Liederabend Biographies

Biographies Kevin Bird is a rising pianist from Southern California, passionate about artistic excellence and committed to sharing his music with others. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy at California Baptist University. There, Kevin studies under the renowned pianist Dr. Andres Jaramillo. Kevin has perform ed in a variety of solo and chamber settings throughout his career, and he continues to perform with his university’s Symphony Orchestra, Collegium Musicum, and Chamber Ensemble. As a collaborative pianist, Kevin is well-experienced.

He has collaborated with several vocalists and instrumentalists in California. Kevin also serves as the rehearsal pianist for California Baptist University’s opera productions. In addition to performing, Kevin maintains a private piano studio, teaching students both in person and online. He is passionate about teaching music to others, cultivating a deeper appreciation for classical music within the community.

William Bolin, 20, is an aspiring baritone with a deep love for lieder and artsong. He most recently portrayed the role of Papageno with CBU Opera Theater’s production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”. He also enjoys classical literature and sailing.

Fred Carama is widely known as one of the most respected voice teachers in the United States. His students perform on the world’s leading opera and concert stages in repertoire ranging from baroque to bel canto, and from Wagner to contemporary musical theater. With an extensive background in physiology and anatomy, Mr. Carama combines the aesthetics of great singing with a profound understanding of the fundamentals of vocal health. Mr. Carama has led workshops and masterclasses across the United States, Canada, and abroad. A graduate of The Juilliard School in piano performance, he served as a collaborative pianist, coach accompanist, and studio pianist for the voice studios of many notable voice teachers in the New York area. He joined the faculty at the California Institute of the

Arts in the early 1980s, soon becoming Chairman of the Voice Department and, in addition to teaching voice, conducting and directing the school's opera and musical theater performances.

Mr. Carama has also served on the voice faculties of Aspen Music Festival, Manhattan School of Music, Long Beach State University, and State University of New York at Stonybrook. He served for fifteen years with Marilyn Horne, as principal voice instructor at the Music Academy of the West. He now serves on the vocal faculty at California Baptist University. Mr. Carama also maintains a private vocal studio in Los Angeles. His students comprise many of the country's leading operatic singers and teachers.

Carly Catiller is a freshman majoring in Music Education with an emphasis in choral music. A dedicated performer, she has been involved in twenty‑four theatrical productions, portraying roles such as SpongeBob in SpongeBob the Musical, Persephone in Hadestown, and Vera Claythorne in And Then There Were None. She also enjoys the creative world behind the scenes and has designed costumes for three shows. Over the span of four years, Carly has participated in a variety of choirs, experiences that helped shape her passion for vocal performance. She is currently involved in the CBU Opera program, Camerata, and the University Choir and Orchestra. Carly is deeply thankful to God for His guidance and to her mentors, family, and friends for the unwavering support that has encouraged her every step of the way.

Dr. Jennifer Cruz is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Keyboard Collaborative Arts at CBU. A versatile collaborator across campus, she serves as staff pianist for SoPA student recitals, juries, Camerata, and faculty showcases. An international performer and clinician, she holds degrees from Eastman and a DMA from USC, and is dedicated to mentoring students toward sustainable, meaningful musical careers.

Isaiah Elben is a graduating senior at California Baptist University’s Collinsworth School of Performing Arts, where he performs with University Choir and Orchestra, Camerata, and Opera Theater. This spring he performed as Papageno in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and last year appeared as Marco in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. In high school, he participated in nine theater productions, including lead roles such as Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde, Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray, and Dennis in All Shook Up. In 2020, his theater company advanced to the Georgia State One Act Competition, where he played Colonel Mustard in Clue: On Stage. In 2021, his quartet placed second in the All-State GHSA Private Literary Competition. Isaiah now assists in leading worship at Chino Valley Community Church.

He will complete a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and begin a Master of Arts in Worship Arts this fall.

Ashley Espinoza has had the privilege of performing on distinguished stages, including Carnegie Hall as part of a featured choir, and singing in the Vatican with California Baptist University’s Camerata Choir. Her stage experience includes performing the role of Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors and appearing as the Second Lady in The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at California Baptist University. She continues to develop her artistry through both solo and ensemble performance. Ashley is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music, having previously earned her Associate’s degree in Music Performance from Los Angeles Valley College. She has studied classical voice for the past three years and is currently working toward a career as a professional performer and music director.

Kevin Alvarez Gonzalez is a 23 year old Bass-Baritone, specializing in Opera, and is currently pursuing a Music, BA here at California Baptist University. He has performed in collaboration with the Los Angeles Master Chorale through their Oratorio Project program with the Van Nuys High School choir; solo and group performances with the Metropolitan Master Chorale; and performed with the LA Lawyers Philharmonic for their 15th Anniversary Concert Extraordinaire. He played Simone in CBU Opera’s Gianni Schicchi and played both Simone and Betto with Varna International Music Academy in their production of Gianni Schicchi. He most recently played Sarastro in CBU Opera’s performance of The Magic Flute.

Uriah Henderson is a freshman at California Baptist University, majoring in Vocal Performance. A lover of music from an early age, she comes from a musical family and often performs at special events. She most recently performed in a production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” with CBU Opera Theater as The First Spirit. Ms. Henderson has also performed in Carnegie Hall with a chamber ensemble.

Christopher Hi is an emerging operatic tenor with a comprehensive musical background rooted in instrumental performance. From 2021 to 2023, Chris was a member of the Metropolitan Master Chorale, where he gained substantial experience in advanced choral performance and large-scale works. He holds an associate degree in music from Los Angeles Valley College. Currently, Chris is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in opera at California Baptist University. He has been cast as Tamino in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, to be presented by the CBU 2026 Opera class and has also been cast as Monostatos in Pacific Symphony's 2026 Leopold and The Magic Flute. Through continued academic and performance training, Chris is committed to refining vocal technique, musicianship, and interpretive artistry in preparation for a professional career.

Pianist Hyoung Kim maintains a versatile performing career as both a recitalist and chamber musician. Praised for his remarkable interpretations, he has earned national recognition through prizewinning performances in numerous competitions and appearances in recitals across the United States, Europe, and Asia. As a soloist, he has appeared with several orchestras, including the Greek Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Sinfonietta. His international concert engagements have taken him throughout Europe—including Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Croatia—as well as across Asia, with featured appearances in Thailand and Korea.

Deeply committed to teaching, Dr. Kim has cultivated a thriving studio whose students have achieved notable success, winning major competitions, performing with orchestras, and gaining admission to leading conservatories and universities throughout the United States. His teaching appointments have included the Eastman School of Music, the California School of the Arts, Montecito International Music Festival, the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, and California Baptist University.

Melind Landis is a soprano and Vocal Performance major at California Baptist University’s Collinsworth School of Music, where she is a freshman studying under Professor Stephens. She is passionate about storytelling through classical, commercial, and musical theatre repertoire, bringing depth and emotional connection to her performances. Melind began her formal vocal training at the age of 12 after being accepted into the Vocal Arts Conservatory at the California School of the Arts. She later continued her classical voice studies at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, further developing her technique and artistry. A dynamic and expressive performer, Melind has appeared in nine musical productions, performing leading roles such as Lucy in "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown", Beth in "Little Women", the Fairy Godmother in "Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella", and Mother Abbess in "The Sound of Music". In addition to her stage experience, she was actively involved in music leadership throughout high school, serving as a worship band leader. Melind brings a heartfelt and expressive approach to her singing and is honored to share her work in this Liederabend performance.

Eunsom Lee studied Vocal Performance at UC Berkeley and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance at California Baptist University. She has actively participated in a wide range of performances, portraying roles such as Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Musetta in La Bohème, Elizabeth in the contemporary opera Frankenstein, Mary in an Easter musical production, and Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. Her choral experience includes the University Baroque Ensemble, Chamber Choir, and Teen Harmony Ensemble, as well as collaborative concerts with Ensemble Ari and UBO. In addition to her stage work, she is actively engaged as a voice actor, participating in a variety of vocal projects across multiple genres.

Evelyn Pan is a senior music major at California Baptist University, concentrating in opera and musical theater singing styles. She has a background in classical piano as well, bringing both technical discipline and expressive artists to her musicianship. She recently was seen as The Second Spirit in CBU Opera Theater’s production of “The Magic Flute”.

Additionally, she enjoys singing and playing several other genres of music including: musical theater, gospel, pop and more! She currently serves as a vocalist on the worship team at Magnolia Church.

Alejandra Reyes is a second-year student at CBU, majoring in Music for Worship Arts & Ministry. Her greatest passion is leading people into the presence of God through musical worship. Alejandra is a worship leader in the youth ministry at The Rock Church & World Outreach Center and is using her education to develop her musicality, vocal technique, and worship-leading skills to become a full-time worship leader at a church in the future.

Mariah Shrout is a Dramatic Soprano who has been singing her entire life. Raised in a musical household she spent her childhood singing for fun and as part of her family, in concert.

Raised with a preliminary knowledge of worship music she began to discover her love of performance music and opera as she became an adult. Now studying under her coach Fred Carama she has plans to advance both her performing and knowledge of voice. She has also now been able perform in operas as a chorus member in ‘Marriage of Figaro’, the Lawyer in ‘Gianni Schicci’, and the First Lady in ‘Die Zauberflöte’.