March 23, 2025

We’re thrilled to share the first of multiple faculty announcements this week for the LOOC Emerging Artist Studio, June 9-21! There’s still time to apply—get your materials in today! https://forms.gle/XJXbVJsQJTW1N7fp9

Masterclass with Baritone, Pedagogue & Composer Joel Balzun – Acclaimed for his “imposing, ringing baritone,” Balzun has performed at LA Opera, Chautauqua Opera, and Opera Las Vegas. A decorated competition winner and champion of contemporary music, he recently previewed the title role of Missy Mizouli’s Lincoln in the Bardo for the Metropolitan Opera.

Masterclass with International Baritone & San Diego Opera Artistic Administrator Adam Cioffari – A renowned singer and stage director, Cioffari has performed worldwide, including at NYCO, Glimmerglass, and Staatsoper Stuttgart. As a director, his work has been praised at St. Petersburg Opera, NYC Opera, and beyond.

Personal Branding & Social Media Strategies with Jenny Madruga (Arizona Lyric Theatre) – An arts leader and strategist, Madruga is the Founder & Executive Director of AZLT, where she pioneers community-driven opera. A skilled digital marketer, she helps artists grow their online presence and engage meaningfully.

Conductor for Orpheus & the Underworld: Jacob Sustaita (Pacific Symphony, Assistant Conductor) – A sought-after conductor, Sustaita has led performances with Pacific Symphony, Houston Symphony, and major training programs nationwide.

Entrepreneurship Coaching & Resume Reviews from LOOC Artistic Director, Soprano, & Producer Diana Farrell – An accomplished and awarded soprano, producer and stage director, Farrell is the librettist of The Yellow Wallpaper, recently premiered at Carnegie Hall, and Gilgamesh, premiering in LA in 2026, and a leader in opera innovation and young artist development.

Coach & Repetiteur: Lisa Sylvester (University of Southern California) – A distinguished pianist and vocal coach, Sylvester has worked with top institutions and emerging artists, shaping the next generation of opera performers.

Resident Coach, Teacher & Masterclass Technician: Pamela Hinchman (Northwestern University) – A Fulbright recipient and esteemed professor at Northwestern, Hinchman brings decades of expertise in vocal technique and interpretation. As a resident coach and teacher, she will lead a masterclass on French Literature for the Modern Singer, guiding artists in refining their artistry and diction.

Stage Director for Orpheus in the Underworld: Michael O’Halloran – Heading the LOOC Young Artist Program since its inception in 2022, O’Halloran is an accomplished director and performer with over 50 professional roles to his name. His extensive stage experience and directorial insight bring depth and vitality to every production.

Headshots & Vocal Health Advocacy with Molly Noori (The Chronicled Voice) – Founder of The Chronicled Voice, Noori is an artist and advocate specializing in vocal health, self-advocacy, and professional branding through photography, empowering singers to take control of their artistic identity.

Repetiteur & Coach: Carl Pantle – A distinguished pianist and coach, Pantle has worked extensively with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and has been instrumental in premiering new operatic works, including The Yellow Wallpaper. His expertise in contemporary and standard repertoire makes him an invaluable resource for singers.

Audition Aria Blocking & Presentation Workshop with Cynthia Stokes – A visionary stage director, Stokes helps singers bring their audition arias to life with compelling storytelling and dynamic staging, ensuring their performances leave a lasting impression.

Guest Technician: Natalie Oga (Theatrical Arts for Singers) – A working performer in California live theatre and a faculty member at CS Arts, Oga will lead in-depth workshops on stage makeup, wig prep, hair styling, and movement for singers, giving performers the tools to refine their stage presence and professional polish.