Finger Lakes Opera has announced a new artistic team and an expansion to its young artist program.

First up, the company revealed that Stephanie Havey would be its new Artistic Director and that Brock Tjosvold will be the Head of Music. In their new roles, Havey will curate new seasons while Tjosvold will oversee vocal coaching, and rehearsal pianists and assume the role of Chorus Master and Music Director.

“FLO is thrilled to have Stephanie and Brock assume their new roles. They have played key roles for FLO’s recent productions from behind the scenes and are well positioned to step into the top artistic leadership.  I cannot wait for the Rochester and Finger Lakes community to see what they have planned for 2025 and beyond,” FLO’s Board President Robert Shapiro said per an official press release.

Havey has worked on company productions of “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” “Così faan tutti,” and “Aida,” among others. She was also the Young Artist Program Director and has worked on staff with such companies as San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and The Santa Fe Opera. She was also recently appointed Director of Opera Theater at Oberlin College and Conservatory.

Meanwhile, Tjosvold recently joined the faculty at The Eastman School of Music as Assistant Professor of Vocal Coaching.

Regarding the Young Artist Program, the company revealed that there will be two levels – Studio and Apprentice Artists.

“Studio Artists will be assigned comprimario and even lead roles in FLO productions, perform in masterclasses with seasoned professionals from around the globe, receive weekly coachings, and be provided the opportunity to prepare professional audition materials that can be used after their time with FLO,” explained Executive Director Elizabeth Long. Moreover, they will get weekly pay, travel stipends, and will receive housing for their five to six week stay in the summer and two to three weeks in the fall. Meanwhile, the Apprentice level artists, who are enrolled in a university or conservatory vocal program will get an opportunity to perform alongside Studio Artists.

For 2025, the Studio Artists include soprano Georgia Belmont, mezzo-soprano Karen Kelly, mezzo-soprano Marieke de Koker, tenor Jason Garcia-Kakuk, baritone Eunsung Lee, and bass Andrew Boisvert. Apprentice Artists include four students from Eastman, including Izabella Gozzo, Sofia Mains, Julia Tooker, and Caleb Meyerhoof; Nazareth University graduate Jonathan Sengupta, and Baldwin Wallace University student  Charles Bohrer.

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