Friends of Opera of East Tennessee Young Artist Grant Recipents

Supporting  young rising opera stars

Jacob Lay

Someone to watch


Jacob has his Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance, Simpson College, Class of 2020. Master of Music in Voice Performance, University of Tennessee, Class of 2022. Notable Compositions: He has performed with several regional opera companies in Iowa and Tennessee, and has had a role in the world premieres of both 'I Can't Breathe' by Leslie Burrs and Brandon Gibson and 'Charlie and the Wolf' by Dave Ragland Jr. and Mary McCallum.
 
Friends of Opera E TN provided Mr. Lay a Young Artist Grant so he  could travel and perform during the 25th Anniversary African American Art Song Alliance Conference. The event was hosted at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at the University of California, Irvine and took place October 13 – 16, 2022.


Click to view Jacob's at the AAASA  3rd artist.


What this experience Meant to Jacob

Jacob Lay's comments

"Receiving a grant from the Friends of Opera of East Tennessee made the entire difference of my ability to attend this conference. The AAASA conference was truly one of the most important events I've ever attended for my personal music career, and it's because of the generosity of people like the Friends of Opera that young professionals like me are able to pursue a career of bringing music and artistry to various communities around the world. I'm forever grateful for you all."

Update May 9, 2023
"This past weekend truly was the experience of a lifetime competing in the George Shirley Vocal Competition, hosted by the esteemed Dr. Louise Toppin and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I met so many wonderful singers, mentors, and friends. Getting to shake the hand of THE George Shirley truly made the whole weekend worth it by itself. But wait, there's more! To my own complete surprise, I am humbled and elated to have been awarded both 3rd Place for the Pre-professional division AND the Spiritual Award awarded by the reputable Robert Sims himself. I truly never could have seen such a result coming from what I see as my first big competition that I've participated in since finishing my graduate studies. I obviously have many words, but none truly describe the degree of happiness I feel at being recognized in this capacity."

Jacob Lay


Sabreena Cherrington

Getting started

"Thank you again for the grant! It has helped me continue my audition circuit when it was not financially possible. I was able to sing for more companies this season than any of my other previous audition seasons. As an emerging artist, getting out there and singing for as many companies as possible is a huge help in jump-starting a young singer's career."
Sabreena Cherrington



Sabreena Cherrington, praised for her “marvelous vocal character” (Arts Knoxville 2022), is a soprano originally from Cedarburg, WI. She currently resides in Knoxville Tennessee. She received her Master of Music degree in Voice Performance at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 2022. At UTK she was a graduate teaching assistant in the Voice and Musicology areas under the oversight of Dr. Rachel Golden, Dr. Jacqueline Avila, and Dr. Kimberly Roberts. She was a member of the Knoxville Opera Studio from 2020-2022 and performed in Boito’s Mefistofele as the company made its post-covid return to the stage in 2022.   Recent credits include Rosalinde in Johann Strass's Die Fledermaus and Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with the University of Tennessee Opera Theatre. She will make her professional debut singing Mrs. Gleaton in Susannah in spring of 2023 with Marble City Opera. She is a student of Dr. Kimberly Roberts



Rising Star Sabreena Cherrington

Stars of tomorrow

Sabreena received a Young Artist Grant so she could audition for the Mary Ragland Emerging Artist Program on Friday, January 13th.  Audition for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Young Artist Program and Kansas City. We wish the best as she begins her professional career. 

May 9, 2023 Update
Nashville Opera
"Since 1996, Nashville Opera's Mary Ragland Emerging Artist program has served up and coming opera singers in the early stages of their careers. We're happy to announce the 23.24 Class of MREAs today! These young artists will serve as the cast of and pianist for our 2024 Education Tour and in the April 2024 production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. Please join me in welcoming Jordan Costa, Tenor; Sabreena Cherrington, Soprano; Andrew Payne, Baritone; Maria De Conzo, Mezzo-Soprano; and Nathan Cicero, Pianist all to the Nashville Opera family!


Staley Clark

Second Year Masters in Voice Student University of TN College of Music

Thank you all for sponsoring my travels to Sarasota, FL, for Jenifer Rowley’s Aria Bootcamp!

I have never felt so prepared for an audition season. With your assistance, I was able to receive some of the finest audition etiquette training, musical refinement, and professional insight to the business.

Gaining support from your wonderful organization provided not only a financial relief, but also an emotional comfort. Being a young singer, venturing out into the world on my own is nerve-wracking. However, knowing that the Friends of Opera believed in me and truly hoped for my success inspired me to push onward.

Again, thank you all for your kindness and support for young and emerging performers, love of opera, and for the opportunity to represent East Tennessee at this great program! (Edited)
Staley Clark


Interested? Apply for a Young Artist Grant

Are you a  future star

Don't delay funds are limited.


Gallery

Our latest and best photos

Friends of Opera sponsored a FREE photo shoot for 2022-23 Masters Voice  students at UT Knoxville.

Staley Clark

Elena Klein

Madison Zane Mackey

Mikeila Ashley McQueston

Jessica Parker

James (JJ)
Robinson

Abbie Schlichtmann

Hooper Stevens

Shaquille St. John

Emma Wilson

Gallery

Our latest and best photos

Friends of Opera sponsored a FREE photo shoot for New 2023-24 Masters Voice students at UT Knoxville.

Kurt Lannetti

Meghana Krish

Meghan Cluskey 

Jenna Moynihan

Molly Garrett