The Music Center's 37th Annual Spotlight Grand Finale Program Book
Friday, June 6, 2025
The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre 37 th annual grand finale
Celebrating Southern California’s Young Artists
The Music Center’s Spotlight program is a journey to excellence that guides young artists to focus their passions, to strive and to succeed. For 37 years, Southern California high school students have turned to The Music Center for world-class arts training, scholarships and college and career guidance — at no cost to them. Spotlight is a program of The Music Center’s programming engine, TMC Arts.
Join The Music Center as we develop tomorrow’s outstanding artists and leaders.
Classical Voice
Non-Classical Voice
Classical Instrumental
Contemporary
Instrumental
More than $2.9 M awarded in scholarships
More than 55,000 alumni
Kris Bowers
Gerald Clayton
Misty Copeland
Danielle de Niese
Josh Groban
Dylan Gutierrez
Derek Klena
Adam Lambert
Lindsay Mendez
Mason Alexander Park
Matthew Rushing
...and more.
Cover image and photos above by John McCoy for The Music Center.
Rachel Moore: The Music Center’s Spotlight Grand Finale
Welcome to The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre and to a grand night of celebration as we experience performances by the 14 talented finalists in The Music Center’s Spotlight program. We are so proud of these students and honored to share this amazing evening with you!
These incredible artists represent some of the best not only in Los Angeles, but also in all of Southern California. Spotlight is truly a Southern California program, welcoming high school applicants from Kern County in the north to San Diego County in the south. In fact, this year alone, 19 percent of applicants hail from Orange County, which has been a longstanding feeder of participants for this highly valuable program.
As you will hear this evening, Spotlight is distinctive from other programs of its type in many ways: the program accepts students at every skill level and focuses on learning, growth and accessibility. Participants glean major benefits, including valuable feedback from numerous professional artists and arts administrators, mastery classes and mentorship, all for free. This is not a battle against others, but rather a journey towards personal excellence.
As one of The Music Center’s oldest programs, Spotlight is part of The Music Center’s commitment to nurturing young people and has transformed more than tens of thousands of lives. More than 1,600 teens, representing 269 schools, 174 cities and eight counties, auditioned this year, and five of the 113 semifinalists earned spots in two separate artistic categories in this prestigious program. Thanks to our incredible donors, The Music Center has awarded more than $2.9 million in scholarships and transformed the lives of more than 55,000 high school students.
For these reasons, The Music Center decided this year to celebrate this program with a gala, The Music Center’s Spotlight Grand Gala, which we unveiled tonight with a beautiful dinner in The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. This will be an annual event, offering us an opportunity to salute the success of the finalists and the impact of this program. We are very grateful to those who attended and supported our inaugural Spotlight Grand Gala
It takes a very large village to make this program a success, including our hardworking staff as well as the many extraordinary professional artists and arts educators, who participate in auditions, provide constructive written feedback to participants, lead mastery classes, judge performances and more. The interactions they have with the students are pivotal, helping these young people refine their craft with professional critique and guidance. We are very grateful for the passion these professionals have for their work and their support for Spotlight.
Our heartfelt thanks for the generosity of the many donors who support Spotlight with gifts throughout the year. Thank you to lead endowment benefactor and founding chairman of Spotlight Fredric Roberts, Edgerton Foundation, Robert Gold and Cathy Stone. You, along with our Spotlight Grand Gala supporters, make it possible for these young people to dream big and for all of us to delight in their aspirations.
Enjoy the show!
Warmly,
Rachel S. Moore President & CEO The Music Center
Cindy Miscikowski Board Chair, The Music Center
Rachel S. Moore President and CEO, The Music Center
Gaile Executive Producer
Fredric Roberts Founding Chairman, Spotlight Credits
Jeri Gaile has dedicated more than four decades to a dynamic and multifaceted career in the arts. For the past 24 years, she has served as the Fredric Roberts Senior Director of The Music Center’s Spotlight program, guiding thousands of young artists toward professional success. After graduating from the School of American Ballet under George Balanchine, Ms. Gaile became a principal dancer with the Los Angeles Ballet and performed with the San Francisco Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet. She went on to work extensively as an actress, singer and dancer in film and television, best known for her role as “Rose McKay” on the iconic series Dallas. Ms. Gaile has produced a range of arts programs, including The Music Center's Spotlight, the Dorothy B. Chandler Children’s Festival, and student dress rehearsals. She co-produced master classes for Performing Arts L.A. and served as a pre- and post-performance moderator for Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center. Through Spotlight, she launched Studio: Creative Futures to help students explore off-stage careers and develop essential life and career skills. A sought-after guest lecturer, Ms. Gaile has spoken for Screen Actors Guild Dancers in Transition, American Ballet Theatre, and numerous high schools and arts studios throughout Southern California. She has served on advisory boards for the Festival of New American Musicals and the August Wilson Monologue Competition, and has also contributed to the community through board roles with Vista Del Mar and the Home Safe Early Head Start programs.
Suzanna Guzmán is a two-time Emmy ® winner, Grammy ® nominee, and the 2023-24 Hispanic Opera Legend at LA Opera. She began her stage career as Amazon #2 in The King and I with Yul Brynner. A national finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Competition, Ms. Guzmán's portrayal of Carmen (HGO, Kennedy Center, Opéra de Nice) earned critical acclaim, with TIME calling her a “fire-breathing, singing actress.” Ms. Guzmán has also created roles in world premieres, including the Duchess of Alba in Mentotti’s GOYA, Paula in Catan’s Florencia , and Lucha in Yuval Sharon’s mobile opera Hopscotch. She hosted, wrote and produced the classical radio program Sunday Evening Opera on KMZT, and hosted the weekly PBS show Open Call. Awards include two L.A. Emmy ® Awards for her longtime role as host of the live televised L.A. County Holiday Celebration on PBS SoCal, produced by The Music Center. Honors include a doctor of music from Occidental College (2010), the 2006 Mentor of the Year Award from the Hispanic Scholarship Foundation and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nederlander Association. Recent theatre credits include Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music (La Mirada), Mrs. Chavez in Let the Eagle Fly (B Street), Dowager in Anastasia (Tuacahn) and Abuela at Bristol Riverside Theatre in Pa. Ms. Guzmán has been a Spotlight mastery class teacher and judge and is also on the roster of The Music Center's Performing Artists in Schools and Neighborhoods, where she presents her one-woman show, Don’t Be Afraid; It’s Just Opera!, which has served over 500,000 students across the U.S. For more, visit suzannaguzman.com.
Jeri
Photo courtesy of Erin Clendendin for The Music Center.
Photo by Dan Guerrero.
Host
Host
Opening
Kiera Sun & Liam Geoffroy
Adagio and Coda from Grand Pas Classique
Composed by:
Daniel-Francois Auber Choreography by: Victor Gsovsky
Evangeline Lien
Classical Instrumental
The Snow Maiden —Dance of the Buffoons
Composed by:
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Accompanied by:
Dr. Louise Thomas
River Novin
Dance
The Fear
Music & Lyrics by: Ben Howard Choreography by: River Novin
Madison Becerra
Classical Voice
Ah! Je veux vivre From the Opera: Roméo et Juliette
Composed by: Charles Gounod
Accompanied by:
Dr. Louise Thomas
The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre 37 th annual grand finale
Friday, June 6, 2025
Elie Samouhi Contemporary Instrumental
Red House
Composed by: Jimi Hendrix
Arranged by: Elie Samouhi
Accompanied by: Jake Reed, John Beasley and Michael Valerio
Liam Geoffroy Ballet
Lucien d’ Hervilly Variation
From the ballet: Paquita
Composed by: Edouard Deldevez
Choreography by: Marius Petipa
Harlem Shepherd Non-Classical Voice
Round Midnight Music & Lyrics by: Thelonious Monk
Arranged by: Jamey Tate
Matilda Luz
Concha Pearson
Acting Electricidad*
Character: Electricidad
Written by: Luis Alfaro
Minji Choi Classical Instrumental Tzigane
Composed by: Maurice Ravel Accompanied by: Dr. Louise Thomas
Emma Donnelly Dance
North to South Music by: Andy Stott Choreography by: Shahar Binyamini
Jane Hasty Classical Voice ¡Aleluya! Composed by: Manuel M. Ponce Accompanied by: Dr. Louise Thomas
Saoirse Sipes Contemporary Instrumental
Buhaina, Buhaina Composed by: Ray Brown
Arranged by: Nicola Sabato Accompanied by: John Beasley and Michael Valerio
Kiera Sun Ballet
Odile Act lll Variation
From the ballet: Swan Lake
Composed by: Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography by: Marius Petipa
Baz Felber Acting Women and Wallace Character: Wallace Kirkman Written by: Jonathan Sherman
Elina Ghosh Non-Classical Voice I Have Nothing
Music & Lyrics by: David Foster and Linda Thompson
Arranged by: Jamey Tate
Madison Becerra (Classical Voice), 18, is a senior at the Orange County School of the Arts in classical voice and opera performance. She has been singing since she was five years old and studies voice with Kathleen Martin, William Vendice and Vera Calabria. Performances include: Parnassus Society’s Madama Butterfly and La Fille Du Régiment. Roles include: Contessa in The Marriage of Figaro, Alice in Sunday Excursion and Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus. 2024 Awards include: California State Assembly Resolution 67th District; NATS LA, 1st place; Schmidt Competition, 3rd place and National Qualifier; Southern California Philharmonic Young Artists, 2nd place; Pacific Symphony’s Opera Focus Competition, 2nd place; and The Music Center's Spotlight Classical Voice Honorable Mention. Madison is grateful for her family’s support and thanks her amazing vocal teachers and coaches. This is Madison’s third year participating in Spotlight
Minji Choi (Classical Instrumental), 15, is a sophomore at Northwood High School. She has played for Margaret Batjer, Donald Weilerstein, Stefan Jackiw, Jessica Lee, Jinjoo Cho, Paul Kantor, Bing Wang, Ui-Youn Hong and Qian Zhou. Minji has soloed with the Pasadena Community Orchestra, the Southern California Philharmonic and the Bellflower Symphony, and will be performing with the Culver City Symphony and the Orchestra Collective of Orange County this year. Her recent awards include: the National YoungArts Winner (2025) and MTNA state winner (2024). Minji is a member of Smile Train OC and Clexical, and has attended Encore Summer Music Institute, Yellow Barn Young Artists Program and NYO2. Minji deeply thanks her family and her teacher Chloe Chiu for their everlasting support and guidance throughout her musical journey. This is Minji’s second year participating in Spotlight
Matilda Luz Concha Pearson (Acting), 17, is a junior at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts in theatre and musical theater. She studies voice with Kenny Youch. Roles include: Ariel in Footloose, Young Joan in The Female Pope, Megan Jones in Puffs!. Awards include: YoungArts Winner with Distinction in Pop Vocal (2024) and in Musical Theater (2025); The Music Center's Spotlight Semifinalist in Non-Classical Voice (2024 & 2025); Herb Alpert Scholarship award in music at California State Summer School for the Arts (2024). Her free time is spent playing guitar, taking photos and attending screamo shows. Matilda Luz would like to thank her mom for always supporting her in all her endeavors and crazy last-minute plans. She wouldn't be the person she is today without her. This is Matilda Luz's second year participating in Spotlight.
Emma Donnelly (Dance), 18, is a senior at The Bishop’s School and has been dancing since she was eight years old. She trains at Danceology Performing Arts Campus in all different dance styles under the direction of Nicole Lucia. Emma’s dance journey includes prestigious summer programs at The Juilliard School, Zeitgeist Dance Theater and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Awards and recognition include: YoungArts Winner with Distinction in Modern and Contemporary Dance (2024); U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts Nominee (2025); The Dance Award’s top 10 dancers (2020-2024) and The Music Center's Spotlight Dance Semifinalist (2024). She is a member of the Youth Grand Prix International Contemporary Ensemble, which recently showcased internationally. She participates in the National Charity League and peer counseling. Emma is immensely grateful to her family and mentors. This is Emma’s second year participating in Spotlight
Baz Felber (Acting), 17, is a junior at Ramón C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA). He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Jerry Herman Awards for his portrayal of Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten (2023) and for Herr Shultz in Cabaret (2024). Favorite VAPA roles include: Touchstone in Shakespeare’s As You Like It and Greg in A Chorus Line. Other roles include: Willem in the indie film Rehearsal and Branch in the West Coast DreamWorks pilot of Trolls the Musical Junior. Baz is the drummer and vocalist in three independent bands and sings with VAPA’s award-winning vocal jazz choir, SAGA. He wants to thank his teachers Mr. Goldyn, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Kanter and Mr. Lewis, his family, friends and In-N-Out Burger. This is Baz’s second year participating in Spotlight.
Liam Geoffroy (Ballet), 16, is a freshman at Huntington Beach High School and has been dancing since he was seven years old. He trains at the Dance Academy of Southern California under the direction of Christopher Sellars, Terri Sellars and Kathryn Morgan. Liam is a Young-Arts Dance/Ballet Winner (2025). His Youth Grand Prix Awards (YAGP) include: Grand Prix Winner, regionals and Pas Deux, 1st Place (2025); Finals, Top 12 junior men, classical ballet, (2024); junior men, classical ballet, 1st place (2022, 2023, 2024) and junior finalist (2021 & 2023). He also received a Boys Ballet Summer Intensive, Honorable Distinction Award (2024). Liam would love to become a professional ballet dancer and to inspire and tell stories through dance. He is very thankful to his teachers, peers and inspirations. This is Liam’s first year participating in Spotlight.
Elina Ghosh (Non-Classical Voice), 15, is a sophomore at West Ranch High School, where she sings in the choir. She studies voice with Lis Lewis. Performances include: lead vocalist in her band Fusion Fire; Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic Choir Ensemble at The Music Center's Walt Disney Concert Hall (2022–2024).
Awards include: PTSA Reflections Music Composition, 1st place at school and Santa Clarita Valley District and 2nd Prize in L.A. County (2023); SCVA Vocal Solo Competition, Semifinalist in Commercial Music Division (2023); SCVA Superior Rating Finalist (2024); CMEA Gold Rating in Vocal Solo Performance (2024); and Charleston International Music Competition, 1st place. Elina dreams of recording and releasing her own music and creating songs that connect with her listeners. She thanks her parents, family and teachers for their love and support. This is Elina’s second year participating in Spotlight
Jane Hasty (Classical Voice), 17, is a junior at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), in the Opera Company and Musical Theatre department. She studies voice with Veronica Bell. Last year, Jane attended the International Voice Artists Academy in Austria and studied with Vladimir Chernov and Olga Toporkova. Roles include: Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Vi Moore in Footloose and Cunegonde in Candide. Awards include: Colibri International Musical and Vocal Competition for Young Performers, 1st Place, (2021) and The Music Center's Spotlight Semifinalist in Non-Classical Voice (2024 & 2025). Additionally, Jane is a proud member of LACHSA's Love Through Music, a nonprofit organization that brings music to underserved communities. She is thankful for the support of her friends and family. This is Jane’s second year participating in Spotlight
Evangeline Lien (Classical Instrumental), 15, is a freshman at Claremont High School and has been playing the viola since she was nine years old. She studies with Tatjana Masurenko at the Colburn Music Academy. Awards include: Camerata Artists International Competition, 1st prize and an invitation to perform as a soloist with Camerata New Jersey at Merkin Hall (2025); Vancouver International Music Competition, 2nd grand prize (2021); Shkolnikova Concerto Competition winner with a full scholarship to the Shkolnikova Summer Academy and an invitation to perform as a soloist under the baton of Dmitry Sitkovetsky (2025); and American Protégé International Romantic Music Competition, Judges’ Distinction (2021). Evangeline is a Back to BACH Project member. She deeply appreciates the guidance of her mentors and family, whose support inspires her growth. This is Evangeline’s first year participating in Spotlight
River Novin (Dance), 17, is a senior at an arts high school in Los Angeles, where he starred in numerous productions, including Johnny in Dirty Dancing. With a decade of dance experience, he has trained across multiple styles including breakdancing at Homeland Cultural Center, where he won multiple first-place battles. He has trained in hip hop with Culture Shock LA, AMMP, The LAB, and currently with HiLA Company and the international award-winning team GRaVy Babies. River is a SAG/AFTRA actor. Awards include: Body Rock, 1st place and Dancer of the Year (2024). River thanks mentors David and Marc who push him to reach his dreams as a choreographer, his agent Alysa, teacher Ms. Broadbent, good friends, family and his mother who has been championing him since day one. This is River’s second year participating in Spotlight
Elie Samouhi (Contemporary Instrumental), 17, is a junior at Calabasas High School (CHS). He has been studying the guitar since he was five, in addition to bass, drums, synth, trumpet, singing, songwriting and producing. Elie is an endorsed artist by Fender, Ernie Ball and Music Man. He feels blessed and inspired to be a part of music's greater purpose of evoking emotion from listeners. In his quest to use the power of music to make a difference, Elie co-founded the CHS charitable Harmonies for Humanity club. Elie plans on continuing to make music as an artist, producer, songwriter and guitarist, as music gives his life light. He is eternally grateful to G-d and thanks his family, mentors and teachers for their support and enthusiasm. This is Elie's first year participating in Spotlight
Harlem Shepherd (Non-Classical Voice), 15, is a sophomore at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA). She has been passionate about performing since the age of four and was inspired and encouraged by her grandmother, Sonja-Ray. Harlem is dedicated to fulfilling their shared dream of a career in the performing arts. Roles include: Urleen in Footloose, Rizzo in Grease and Ti Moune in Once on This Island. She is a Legacy Choir member at West Angeles COGIC, where she continues to develop her vocal artistry through gospel music. Harlem dreams of performing on Broadway and bringing powerful stories to life on stage. She would like to acknowledge her mom, dad and stepdad for supporting her journey and her grandmother who continues to inspire her. This is Harlem’s first year participating in Spotlight.
Saoirse Sipes (Contemporary Instrumental), 17, is a junior at Thousand Oaks High School. He has been playing the drums for four years and studies privately with Charles Ruggiero. Saoirse plays in the Colburn School’s Big Band and Thursday Night Combo under the direction of Lee Secard. Awards & Honors include: National YoungArts Winner in Jazz (2024 & 2025); California All-State Jazz Band (2024); SCSBOA Jazz All-Stars (2024); Stanford Jazz Institute, full scholarship recipient, (2024); and Herbie Hancock Institute Peer-to-Peer program (2024–25). He loves drumming and playing jazz because it provides him with an outlet to express himself while forming a community. Some of his biggest musical influences are Philly Joe Jones, John Coltrane and Cedar Walton. Saoirse thanks his family, friends and teachers for their support. This is Saoirse’s second year participating in Spotlight
Kiera Sun (Ballet), 15, is a freshman at Cabrillo Point Academy and has been dancing since she was seven years old. She trains at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy with Alina Krasovskaya and Alexander Romanchikov. Awards include: Youth America Grand Prix Youth Grand Prix Awards (2023, 2024, 2025), International Finals 1st Contemporary (2021, 2022), Top 12 Classical (2021, 2022), Junior Top 12 (2024); NYCDA National Outstanding Dancer (2021, 2023); and Dance Awards Best Dancer Top 3 (2021, 2022, 2023). Recent Performances include: Evolution of a Dancer Gala, Clara/Ellie in Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular, Natalia Osipova’s Force of Nature Gala, Stars of Today Meet Stars of Tomorrow Gala, and Future of Dance Gala. She is grateful to her parents, family and teachers for their love and support. This is Kiera’s first year participating in Spotlight
Left photo: courtesy of The Music Center. Above: John McCoy for The Music Center.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LEAD SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM SUPPORTERS
Lead Endowment Benefactor
Fredric Roberts
Platinum Benefactor
Edgerton Foundation Robert Gold
Gold Benefactor
Dorothy B. Chandler Program Fund
Colburn Foundation
Helen Funai Erickson
Glorya Kaufman Foundation
Alfred E. Mann Charities, Inc.
Frank Sherwood Performing Arts Fund
Silver Benefactor
Albert Parvin Foundation
Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts
James B. Pendleton Foundation
Alyce Williamson
Benefactor
Walter and Sara Chameides
Richard and Suzanne Kayne
Macy’s Inc.
Morrison & Foerster Foundation
Robert Ronus
WITH GREAT APPRECIATION TO OUR SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM ENDOWMENT AND PLANNED GIFT DONORS
The Ashkenas and Fabian Family Kathryn A. Ballsun Pamela and Dennis Beck The Dorothy and Sherrill C. Corwin Fund
Mary H. Shambra
Photo: John McCoy for The Music Center.
THANK
Joan
Gifts and commitments as of May 19,
TMC ARTS
Arts and Cultural Experiences for All
The Music Center is a cultural anchor in Los Angeles and home to some of the world’s greatest and most highly regarded artistic programs and events.
Rooted in a strong commitment to equity, excellence and access, TMC Arts, The Music Center’s programming engine, provides year-round programming inside The Music Center’s theatres, on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center, outside at Gloria Molina Grand Park — a 12-acre adjacent green space — and in schools and neighborhoods all over Los Angeles County. From Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center and free and low-cost concerts and events, to learning experiences for all ages and more, TMC Arts programs reflect the diverse voices and interests of the many communities in Los Angeles County, bringing Angelenos together in ways that enable them to discover their shared humanity. TMC Arts programs connect people, offering participatory and immersive experiences with the chance to get creative and learn.
The Music Center is truly a performing arts center for the 21st century, continually pushing the boundaries to engage communities and further inspire and contribute to the artistic voices of Los Angeles.
The Music Center’s Summer SoundWaves featuring Oumou Sangaré. Photo by Michelle Shiers.
Live at The Music Center: La Marisoul and Eliades Ochoa.
Photo by John McCoy.
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA Bollywood.
Photo by Will Yang.
The Music Center’s Spotlight Program: A Spotlight on Engagement
Walter E. Grauman, Spotlight Creator
The mission of The Music Center’s Spotlight is to provide a supportive environment in which high school students can develop the skills needed to pursue their dreams, with an emphasis on self-esteem, preparation and perseverance. Spotlight is a key part of The Music Center’s commitment to providing artistic excellence and advancing quality arts education. Whether or not these students pursue a career in the arts, Spotlight empowers them with the confidence and presentation skills to pursue their dreams in any field. Tonight’s performance is the culmination of an intensive, year-long educational process that includes the following components:
1 2 3 4
Preliminary Auditions
Students submit audition videos and advance to live auditions based on the recommendations of panels of judges. Each student who auditions receives a personal letter with detailed feedback from the judges, identifying strengths and suggesting areas for improvement.
The Music Center presents cash scholarships called Merit Awards to select students in each preliminary category.
Mastery Classes
Each year, Spotlight presents mastery classes for Semifinalists with renowned artists and arts educators in all program categories. Most classes are open to all applicants to observe and are designed to help them develop artistry and musicality.
Semifinal Auditions
Semifinalists audition before panels of judges and receive feedback and cash scholarships. The Music Center names one student in each category as Honorable Mention, and selects two students as Grand Prize Finalists. The 14 Grand Prize Finalists go on to perform at the Spotlight Grand Finale.
The Spotlight Academy & Social Media
Students have access to an episodic series of online tutorial videos created to help aspiring young artists gain valuable insights on arts careers, workforce development skills and tips on how to apply to Spotlight. The Music Center encourages students to follow @musiccenterspotlight on Facebook, Threads and Instagram and TikTok @spotlightawards on X for updates on Spotlight and opportunities in the arts.
To apply to The Music Center’s Spotlight program and for more information, visit musiccenter.org or email spotlight@musiccenter.org.
Above photo: courtesy of The Music Center.
Acting
Aynsley Bubbico Actor, Vocalist; TV credits: Greek, Hart of Dixie. Theater Credits: Peter and I, Bridesmaids the Musical
Gai Jones
VP of the Educational Theatre Association Governing Board, Ed Theater Foundation Board, Educator.
Jacqueline Obradors
Actor; TV credits: Grey’s Anatomy, The Cleaning Lady, Fraiser, Daisy Jones and the Six.
Elisa Perry
Actor; TV credits: Everybody Hates Chris; Movie credits: Roman Israel, Esq., Ad Astra, Won’t Back Down
Gita Reddy
Actor, Writer; TV credits: Iron Fist, Silicon Valley ; Movie credits: Eat Wheaties!, Eat Pray Love, Zootopia. Ballet
James Ady
Former Soloist/Principal: Pennsylvania Ballet, American Ballet Theatre; Ballet Master: Ballet Memphis.
Ellen Bauer
Former Soloist/ Principal: National Ballet of Canada, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet.
Molly Bogunovic Former Soloist: Pennsylvania Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet. Faculty: USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.
Francine Kessler Lavac Former Soloist: Ballet West, Harkness Ballet Company.
Adrian Blake Mitchell Former Soloist: Mikhailovsky Theater; Artistic Director, Dance in Color.
Classical Instrumental
Dr. John Burdett Faculty: Azusa
Pacific University, Dir. Instrumental Studies, Dir. of Bands, Graduate Music Education.
Dr. Susan Helfter
Former Faculty: USC, Chair, Music Teaching & Learning Department; Music Therapist.
Dr. Louise Thomas Faculty: Chapman University, Assoc. Dean, College of Performing Arts, Dir. Keyboard Collab. Arts.
Dr. Sakura Tsai
Faculty: University of Redlands Conservatory of Music; Redlands Symphony, Long Beach Symphony.
Dr. Leif Thomas Woodward Performs with: Tesserae, LA Musica Angelica, LA Master Chorale; Faculty: OCSA.
Classical Voice
Melodee Fernandez National Association of Teachers of Singing, Los Angeles Chapter President; opera singer.
Patricia Gee Faculty: Chapman University, University of Redlands, Adj. Professor of Voice; Operafestival di Roma.
Joann Turovsky (Harp) Principal: LA Chamber Orchestra; Faculty: USC, Strings.
Bing Wang (Violin) Associate Concertmaster: LA Phil.
Classical Voice
LeRoy Villanueva Award winning opera singer; Faculty: Chapman University; Voice, opera, musical theater instructor.
Dance
Sushma Mohan Founder of Soorya Foundation for Performing Arts; Classical Indian dancer, musician, choreographer.
Mandy Moore Emmy Award-winning choreographer; TV credits: Glee, American Idol; Film credits: La La Land
Melinda Sullivan Faculty: Colburn School, Tap Dance Instructor; Dancer, actor and choreographer.
Contemporary Instrumental
Cody Bryant (Mandolin) Singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer; Soundtracks: Relative Strangers, Back to the Future
William Cunliffe (Piano) Grammy Award-winning composer, arranger, pianist.
Bruce Forman (Jazz Guitar) Artist, composer; Faculty: USC, Studio Guitar
Alexander Iles (Trombone) Artist & Clinician; Faculty: Cal Arts, Azusa Pacific College, CSUN.
Darek Oleszkiewicz (Bass) Grammy nominated artist; Faculty: UC Irvine, Music.
Bob Sheppard (Saxophone) Faculty: USC, Jazz Studies, recording artist.
Nick Stoubis (Pop/Rock Guitar) Faculty: UCS, Chair, Studio Guitar Program.
Jamey Tate (Drums) Artist, composer, arranger, producer and The Music Center's Spotlight musical director.
Non-Classical Voice
Barrett Foa Stars in CBS’ NCIS LA Broadway: Avenue Q, The 25th Annual Putnam
Right photo courtesy of The Music Center. All other photos courtesy of John McCoy for The Music Center.
2025 Spotlight Semifinalists and Honorable Mentions
Acting
Delila Carlos
Elijah Curtin-Adelman
Melanie Flores
Jack Heath
Crystin Herring*
Cole Kaller
James Lauter
Hao Li
Allison Luo
Clara Maranville
Kayla McCarty
Micah MikoLevine
Anorah Permenter
Kaya Sparnicht
Bianca Stratta
Ballet
Margaux DeAllen
Diane Doberstein
Aimee Ernt
Riley Ernt
Mia Frederick
Afina Gosla
Hannah Gu
Mai Ishiyama*
Aria Kamei-Oser
Armen Kavcioglu
Madeleine Lee
Michelle Lu
Luna Rodriguez
Lane Whitehurst
Classical Instrumental
Louis Chen
Hannah Cho
Thomas Chung
Jonathan Doh
Joshua Ho*
Julia Kleindorfer
Jasper Kugler
Rubi Lee
Everett Leigh
Erin Liao
Nathan Pak
Kenny Song
Eiline Tai
Rachel Won
Classical Voice
Hyeongju An
Asher Bartfeld
Emilia Bernstein
Charles Blanchard
Evonne Fangao
Bianca Iker
Steinunn Liorsdottir
Samuel Siskind*
Lusine Stepanyan
Lev Sakae Taira
Chase Teglas
Lavinia Watkins
Olivia Xia
Contemporary Instrumental
Emmet Althoen
Christopher Bladon
Samuel Chung*
Ashwin Desai
Noah Farag
Zaire Franklin
Charles French
Allegra Frost
Joaquin Garde
Jordan Klein
David Lim
Mateo Rodriguez
Noah Steinman
Manos Vourgourakis
Dance
Alexa "Lexi" Blanchard
Kameron Couch
Brooklyn Covington
Riley Ernt*
Gracyn French
Julianna Hatton
Mai Ishiyama
Adin Joseph
Ananya Joseph
Logan Macy
Arron Myers
Megan Reta
Sofia Rile
Michelle Shi
Kiera Sun
Non-Classical Voice
Isabella Betancourt
Matilda Luz Concha
Pearson
Riley Eichberg
Tessa Espinola
Zara Exconde
Jane Hasty
Danica Hemmens
Brendan Knox
Julian Pankowski*
Amayzee Ruiz
Silas Schulz
Lexie Shehab
Erin Tardibuono
Troy Winkler
*Honorable Mention
All photos by John McCoy for The Music Center.
2025 Merit Awards
Acting
Viviana Estrada
Daniela Galindo
Jorryn Jones
Chase Klein
Catherine Laborde
Mikayla Levine
Mina Mannal
Dilan Patton
Robert Roll
Tilly Winter
Millie Yocum Surfas
Ballet
Gibson Alfieri
Brielle Aucoin
Lyla Briggs
Callum Holt
Carissa Hsu
Natalie Kulba
Elodie Paterson
Julia Prevost
Lily Qin
Silvia Snow
Graeme Sorensen
Classical Instrumental
Rick Chi
Jesse Hu
Ariana Kim
Wei-Ning Isabella Ko
Thomas Song
Lev Sakae Taira
Caitlin Wang
David Wong
Timothy Yang
Aaron Zhu
Classical
Voice
Rylee Belleus
Isabel Calvo
Joseph Calvo
Henry Chung
Celine Curtis
Ethan Kuwata
Laura Lo
Dilan Patton
Jack Wilson
William Yu
Contemporary Instrumental
Colton Checchi
Hugh Cheng
Ryan Chin
Charlie Cohn
Landon Hollman
Allie Molin
Ishaan Natarajan
Taichi Okumura
Austin Washington
Teegan Weiss
Dance
Jonathan Archer
Aleyda Arreola
Serch Barberi
Hannah Bembridge
Aaron Chang
Praise Dimacali
Carissa Hsu
Armando Pacheco
Lily Rose Silver
Hayk Yeranosyan
Non-Classical Voice
Celine Bautista
Lilia Cerna
Emily Chavez
Elijah CurtinAdelman
Catherine Laborde
Zoe McLaughlin
Ava Melendez-Sims
Bradyn Prisand
Malana Sabri
Elise Shum
Right photo by The Music Center. All photos by John McCoy for The Music Center.
The Music Center’s Spotlight program now broadens its impact by supporting a wider array of participants as they pursue their creative potential, not only onstage, but also offstage through careers in the creative economy. We recognize there is a whole world of discovery for young people interested in a career in the entertainment and creative industries such as production, costuming, media arts, marketing, writing and beyond! The Music Center's Studio Creative Futures offers students a learning-based curriculum that focuses on social-emotional skills, meeting a specific workplace need and providing participants with life skills they benefit from, no matter their career choice. Students learn from Spotlight staff and teaching artists through a series of workshops that cover development of social and creative intelligence, including:
The Music Center’s Studio: Creative Futures, a Workforce Readiness Program
● Communication — to support presentation and interview skills;
● Resiliency — to support professional risk-taking;
● Curiosity — to support creative problem solving;
● Adaptability — to support navigating workforce politics; and
● Confidence — to support healthy boundaries.
The Music Center's Studio Creative Futures helps young adults, ages 17–21, create stronger social bonds; learn about career awareness and develop greater emotional and mental wellbeing to take the next steps to a fulfilling career.
This free program helps participants chart a path toward their first “offstage” opportunities in the creative industries.
Photo Credits: Michelle Shiers for The Music Center.
Spotlight Finale Creative Team
Jeri Gaile
Fredric Roberts Senior Director
Spotlight
Dawn Comer Jefferson Writer
Jamey Tate Music Director
Karyn Lawrence Lighting Designer
Derek Christiansen & Ruby O’Brien
Projection Designer, dpurpurea studio
Ben Kanselbaum Sound Designer
Dr. Louise Thomas
Collaborative Artist
Whitney McAnally Stage Manager
Nidia K. Flores & Morgan Zupanski Assistant Stage Manager
Chelsea Onyeokeziri Coordinator, Advancement & Board Relations
Cindy Rauch Manager, Accounts Payable/Receivable
Jenny Rivera Director, Individual Giving & Center Dance Arts
Sophia Saenz Coordinator, Brand and Marketing Communications
Marielle Shrock Marketing Communications Manager
Laurie Selik Senior Director, Advancement
Heather Siemienas Senior Director, Principal Giving
Sharon Stewart Director, Scheduling and Events
Melissa Tan
Assistant Vice President, Ticketing and Marketing Strategy
Ken Talley
Senior Scheduling Administrator
Carolyn Van Brunt Vice President, Guest Services
Scott Vandrick Philanthropy Officer
Keith Wyffels
Associate Vice President, Education
Spotlight Outreach Team:
Jennifer Marion
Zoe Rappaport
Spotlight Performance Feedback
Specialists
Megan Adcock
James Ady
Molly Bogunovic
Aynsley Bubbico
Alex Budman
Chelsea Chaves Tan
Emily Cruden
Gillian Finley
Dee Kaye Klega
Kyla McCarrel
Megan McCarthy
Jared Storz
Leaha Villarreal
Spotlight Orchestra
Jamey Tate Director
Alex Budman
Saxophone
Nick Daley Trombone
Dan Fornero Trumpet
Jamie Hovorka Trumpet
Dan Kaneyuki
Saxophone
Jake Reed Drums
John Beasley Piano
Michael Valerio
Bass
Spotlight Production Assistants
Surela Basu
Aynsley Bubbico
Ray David
Joy Diaz
Joe Finton
Jose Hernandez
Dylan Kant
Ahmanson House Staff
Christine Cox
House Manager
Bob Smith
Head of Audio
Scott Lucas
Head Properties
Jared Batty Head Electrician
Shawn Anderson
Head Carpenter
Head Ushers:
Jose Garibaldi
Courtney Rabena
Jose Rivas
Adrian Romero
The stage crew, wardrobe crew, makeup artists & hair stylists, and box office staff are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States of America and Canada, AFL-CIO, CKC, Local Numbers 33, 768, 706 and 857, respectively. The House Managers employed by The Music Center are represented by the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers.
Opposite page top left photo: courtesy of The Music Center. Top right photo courtesy of Michelle Shiers for The Music Center. All other photos: John McCoy for The Music Center
Welcome to The Music Center!
Thank you for joining us.
The Music Center is your place to experience the joy, solace and transformative power of the arts. Here you can express yourself, connect with others and enjoy incredible live performances and events in our four beautiful theatres, at Jerry Moss Plaza and in Gloria Molina Grand Park.
We promise to provide you with the best experience possible on our campus. Please do your part to help us create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment by reviewing The Music Center Guest Agreement at musiccenter.org/guestagreement
Visit musiccenter.org to learn about upcoming events and performances.
Enjoy the show!
#BeAPartOfIt
@musiccenterla
General Information (213) 972-7211 | musiccenter.org
Support The Music Center (213) 972-3333 | musiccenter.org/support
TAKE A TOUR OF THE MUSIC CENTER
Free 90-minute docent-led tours take you through the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall, along with Jerry Moss Plaza. You’ll learn about the history and architecture of the theatres along with The Music Center’s beautiful outdoor spaces as well as the incredible selection of artwork located throughout the campus.
Tours are offered daily. Check the schedule to plan a fun-filled day in Downtown L.A.!
Visit musiccenter.org for additional information.
OFFICERS
Cindy Miscikowski
Chair
Robert J. Abernethy
Vice Chair
Rachel S. Moore
President & CEO
Diane G. Medina
Secretary
Susan M. Wegleitner
Treasurer
William Taylor
Assistant Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
MEMBERS
AT LARGE
Charlene Achki Repko
Charles F. Adams
William H. Ahmanson
Romesh Anketell
Jill C. Baldauf
Susan Baumgarten
Phoebe Beasley
Kristin Burr
Dannielle Campos
Alberto M. Carvalho
Elizabeth Khuri Chandler
Riley Etheridge, Jr.
Amy R. Forbes
Greg T. Geyer
Joan E. Herman
Jeffrey M. Hill
Jonathan B. Hodge
Mary Ann Hunt-Jacobsen
Carl Jordan
Ronald D. Kaplan
Richard B. Kendall
Terri M. Kohl
Lily Lee
Cary J. Lefton
Keith R. Leonard, Jr.
Kelsey N. Martin
Susan M. Matt
Elizabeth Michelson
Darrell D. Miller
Teresita Notkin
Michael J. Pagano
Karen Kay Platt
Susan Erburu Reardon
Joseph J. Rice
Melissa Romain
Beverly P. Ryder
Maria S. Salinas
Corinne Jessie Sanchez
Mimi Song
Johnese Spisso
Michael Stockton
Jason Subotky
Timothy S. Wahl
Jennifer M. Walske
Jay S. Wintrob
GENERAL COUNSEL
Rollin A. Ransom
DIRECTORS
EMERITI
Wallis Annenberg
Peter K. Barker
Judith Beckmen
Darrell R. Brown
Ronald W. Burkle
John B. Emerson **
Richard M. Ferry
Bernard A. Greenberg
Stephen F. Hinchliffe, Jr.
Kent Kresa
Mattie McFaddenLawson
Fredric M. Roberts
Richard K. Roeder
Claire L. Rothman
Joni J. Smith
Lisa Specht **
Cynthia A. Telles
James A. Thomas
Andrea L. Van de Kamp **
Thomas R. Weinberger
Alyce de Roulet
Williamson
** Chair Emeritus
Current as of 5/19/2025
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Yannick Lebrun.
Photo by Dario Calmese.
John McCoy for The Music Center.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
Support from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors plays an invaluable role in the successful operation of The Music Center.
Janice Hahn Supervisor, Fourth District
Lindsey P. Horvath Supervisor, Third District
Kathryn Barger Chair, Fifth District
Holly J. Mitchell Supervisor, Second District
Hilda L. Solis Chair Pro Tem, First District
(From left to right)
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
As a steward of The Music Center of Los Angeles County, we recognize that we occupy land originally and still inhabited and cared for by the Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh and Chumash Peoples. We honor and pay respect to their elders and descendants — past, present and emerging — as they continue their stewardship of these lands and waters. We acknowledge that settler colonization resulted in land seizure, disease, subjugation, slavery, relocation, broken promises, genocide and multigenerational trauma. This acknowledgment demonstrates our responsibility and commitment to truth, healing and reconciliation and to elevating the stories, culture and community of the original inhabitants of Los Angeles County.
We are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work on these ancestral lands. We are dedicated to growing and sustaining relationships with Native peoples and local tribal governments, including (in no particular order) the:
• Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians
• Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council
• Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians
• Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians-Kizh Nation
• San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
• San Fernando Band of Mission Indians
To learn more about the First Peoples of Los Angeles County, please visit the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission website at lanaic.lacounty.go
Photo Credit: David Franco, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Photographer.
SWAN LAKE
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Thursday, June 26, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 27, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 28, 2025 / 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 28, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 29, 2025 / 2:00 p.m.
Enter the enchanting world of Swan Lake, where romance and betrayal unfold through breathtaking choreography and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Boston Ballet’s exquisite production brings this iconic masterpiece to life with dazzling precision, evocative storytelling and stunning design.
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion musiccenter.org/bostonballet | (213) 972-0711
BRING A GROUP AND SAVE! Contact marketing@musiccenter.org for more information.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake; photo by Rosalie O’Connor; courtesy of Boston Ballet.
Ignite a Dream. Fuel a Future.
Support The Music Center’s Spotlight and help young artists shine. Your gift opens doors to world-class training, life-changing opportunities and the confidence to pursue their passions.
Donate today and be the spark that lights the stage.
Photo: John McCoy for The Music Center.
Photo credits: Top right: John McCoy for The Music Center. Left image: Esperanza Spalding; photo by Ray Otabe. Middle right image: Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake; photo by Rosalie O’Connor; courtesy of Boston Ballet. All other images by Will Yang for The Music Center.
