2026 IPAI BAVARIA
Young Artists
Alton Coleman, Tenor
River Ridge, LA
Alton Coleman is a New Orleans- based tenor currently pursuing a classical voice degree at Loyola University. After receiving a full scholarship to Loyola, Alton sang abroad in France with the NOVA Chorale. In his first year studying at Loyola he competed and placed 2nd in N.A.T.S, performed as “Elder Hayes” in Carlisle Floyd’s “Susannah”, and sang as a soloist for Mozart’s Requiem. Full of ambition, Alton’s passionate connection with classical music will only grow as he does as he works toward a career as a professional performing artist.
Amanda Mcilravy, Soprano
Memphis, TN.
From the rolling plains of South Dakota, soprano Mandie McIlravy brings nuance and delicate humor to her roles, most recently the Countess Susanna in the University of Memphis’ 2025 production of Il segreto di Susanna. At UM, studying under the attentive Mary Wilson, she continues her studies in the Doctor of Musical Arts program while also maintaining her passion for muso-rhetorical analysis as well as a small studio of budding singers. When not diligently studying or practicing, she enjoys the live music scene in Memphis, writing and publishing poetry, and frequent trips back to the Great Plains to visit her close-knit family. For upcoming performances, follow @soprandie on Facebook and Instagram.
Anlan Deng, Pianist
Gautier, MS.
Andrew Cox is a native of Laurel, Mississippi and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Vocal Music Education at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Andrew studies voice at his University under the direction of Dr. Susan Ruggiero. Andrew’s opera experience includes Papegeno in William Carey’s production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and Major-General Stanley in Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance”. In his free time, Andrew enjoys lifting weights, playing video games, and leading worship at his local church.
Arden Dubret, Soprano
Loranger,LA.
Arden Dubret, from Hammond, Louisiana, is an upcoming senior at Southeastern Louisiana University, where she studies vocal performance under Dr. Jennifer Mouledous. She enjoys performing both opera and musical theater, and some of her favorite roles she has done are Johanna in "Sweeney Todd", Papagena in Mozart's "The Magic Flute", Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", Jan in "Grease", and the Narrator in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". When Arden is not onstage, she deeply enjoys teaching private voice and musical theater summer camps at her local community theater. She is so excited to be working with the IPAI Bavaria team for her second year!
Barret Bailey, Bass-Baritone
Hamstead, NC.
Barrett Bailey was born and raised in North Carolina. Growing up, he studied piano, played the violin in school and community orchestras, and performed in musicals as a singer. He then joined the University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ high school program as a composition major, and there he was quickly introduced to the opera stage. He returned to UNCSA as an undergraduate student, where he has continued his compositional studies while taking part in many vocal and opera performances as both a chorister and soloist.
Casey Morris, Soprano
Salt Lake City, UT.
Casey Morris is a vocal artist from Hockessin, Delaware, who has been praised for her intentional performances. Recently, she has been featured as Gretel in Hansel and Gretel and Musetta in La Bohème (University of Utah Opera Theatre). Previously, she premiered the role of Calypso in the first staged production of Penelope and the Geese, later traveling to Greece to perform the role. Casey holds an M.M. in vocal performance from the University of Delaware, and currently studies under acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Kirstin Chávez.
Claire Shirley, Pianist
Greenville, SC.
Claire Shirley is a junior at the University of South Carolina studying with Rachel Calloway. A graduate of The Fine Arts Center in Greenville, SC and recipient of the esteemed Stamps Scholarship, she is passionate about the intersection of music and neuroscience. Claire has performed with Opera at USC in the choruses of Ruddigore and Le Mamelles de Tirésias and as Gherardino in Gianni Schicchi. In 2022 and 2024, she was a national finalist and second place winner of the NATS Classical competition. She also enjoys serving as a student intern for SPARK Music Leadership at Carolina, assisting with enrichment and wellness events to supplement student life. Claire looks forward to studying in Germany this summer as a young artist in the IPAI Bavaria program.
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Clarice Beeput, Lyric Coloratura Soprano
Winston-Salem, NC.
Clarice Beeput is a 23-year-old soprano from Trinidad and Tobago. Clarice believes her calling is to use her voice to bring joy to her audiences and the world. She is about to enter her fourth year at University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice and Opera. Clarice recently performed the role of the Trojan Princess, Créuse, in the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute's production of Darius Milhaud's one-act tragic opera, "Médée".
Dawn Marie Wells, Soprano
North Salt Lake, UT.
Dawn Marie Wells is a soprano studying vocal performance and music theory at the University of Utah with Professor Julie Wright-Costa. She most recently played the Mother in the University of Utah’s Opera production of Hansel and Gretel, and she is very excited for her upcoming role in the university’s April 2027 production of The Medium as Madame Flora. She is the proud mother of six children.
Emily Demerchant, Soprano
Memphis,TN.
Soprano Emily DeMerchant is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate in Voice Performance who a specializes in Romantic-era French art music. As a Lyric Soprano, her performance and research interests focus on the pedagogical uses of the French mélodie tradition. She recently performed Les Nuits d’été by Hector Berlioz, bringing attention to the work’s emotional depth and expressive nuance through thoughtful interpretation. Emily’s work as both a performer and scholar reflects her passion for French vocal repertoire and its lasting artistic significance.
Helen Steffan, Pianist
Fayetteville. NC.
Pianist Helen Steffan from North Carolina, USA, is ecstatic to be returning to IPAI for a second year. She has attended several other summer programs, including Orvieto Musica Chamber Music Festival (Orvieto, Italy), University of North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Piano Institute (Winston-Salem, NC), Oberlin Piano Festival (Oberlin, OH), and East Carolina Piano Festival (Greenville, NC). Her performance credits include accompanying the 2025 Harmony Program’s junior choir at The Juilliard School (New York, NY), Carnival of the Animals with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (Fayetteville, NC), and several solo and collaborative recitals across North Carolina. Helen studies with Dr. Dmitri Shteinberg at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
James Armfield, Pianist
Milwaukee, WI.
From Laurel, Mississippi, Kassidy Chandler is delighted to be joining IPAI this summer as a Teaching Fellow! She recently completed her M.M. in Vocal Performance from The University of Southern Mississippi, where she also completed her B.M.E. in Choral Music Education. This fall, she will begin her teaching journey as the 6th-8th grade Choir Director at Jefferson Middle School in Columbia, Mississippi. Chandler is also an active artist, having performed in and directed several productions with various companies, such as The Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company and Hub City Players.
James King, Baritone
Hatfield, PA.
James King is a baritone studying Telecommunications and Vocal Performance at Penn State. They will be entering their fourth year of undergrad this upcoming Fall. James is originally from Hatfield, Pennsylvania, and apart from singing, they enjoy drawing, thrifting, and watching NBA basketball.
Jessica Beitel, PIANIsT
Winston-Salem, NC.
Jessica Beitel is recent performer on the Master Artists Chamber Series of Varna International’s Muzika! festival and is an alumna of the Performers Program of the TCU/Cliburn Institute. She is a member of North Carolina-based chamber ensemble Cardinal Sound Collective, and is co-founder of the non-profit organization Winyah Bay Musical Arts, a choral-orchestral and chamber music series based in Georgetown, SC. Ms. Beitel has also served on staff at the Lister-Sink Institute and Salem College School of Music, where she was primary pianist for the vocal and wind studios. She holds a master’s degree in collaborative piano from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and is currently pursuing a professional artist certificate at UNCSA in the collaborative piano studio of Dr. Allison Gagnon and the organ studio of Dr. Timothy Olsen.
John Paul Fox-Seidel, Bari-Tenor
Olympia, WA.
Lilya Heidelbaugh is a Vocal Performance Major at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. She has been in several opera/ operetta performances through the University and it's student organizations, and even directed her first operetta this past spring. Lilya aspires to have a career as an opera singer in Europe, hopefully Austria/ Germany, so she is thrilled to be a part of the IPAI Bavaria program this year!
Lilly Vita, Mezzo
Mandeville, LA.
Maddy Yeung is a collaborative pianist based in the Navarre, Florida area. She received her B.M. in Piano Performance from Truman State University, and M.M. in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She is currently the pianist for the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale, resident accompanist for The Mosaic Theatre Company and Musical Director for The Story House Theatre.
Madeline Hui, Alto/Mezzo
Hillsboro, OR.
Madeline is from from Portland, Oregon and looking forward to starting her IPAI journey! They graduated this year with a Bachelor's in Musical Theatre from Loyola University New Orleans. Their recent projects include THE INTERN (Katherine), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Audrey) and CRITTERS (Feral Pig).
Madison Waters, Mezzo
Vicksburg, MS.
Mia DiGiovanni, a mezzo-soprano, is an upcoming Senior pursing a Vocal Performance degree at Loyola University New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, last year she made her debut in the New Orleans Opera Company with the chorus of Samson et Dalila in Concert. University experience includes playing the titular L'Enfant in Ravel's L'Enfant et les sortilèges as well as Cupid in Orpheus in the Underworld. Mia has performed with the Frazier Singers and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) and even had the opportunity in 2023 to back acclaimed tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Marvel Beasley, Tenor
Hammond, LA.
Nic Stark, an alumni of Penn State University, was recently seen as Giles Corey in Harrower Summer Opera's production of The Crucible. He has also been seen as Chevalier de la Force and Father Confessor from Dialogues of the Carmelites. In addition to these, Nic has performed excerpts of roles such as Ruggero from La rondine, Ferrando from Così fan tutte, Rodolfo in La bohème, and Don Ottavio from Don Giovanni.
To cultivate his deep interest in voice pedagogy, anatomy, & education, Nic maintains a private voice studio and teaches virtual college-level Music Appreciation out of his home in central Pennsylvania.
Melodie Dubose, Soprano
Biloxi, MS.
Nicole Huff, soprano, is a graduate student at the University of Memphis, pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance and Vocology. She studies voice with Mary Wilson and is actively involved in university productions, most recently performing in the chorus of The Rake’s Progress with Opera Memphis.
She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where she sang in the choruses of La Bohème, The Queen of Spades, and Carmen. Recently, Nicole has performed the soprano solo in John Rutter’s Requiem with Germantown Presbyterian Church, won the Beethoven Club Young Artist Competition, and made her role debut as Adele in Die Fledermaus with Texas Tech’s Matador Opera.
Mia Chase, Mezzo
New Orleans, MS.
Mia Chase is a second-year Musical Theatre and Theatre Arts major at Loyola University New Orleans. She has been a part of all Loyola's major productions, starring as Ronnette in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and writing her own play LOVE IN A LIBRARY. She also participated in QHOST QUARTET and CRITTERS, as a member of the crew and has performed in numerous productions in high school. Those include PRIDE & PREJUDICE (Lady Catherine de Bourgh), 12 ANGRY JURORS (Juror 5), and SOMETHING ROTTEN (The Bard).
Rebecca Fox, Soprano
Deer Park, NY.
Sam Perkins is a Washington, DC based performer. She currently attends Loyola University New Orleans and is pursuing a degree in Music Composition. She has brought a fierceness to the stage as Jo March (Little Women) and Celisse (Godspell), and a tremendous joy as Lumiere (Beauty and the Beast) and Piragüero (In The Heights). It is her dream to music direct and perform around the world!
Dr. Renato Estacio, Bass Baritone
Albuquerque, NM.
Dr. Renato Estacio, Stage Directing Fellow, is a bass-baritone, educator, director, and arts leader whose career spans opera performance, musical theater education, and arts administration. Recent engagements have included Dutch Schultz in Bumpy Johnson with Trilogy: An Opera Company and Zúniga in Carmen with Opéra Bastide in France (2025). Currently directing a comprehensive drama program, Dr. Estacio oversees theater, stagecraft, and musical productions while mentoring young performers. As a stage director, music director, conductor, and vocal coach, he has led numerous productions and guided students to national recognition, most recently with Broadway Bound Live! Season 2 where his students placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd out of 291 competitors.
Ryan P. Graveson, Pianist
Salt Lake City, UT.
Ryan is so thankful to the University of Utah for presenting him this opportunity to learn and grow overseas with IPAI Bavaria.Ryan is a junior in the University of Utah’s BFA Musical Theatre program who grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ryan is forever grateful to his late mentor and first voice teacher Scott McKenzie for making him take risks and believe in himself. “Don’t forget, but forgive.” @theryanpgregory
Samone Hicks, Soprano
Daytona Beach, Fl.
Samone Hicks, soprano is a versatile performer and educator whose work bridges the worlds of classical, jazz, gospel, and contemporary music. A native of Sarasota Florida, she began formal voice study at the State College of Florida. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Stetson University and her Masters from the University of Florida.Samone has performed as a featured artist with The Ebony Chorale of the Palm Beaches, Gloria Musicae, Strings Con Brio, Soul Sensations, and at the Timucua Arts Foundation. She has performed in productions with Opera Orlando, Asolo Repertory Theatre and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe In addition to performing, Samone is a professor of voice at Bethune-Cookman University. She continues teaching, composing, arranging, and recording, inspiring audiences and students alike with her expressive voice and passion for music.
Sherry Graveson, Pianist
Alexandria, VA.
Xiaqiangege Liu is a UK based collaborative pianist and educator. She earned her Bachelor’s degree with Distinction from Wuhan Conservatory(China) and completed a Master’s in piano accompaniment at the Royal Northern College of Music(UK) in 2024.
She is passionate about expressive, sensitive ensemble playing and creating musical connection through collaboration.
Sierra Penning, Soprnao
Stillwater, MN.
Sierra Penning is a rising soprano from Stillwater, Minnesota, USA. While she is still young and hasn't had the opportunity to be in a full opera, her scene performances include Alisa (Lucia di Lammermoor), Dorinda (Orlando), and Gianetta (The Gondoliers), and the full role of Jill in Victor Herbert's belove operetta "Babes in Toyland." She graduated with her degree in music with a voice emphasis from St. Olaf College in May of 2026, and is currently preparing for auditions into graduate programs in the United States. She is excited for this summer of learning!
Sonja Bloeser, Mezzo
North Liberty, IA.
Xiaqiangege Liu is a UK based collaborative pianist and educator. She earned her Bachelor’s degree with Distinction from Wuhan Conservatory(China) and completed a Master’s in piano accompaniment at the Royal Northern College of Music(UK) in 2024.
She is passionate about expressive, sensitive ensemble playing and creating musical connection through collaboration.
Talia Howey, Soprano
Lewiston, ID.
Xiaqiangege Liu is a UK based collaborative pianist and educator. She earned her Bachelor’s degree with Distinction from Wuhan Conservatory(China) and completed a Master’s in piano accompaniment at the Royal Northern College of Music(UK) in 2024.
She is passionate about expressive, sensitive ensemble playing and creating musical connection through collaboration.
Talya Aulia, Soprano
Perth,WA.
Talya Jacinta Aulia is an Indonesian soprano based in Western Australia and a recent graduate of the University of Western Australia Conservatorium of Music, where she completed her Bachelor of Music in 2026. She has received vocal training from distinguished teachers in both Singapore and Perth, shaping her development across operatic, art song, and choral repertoire. Talya has appeared as a soloist with UWA Voices and UWA Symphonic Chorus and has performed in concerts and competitions throughout Australia and Singapore.
Taylor James, Mezzo
Chandler, AZ.
Taylor James is a recent graduate of Loyola University New Orleans with a major in Musical Theatre. Some of her recent credits include FOR SILVER (Judas Escariot), THE ROCKY HORROR SHADOW-CAST (Columbia), CRITTERS (Fawn), WATCHMANS WOODS (Vicky), ALICE BY HEART (Featured Ensemble), SPELLING BEE (Leaf Coneybear), and THE COMEDY OF ERRORS (Actor 1/Egeon). She loves to travel, and is so grateful for the opportunity to learn from the best and perform in Bavaria!