(Photo credit: Opera Memphis)

The Opera Memphis Handorf Company Artist Program has announced its 2024-25 class.

The newest cohort includes soprano Marquita Richardson, mezzo-soprano Sarah Neal, and bass Robert Feng. These young artists will participate in a wide variety of performance opportunities, including roles in our Masterworks Opera series, numerous appearances during Opera Memphis’s award-winning program “30 Days of Opera,” and numerous recital and cabaret performances throughout the season. In addition to performing, artists will engage with audiences by facilitating and participating in community events as part of Opera Memphis’ civic practice and advocacy.

Artists will train with Music Director Jonathan King and General Director Ned Canty, as well as visiting artists and coaches. Throughout the program, the singers will not only learn skills and techniques for opera as an art, but also the tools for opera as a profession. From topics like social media branding and public speaking to tax preparation, these various training sessions are crafted by Opera Memphis professionals to suit each artist’s needs and ensure their success.

The multi-genre vocal artist Richardson has a long-standing relationship with Opera Memphis. Last season, Richardson starred in “La Bohème” as Mimi. This season she will sing the role of Micaëla in “Carmen” and the role of Giunone in “La Calisto.”

Neal has received awards from numerous vocal competitions, including the Dallas Opera Biennial Competition, the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, and most recently, the American Council for Polish Culture’s Sembrich Vocal Competition. They will perform in the “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and will be heard in the role of Mercédès in “Carmen” and Endimione in “La Calisto.”

Chinese-American singer and librettist Feng will be heard as Nick Shadow in “The Rake’s Progress,” Zuniga in “Carmen,” and Giove in “La Calisto.” He has performed with company’s such as the Hawai’i Opera Theatre, Washington National Opera, Beth Morrison Projects, and more.

Past Handorf Company Artists are Stephanie Doche, Tahanee Aluwihare, and Jake Stamatis.