Our Cast
The Impresario & Cavalleria Rusticana
Yi Li
Auditioning Tenor/Turiddu
Recently, tenor Yi Li débuted the role of Cheng Quing in Meredith Monk’s ATLAS with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and made his role début as Dick Johnson in La fanciulla del West in Maryland Lyric Opera’s inaugural season. He subsequently returned there as Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor and Turridu/Luigi in Il tabarro/Cavalleria rusticana and to The Metropolitan Opera as the Young Lover in Il tabarro. Last season, Mr. Li returned to Opera Tampa as Rodolfo in La bohème and he reprised his Fenton in Falstaff for his house début with Portland Opera. This season he makes his Opera Orlando début as Rodolfo. Recently, he joined Hawaii Opera Theatre to reprise his Rodolfo and to sing Canio in Pagliacci; he also reprised Tan Dun’s Buddha Passion with the National Academy of Saint Cecilia in Rome. He returned to Maryland Lyric Opera as Cassio in Otello and as Fenton, and he performed Buddha Passion with the Seattle Symphony.
Hilary Ginther
Auditioning Soprano/Santuzza
Mezzo-soprano, Hilary Ginther, has been equally hailed as a bravura artist in classical grand opera and contemporary works. Opera Now Magazine profiled her as one of ten young American singers intent on taking the opera world by storm, calling attention both to her "terrific stage presence" and "substantial and richly colored instrument". Ms. Ginther's Philadelphia Orchestra debut as a featured soloist in the orchestra's first-ever performances of Bernstein's MASS under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin has been recorded by Deutsche Grammophon and was internationally released in commemoration of the composer's centenary. Future engagements for 2025-26 include her debut as the Alto Soloist in Händel's The Messiah with The National Chorale at David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center, NYC, her long awaited role debut as Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana with Vero Beach Opera, Flora in La Traviata with Opera Columbus, and Suzuki in Madama Butterfly with Opera Louisiane. Summer and Fall 2026 engagements to be announced soon. 2024-25 engagements include a reprise of the titular role in Carmen for her compnay debut with Amarillo Opera in October 2024, a return to Opera Columbus as Marcellina in Le nozze di Figaro and as a guest soloist on their 2025 Opera Gala. Her role debut as Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana with Opera Louisiane in May 2025 was cancelled due to the company's budget constraints. In the 2023-2024 season, Ms. Ginther made a return to one of her signature roles, Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia with Virginia Opera, made her second foray into the Donizetti Queen operas as Giovanna Seymour in Anna Bolena with Musica Viva Hong Kong, revisited Olga in Rosetta Cucchi's production of Eugene Onegin and created the role of Sara Stro (reimagined Sarastro) in A Magic Flute Experience: The Temple, both with Opera Columbus where she has become an audience favorite. She joined The Columbus Symphony for Mozart's Great Mass in C Minor as the Soprano II Soloist, and concluded the season with her return to Central City Opera as Emma Jones in Kurt Weill's Street Scene in Summer of 2024.
Susan Neves
Madame Herz/Mama Lucia
Susan's bio is coming soon.
Catherine Ortega Spitzer
Madamoiselle Silverklang/Lola
Recognized for her grace and warmth of tone, soprano Catherine Ortega Spitzer is an accomplished performer currently based in South Florida. She is a versatile soloist of elegance and strength, comfortable performing in a variety of genres from opera, to oratorio, to musical theater. Catherine most recently appeared as a Professional Artist In Residence with Gulfshore Opera performing in several concerts throughout Southwest Florida. Prior to that, she sang the role of Rosalinda in First Coast Opera’s New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day performances of Die Fledermaus. She was also featured as the soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Miami Oratorio Society. Last seasons’ engagements included a performance with the Miami Oratorio Society as the soprano soloist in a concert of Easter selections from Handel’s Messiah as well as a concert performance with Vero Beach Opera in La Bella Italia “Remembering Sergio Franchi.” She was also thrilled to sing selections from musical theater, operetta, and opera for Vero Beach Opera’s Valentine’s Day themed parlor concert. A favorite role includes Penelope Ann in Penelope Ann’s Revenge, a world premiere by First Coast Opera and A Classic Theatre with music by Curtis Tucker and lyrics by Nelson Sheeley.
Jonathan Lasch
Auditioning Baritone/Buff/Alfio
Jonathan's photo and bio coming soon.