the lifelong pursuit of artistic excellence. They arrive with raw talent and relentless drive and grow into world-class performers. Because of you, these young artists receive over 900 hours of personalized training each year in voice, stagecraft, languages, and dramatic interpretation—all without the burden of tuition. You make this possible. Your generosity lifts financial barriers, fuels ambition, and allows each artist to focus entirely on their craft. You are not just funding training but investing in people— their dreams, voices, and futures.
Thanks to your support, AVA continues to be a haven for bold expression and creative risk. Your commitment empowers the next generation of opera artists to carry this art form forward with heart, passion, and purpose.
With Gratitude,
Scott Guzielek President and Artistic Director
THE AVA EDUCATION
22 Resident Artists attend AVA’s accredited 4-year Artist Diploma program.
During their 4 years of study, Resident Artists will spend:
• 180 hours in 1:1 lessons with world-class Vocal Faculty
• 720 hours working with Master Vocal Coaches
“For me, being part of AVA means having the chance to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of these young and inspirational opera singers. I’ve seen them rise to major opera stages and have built lifelong relationships along the way. The intimacy at AVA is unique, and these artists’ gratitude is deeply moving. When you nurture them, you are nurturing the future of opera. That has made me reflect on the legacy I hope to leave behind .”
– Dr. Ruth Ryave, Board Member
• 510 hours of performance studies, such as language studies, opera rehearsal, and acting classes
• 210 hours of related studies, including opera history, professional development, and voice science seminars.
Since its founding in 1934, AVA has provided full-tuition scholarships to every Resident Artist, worth over $100,000 per year of study.
Performing for live audiences is a critical part of AVA education. You enhance their training at every performance you attend.
NEW DESIGNS, NEW PERSPECTIVES
Mozart’s Così fan tutte performed February 22 –March 1, 2025
Gounod’s Faust performed November 16 –December 3, 2024
Mascagni’s L’amico Fritz performed April 26 – May 6, 2025
This season, AVA President and Artistic Director Scott Guzielek assembled a new production team whose bold ideas and fresh perspectives enriched every element of our performances. From evocative sets to compelling direction and musical leadership, each collaborator helped reimagine how we bring opera to life, introducing new storytelling techniques and professional standards across design, direction, and conducting. This created a more intentionally immersive, demanding experience for our Resident Artists, fostering adaptability, collaboration, and deeper artistic understanding. At AVA, education goes beyond vocal technique—our singers gain the versatility, creativity, and insight needed to thrive in today’s professional opera world.
“Each role pushes me to new heights vocally and artistically. AVA has been instrumental in enabling me to refine my craft, providing the training and support necessary to turn challenges into growth. I’ve developed the confidence to make my own artistic decisions.”
– Luke Norvell, 4th Year Tenor
AVA Opera Theater Production Team
Cameron Anderson, Resident Scenic Designer, AVA Debut
Steven White, Conductor for Faust
Chas Rader-Shieber, Director for Faust, AVA Debut
Robert Kahn, Conductor for Così fan tutte, AVA’s Assistant Conductor
José Maria Condemi, Director for Così fan tutte, AVA Debut
Joseph Colaneri, Conductor for L’amico Fritz, AVA Debut
Jeffrey Buchman, Director for L’amico Fritz
Set renderings designed by AVA’s Resident Scenic Designer Cameron Anderson.
YOUR IMPACT RESIDENT ARTIST ACCOMPLISHMENTS
“Here, you’re the principal artist, chorus, cover—you do it all. For the first time, I’m learning one opera while performing another. It’s helped me organize my time and immerse myself at a professional pace. I’m grateful for this immersive training and the opportunity to grow without financial worries. I feel supported, seen, and connected to Philadelphia’s vibrant arts scene.”
– Katherine Dobbs, 1st Year Mezzo-Soprano
“My late husband, Kenneth Ahl, and I became involved with AVA because it united our love of opera with our commitment to education of the highest quality. We were so inspired that we established the Italian Study Fund, which supports Resident Artists to learn opera’s primary language while studying and performing in Italy. We followed their careers and traveled to hear them. How thrilling to see them compete and sing on stages throughout the world!”
– Dr. Diane Cole Ahl, Board Member
2025 SUMMER PROGRAMS
Des Moines Metro Opera Apprentice Artist Program: Daniela Machado, 1st Year Soprano; Katherine Dobbs, 1st Year Mezzo-Soprano; Cole McIlquham, 1st Year Tenor; Nan Wang, 2nd Year Bass-Baritone
Merola Opera Young Artists Program: Alexa Frankian, 1st Year Soprano; Ariana Maubach, 2nd Year Mezzo-Soprano
Glimmerglass Festival Mainstage Artist: Lydia Grindatto, 4th Year Soprano
Princeton Festival: Jacob Hanes, 1st Year Baritone
Music Academy of the West: Joshua Berg, 2nd Year Tenor
Opera Saratoga Festival: Geoffrey Schmelzer, 2nd Year Baritone
Wolf Trap Opera Studio Artist Program: Julianna Smith, 1st Year Mezzo-Soprano
Opera Neo: Julianna Smith, 1st Year Mezzo-Soprano
Glyndebourne Festival: Cumhur Görgün, 3rd Year Bass
Teatro Nuovo Summer Program: Cumhur Görgün, 3rd Year Bass
MAJOR COMPETITION WINS:
The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition
Angel Raii Gomez, 4th Year Tenor National Finalist
Ariana Maubach, 2nd Year Mezzo-Soprano National Semi-Finalist
The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, Philadelphia District:
Nan Wang, 2nd Year Bass-Baritone Winner
Alla Yarosh, 3rd Year Mezzo-Soprano Winner
Raúl Morales Velazco, 1st Year Bass Winner
Katherine Dobbs, 1st Year Mezzo-Soprano Encouragement Award
Alexa Frankian, 1st Year Soprano Encouragement Award
Daniela Machado, 1st Year Soprano Encouragement Award
The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, Kansas City District: Veronica Richer, 2nd Year Soprano Winner
The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, St. Louis District:
Geoffrey Schmelzer, 2nd Year Baritone Encouragement Award
Giargiari Bel Canto Competition
Raúl Morales Velazco, 1st Year Bass 1st Place
Cumhur Görgün, 3rd Year Bass 2nd Place
Luke Norvell, 4th Year Tenor Audience Choice Award
Opera Mississippi Vocal Competition
Geoffrey Schmelzer, 2nd Year Baritone 1st Place Crossover Winner
Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Competition
Ariana Maubach, 2nd Year Mezzo-Soprano 1st Place & Audience Choice
Mario Lanza Institute Scholarship Competition
Julianna Smith, 1st Year Mezzo-Soprano 2nd Place
Mildred Miller International Voice Competition
Julianna Smith, 1st Year Mezzo-Soprano 3rd Place
YOU MAKE AVA HAPPEN 60
AVA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Harold F. (Rick) Pitcairn II
Chairman of the Board
Susan E. Kane
Vice Chair & Treasurer
Neal W. Krouse
Vice Chair & Secretary
B.A. (Mackie) MacLean, Jr.
Chairman Emeritus
Dr. Diane Cole Ahl
R. Randolph Apgar
Christine Batchelor
Barbara Donnelly Bentivoglio
Judith Broudy
Alice Chase
Kristin Davidson
Dr. Julie Fairman
Lily Ferry
Scott Hickman
I. Gail Howard
Dr. Richard B. Kent
Rochelle Magarick
Dr. Douglas J. Manion
Joseph W. McGuire, Esq.
Marlene F. Milner
Latonia Moore (’04)
Katherine L. Niven, Esq.
Stephen Parahus
Merle Raab
Suzanne Root, Esq.
Dr. Ruth Ryave
Corey Smith
Walter M. Strine Jr., Esq.
Richard L. Troxell II (’92)
Maria G. Vogiatzi, M.D.
P. Jeffrey Warden
Gordon Wase, Esq.
EMERITUS
Dr. Romeo Abella
Kay Bossone
Peter G. Gould
Martha R. Hurt
Francis J. Palamara*
Charlotte H. Watts
*In memoriam
• Annual budget comes from generous supporters like you.
• Expenses are dedicated to our Resident Artists. These funds fuel the life and career-changing opportunities AVA offers.”
LEADERSHIP
Scott Guzielek
President and Artistic Director
Christofer Macatsoris
Jeannine B. Cowles Music Director Chair
STAFF
Administration
Dr. Josh Miller
Dean of Students and Artistic Administrator
José Meléndez
Assistant to the Music Director and Librarian
Rebecca Carr
Coordinator for Opera Outreach
Laura Avellino
Administrative Associate
Finance
Constantina (Dina) Christou, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Eileen Cella
Director of Finance and Business Operations
Amalia Wilson
Bookkeeper
Development
Jason Ward
Director of Institutional Advancement
Judith Lovat
Special Events Manager
Emily Bernard
Development Manager
Stephen Trygar
Development and Alumni Relations Coordinator
Marketing
Bill Buddendorf
Director of Patron Engagement
Andrew Rohe
Marketing and Public Relations Manager
Production and Facilities
Troy Martin-O’Shia
Production and Facilities Manager
Kel Fleming
Stage Manager
FACULTY
Voice Instructors
Bill Schuman
Luis Ledesma
Sally Wolf
“At AVA, we honor operatic traditions and ignite a fresh flame within them. The Resident Artists here immerse themselves in the craft, gaining the tools to fuel that flame of excellence and passion in every performance.
AVA’s commitment to investing in a love for the art and the pursuit of excellence is what allows our artists to flourish.”
– Steven White, Guest Conductor
Wendy Bryn Harmer
Benita Valente (adjunct faculty)
Florence Quivar (adjunct faculty)
Master Vocal Coaches
David Antony Lofton
Danielle Orlando
Richard A. Raub
Luke Housner
Vocal Coaches
Michael Lewis
Audrey Saint-Gil
Pianists
José Meléndez
Elise Auerbach
Ting Ting Wong
Gabriel Rebolla
Assistant Conductor
Robert Kahn
Class Instructors
Ennio Brugnolo
Instructor in Italian
Beth Clayton CMHC MM
Mental Wellness Coach
David Cognetti, M.D.
Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Jefferson University
Charles Conwell
Instructor in Stage Combat
Paul Curran
Instructor in Acting
Chuck Hudson
Instructor in Acting
Amanda Johnston
Instructor in German
Nicole Layseca
Instructor in French
Lisa Lovelace
Instructor in Stage Movement and Dance
Dr. Josh Miller
Professional Development Faculty
David Radamés Toro
Instructor in Acting
Bob Rowland
Instructor in Opera History
Dr. Julia Zavadsky
Russian Diction Coach