Kevin Deas has gained international renown as one of America’s leading bass-baritones. He is perhaps most acclaimed for his signature portrayal of the title role in Porgy and Bess, having performed it with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, as well as the most illustrious orchestras on the North American continent, and at the Ravinia, Vail and Saratoga festivals. 2018-19 season highlights include performances with Orquesta Sinfonica de Mineria, the Buffalo Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico, the Florida Orchestra, the National Cathedral, Virginia Symphony the Louisiana Philharmonic, the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the National Philharmonic, and a performance of a new Korine Fujiwara opera, ‘The Flood,’ with Opera Columbus. He has recently performed with VoxAmaDeus, Boston Baroque, Duisberg Phiharmoniker, Reading Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, and was an Artist in Residence with the PostClassical Ensemble.

Lauded for his luminous projection, lyrical sensitivity, and brilliant coloratura, American-Canadian tenor Lawrence Wiliford is in high demand in concert, opera, and recital repertoire. 2018-19 season highlights include a performance of Mozart’s Coronation Mass with Les Violins Du Roy, performing a new work by Zachary Wadsworth with Chor Leoni Men’s Choir, Handel’s Messiah with the Phoenix Symphony, Mozart’s Mass in C Minor and Bach’s St. John Passion at the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, and Bach’s St. John Passion with Luminnous Voices. Recent appearances include Messiah with the Louisiana Philharmonic, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra; the Evangelist in St. Matthew Passion with the Calgary Philharmonic, Orchestre Métropolitain, and Toronto Bach Consort; Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass with the National Arts Center Orchestra; and Beethoven’s Mass in C-Major and Stravinsky’s Pulcinella with the Houston Symphony.

“This is clearly a string quartet to watch.” -- CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER Nicholas Tavani & Rachel Shapiro, violinsCaitlin Lynch, violaAlan Richardson, cello Since its inception at the Cleveland Institute of Music the Aeolus Quartet has been awarded prizes at nearly every major competition in the United States: Grand Prizewinner of the 2011 Plowman Chamber Music Competition and 2011 Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition; First Prize at the 2009 Coleman International Chamber Ensemble Competition, and Silver Medal at the 2011 Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition, among others. The quartet is the recipient of a CMA Residency Partnership Grant and was named the 2015-2016 Guarneri Quartet Residency in recognition of its artistic achievement. Dedicated to bringing music into the community, the Aeolus Quartet has been widely recognized for their highly innovative and engaging outreach programs.

Ute Lemper's career is vast and varied. She has made her mark on the stage, in films, in concert and as a unique recording artist. She has been universally praised for her interpretations of Berlin cabaret songs, the works of Kurt Weill and Berthold Brecht and the French chanson book, as well as her own compositions and the more jazz influenced collaborations and works. In the world of theater, Ute made her mark with her portrayals on Broadway, in Paris and in London's West End.

Grammy nominee Stephen L. Bryant’s distinguished career in concert and opera has taken him around the world, with acclaimed performances in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. In the 2017-18 season he sings as soloist in Tan Dun’s Water Passion after St. Matthew with Soundstreams Canada. His engagements during the 2016-17 season included Handel’s Messiah with the Virginia and Pacific symphonies, Bach’s B Minor Mass with Orchestra Iowa and the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, as well as performing in a pair of concerts with the Grand Rapids Bach Festival.