PERFORMERS

first role with the Opera institute. She has previously performed the roles of Zita in Gianni Schicchi, Marcellina in Le nozze di Figaro, Emma Jones in Street scene, and First Lady in Die Zauberflöte In 2021 Annabrett became a winner of Stetson University’s Giffin Competition. Additionally, she was granted the honor of representing the voice department in the Stetson Showcase.

Olivia Schurke (Meg), is a mezzosoprano from St. Paul, Minnesota pursuing a Masters degree in Vocal Performance at Boston University in the studio of Penelope Bitzas. She has performed several roles with the Opera Institute at Boston University, most recently as Isabela in La Hija de Rappaccini. During her first year at BU she performed the roles of Dorabella in Così fan tutte and Taller Daughter in Proving Up. This spring she will appear as Bradamante in Handel’s Alcina. In addition to singing, Olivia began studying violin at age 3 and continues to play for enjoyment.

Gretchen Struckmeyer (Quartet), soprano, from Raleigh, North Carolina, is a first year Master of Voice student under the tutelage of James Demler. She was featured last semester as Lady in the Balcony in BU Opera Theatre’s Our Town. Previous roles outside BU include Laetitia in The Old Maid and the Thief and Papagena in Die Zauberflöte (both with Appalachian Opera Theatre). She is the winner of the Hayes School of Music Concerto/Aria Competition (Boone, NC) as well as a semifinalist for the Heafner/Williams Competition (Lincolnton, NC).

Cortney Towns (Alma March), soprano, from St. Louis, Missouri is a second-year Master of Voice student un-er the tutelage of Dr. David Guzman. With the Opera Institute scene programs, Ms. Towns has performed the roles of Contessa in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Euridice in Glück’s Orfeo ed Euridice. She was also featured as a “flower” in the women’s trio in the opera, La Hija de Rappaccini by Daniel Catán with the Opera Institute.

Michaela Usher (Cecelia March cover) is a mezzo-soprano from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a secondyear Master of Voice student under the tutelage of Professor Matthew Di Battista. With the Opera Institute, Michaela performed in last semester’s Opera Scenes presentation and as a member of the chorus in Our Town. Currently, she is covering the role of Miss Cecilia March in Mark Adamo’s Little Women.

Sarah Zieba (Jo), Polish American mezzo-soprano originally from Chicago, Illinois, is a first year Performance Diploma student in the Opera Institute studying with Penelope Bitzas. With the Opera Institute, Zieba has performed the role of Isabela in Daniel Catan’s La Hija de Rappaccini. Previous roles include Brittomara in Jake Heggie’s If I Were You and Mrs. Grose in Britten’s Turn of the Screw, both with the Northwestern Opera Theater where she completed her MM and BM with Nancy Gustafson, as well as a BA in Biochemistry. This season with the Opera Institute, she will also perform the role of Ruggiero in Handel’s Alcina. •

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