MEET THE TEAM

 

DR. BREE NICHOLS

FOUNDER & GENERAL DIRECTOR

Bree Nichols is an Arlington-based soprano, vocal educator, and arts professional who has performed across the United States and internationally. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from University of North Texas and a Master of Music degree from University of Georgia. A Fulbright grantee to the Czech Republic in 2021–22, Bree is known for her interpretations of Czech vocal music in addition to a diverse operatic repertoire. Her career has taken her to the stages of the North Czech Philharmonic, Opera Pilsen, Symphony of the Mountains, Capitol City Opera, Opera Roanoke, Lewisville Lake Symphony, the Olomouc Baroque Festival, and more. In 2020, she was the winner of the Presser Award in support of her performance and study of Czech opera. Off the stage, Bree Nichols is a scholar and innovator in community opera initiatives. In 2016, she founded Stafford Opera Troupe in her hometown of Stafford, Virginia, where she created the Summer Opera Program offering free training and performance opportunities to young singers. She currently serves growing singers on the faculty of NTX Vocal Arts Exchange.

 

 

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Anne Wieben

Vienna-based Soprano; Founder & Creative Director of Opera on the Lake
Executive Director of Really Spicy Opera

Dr. Basil Considine

Founder & Artistic Director of Really Spicy Opera
Award-winning Musicologist, Composer,
and Opera Director

Cherisse Williams

NYC-based Soprano
Manhattan School of Music Alumna
CEO of The Sparkle Twins

Dr. Elvia Puccinelli

Professor of Collaborative Piano and Vocal Coaching at University of North Texas
Founder and Artistic Director of CollabFest

Kate Jordan

Nonprofit Consultant
Community Liaison

Megan Koch

DFW-based Soprano, 2020-22 Lesley Resident Artist at Fort Worth Opera; Grant-writing Associate at Manhattan Grant Writers

Dr. Willem van Schalkwyk

Namibian Pianist & Coach
Opera Coach at UNT Opera