The Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has announced the the 2022 Gerdine Young Artists and Gaddes Festival Artists.

Among the artists are sopranos Angel Azzarra, Rachel Blaustein, Sydney Dardis, Dorothy Gal, Shelén Hughes, Melissa Joseph, Jayden Goldberg, Natalia González Santaliz, Angel Riley, and Hallie Schmid. The mezzo-sopranos include María Consamus, Daniela Magura, Jazmine Olwalia, Meridian Prall, Elissa Pfaender, Elizabeth Sarian, Emma Sorenson, and Xiao Xiao.

Other members of the ensemble include tenors Manfred Anaya, Patrick Bessenbacher, Adam Catangui, Jared Esguerra, Mishael Eusebio, César Parreño, Steven Ricks, the countertenor Kyle Tingzon, baritones Nathaniel Sullivan, Schler Vargas, and bass-baritones Keith Klein, Evan Lazdowski, and Jesus Murillo.

The 36 artists were chosen from over 1,100 applicants and this year two new positions have been added: Laura Bleakley will be assistant pianist and Diane Machin will undertake the role of apprentice assistant stage manager.

In sum, The artists will represent nine different countries of origin, as well as 19 states from around the U.S. The artists will perform in the Center Stage concert, perform roles, and participate as covers in the mainstage productions.