A Round of Applause

Start spreading the news…!! Ava Bartel (East Ridge High School ‘23) will attend the Manhattan School of Music to pursue a B.F.A. In Music Theater.

Natalie Pietig (Mahtomedi High School ‘23) will be moving to the Windy City to attend the  CCPA at Roosevelt University to pursue a B.F.A. in Music Theater.

Jamie Knable (Perpich Arts High School '23)  has accepted an offer from the University of Nevada, Reno to enter their B.F.A. in Music Theater program.

Congratulations class of ‘23!! I will miss you all but am so excited to see where you go from here!

Congratulations to all of the TVS choral singers on wrapping another season!  The studio was well represented as as members of The Twin Cities Women’s Choir, The Singers: MCA,  MN Chorale, Edina Chorale, VocalEssence, Chorus Polaris, Border Crossing, MN Oratorio Society, MPLS (imPulse) and Kantorei. 

Cecilia McCahon (White Bear Area High School '23) was accepted into Oklahoma City University's prestigious summer Music Theater intensive where they will mount an entire production of SWEENEY TODD in four weeks.  Congratulations, Cecilia!

As always, performance majors are some of the last to decide on their college choice because they're just finally now getting their offers after completing January/February auditions. This year's senior class has been accepted into many amazing performance programs including:

• Boston Conservatory
• Manhattan School of Music
• Roosevelt University
• University of Wisconsin, Steven's Point
• Vitterbo University
• AMDA, New York
• University of Reno, Nevada
• University of Western Michigan

Ava Bartel (East Ridge High School ‘23) will be having more fun playing Elle in LEGALLY BLONDE this fall at the Loft Stage. What a great start to senior year — getting cast as the lead in her high school musical! Congratulations, Ava!!

After spending the summer at Interlochen Arts Camp, Henry Grooms (St. Anthony Village High School ‘24) couldn’t pass up the opportunity to audition for their performing arts high school, Interlochen Academy. It’s no surprise that they accepted him on the spot and now he’ll be spending his junior and senior years there. He promises to get me front row seats when he’s performing on Broadway and I’m going to hold him to that promise! Congratulations, Henry!!

Congratulations to Cecilia McCahon (White Bear Lake HS '23) who will be appearing as two leading ladies this summer: Sandy in GREASE at Lakeshore Players Theater and Hope in URINETOWN at Ashland Productions. Also, a round of applause to Shannon Sykes (Great River School '23) for being cast as Little Becky Two Shoes in Ashland Productions URINETOWN.

Paige Klemenhagen (Stillwater Area HS ‘22) was chosen as the “Audience Favorite” in St. Croix Valley Opera’s Opera On The River 2022 Vocal Competition. As the youngest participant in a field of professional singers, Paige represented the future of opera with distinction!!

Congratulations to soprano, Carmelita Guse, for being named a finalist in the American Prize for Vocal Performance. The American Prize is an award given for exceptional contributions by Americans to the arts. She was recognized in ”Opera” the professional division. Brava diva!!!

A round of applause for Paige Klemenhagen (Stillwater Area HS ‘22) for being named the Grand Prize Winner of the Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra’s Young Arts competition. She will receive a $1000 cash prize and will perform three arias with the orchestra on Sunday, March 6 at 3:00pm. Brava, diva!!

Congratulations to these amazing high school performers!! 

• Paige Klemenhagen (Stillwater Area HS '22) will star as Ariel in Open Door Community Theater's production of THE LITTLE MERMAID.
• Natalie Pietig (Mahtomedi HS '23), has been cast as Ariel THE LITTLE MERMAID.
• Shannon Sykes (Great River School '23) will appear as Violet in 9 to 5 THE MUSICAL.

Ava Bartel (East Ridge HS  ‘23) and Henry Grooms (St. Anthony Village HS ‘24) have each been accepted into TWO prestigious and competitive summer musical theater programs: Oklahoma City University and Interlochen Arts Camp.  Such exciting and amazing opportunities for you both!!

Congratulations to Paige Klemenhagen for placing 2nd nationally in CS Music/Classical Singer Magazine's Online Fall Vocal Competition!

Niko Simmons has been cast in Opera Reading Project’s 2021-2022 season as Sarastro in Mozart's THE MAGIC FLUTE and as Marchese d'Obigny in Verdi's LA TRAVIATA. Bravo, Niko!!

After a professional touring music theater career, Leigh Gladden (www.leighgladden.com)  will be appearing in the jukebox musical, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES at the Emerald Coast Theatre Company in Miramar Beach, Florida.  Congratulations, Leigh!!

There's no "Bah Humbug" here because it's wonderful to see people joining the ranks of live theater again! Soprano, Carmelita Guse, will be joining the cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Open Window Theatre for their holiday production in Inver Grove Heights.

Henry Grooms (St. Anthony Village HS '24), has been cast as Ryan in his high school musical, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. Congratulations, Henry!!!

Two exciting accomplishments for Natalie Pietig (Mahtomedi H.S. '23) who was recently cast in the Children's Theater Company production of ANNIE and was a semi-finalist in the Minnesota State Fair Talent competition.  Congratulations, Natalie!! 

Congratulations to Beth Althof for being selected for the 2021-2022 Together in Hope Choir. Their next season will culminate in a performance tour of Norway in the summer of 2022.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, it's been a busy summer for TVS high school singers!

Ava Bartel Summer Musical Theater Intensive at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters.

Henry Grooms Triple Threat Summer Camp at Children's Theater Company

Paige Klemenhagen Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI) and Classical Singer in New York in June.

Natalie Pietig Lakeshore Players touring production of SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK.

A hearty congratulations to:

Carl Rosamilia 1st Place Division 10 Upper College/Independent Studio Music Theater - TBB

Paige Klemenhagen 1st Place Division 3 High School Classical - Treble

They will now advance to the national preliminary round in April. Good luck to you both!!

 Paige Klemenhagen is a national finalist in the High School Art Song category of the 2021 Hal Leonard Vocal Competition! Congratulations, Paige!

India Pelster-Wiebe will attend the University of British Columbia, Vancouver where she plans to continue singing in operas and a cappella groups.

 Elliana Prigge will attend Bethel University where she plans to pursue a degree with a double focus on conducting and vocal performance.

Gracie Tillney-Kaemmer is attending Skidmore College (NY) where she plans to pursue degrees in business and music theater.

Stillwater H.S. junior, Paige Klemenhagen, has been cast as Emmie in the Minnesota Opera's virtual MainStage production of Benjamin Britten's ALBERT HERRING. You can see this performance online in May of 2021!! Toi, toi, toi!!!

Congratulations to Elliana Prigge ('21) for winning 2nd place in the Rochester Music Guild competition. Elliana will be pursuring a music performance and education major at one of the fine colleges she has been accepted to! Congratulations, Elliana!!!

I am thrilled to announce that Paige Klemenhagen (Stillwater Area High School ‘22) has been named a Merit Winner by the National YoungArts Foundation. National YoungArts Foundation identifies the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts, and provides them with creative and professional development opportunities throughout their careers. Congratulations to you!!

It was a banner year for TVS at MN-NATS this year...EVERY singer who competed advanced at least to the semi-finals and some went on to the finals!

Congratulations to these singers:

Paige Klemenhagen 1st Place Div 3B High School Classical Treble

Carl Rosamilia 1st Place Div 10 Upper College Music Theater TBB

Henry Grooms 2nd Place Div 1 High School Music Theater TBB

Natalie Pietig 3rd Place Div 2 High School Music Theater Treble

Ava Bartel  Semi-finalist Div 1 Music Theater

Gracie Tilney-Kaemmer Semi-finalist Div 1 Music Theater

Niko Simmons joins the Opera Reading Project's fall project as Zuniga in CARMEN. This fully online opera reading session promises is a first for many and is a wonderful opportunity for young singers to learn roles, build their resume, and receive world-class coaching.

Natalie Pietig ('24 Mahtomedi HS) and Paige Klemenhagen ('22 Stillwater HS) were both cast in Lakeshore's spooky musical production of THE ADDAMS FAMILY which is set to open outdoors on Halloween! It's wonderful to see theater companies finding ways to go on in this difficult situation! 

Congratulations to Natalie Pietig who was chosen to sing for Broadway star, Laura Osnes, in a masterclass at Children’s Theater Company!

Baritone, Paul Gutmann, will be attending his dream grad school, Oklahoma City University in the fall of 2020 to study Opera Performance. I have known Paul for a long time and am thrilled to see his dreams coming true because it couldn't happen to a nice, and frankly, more talented guy. He will be greatly missed in the studio but I look forward to seeing him at the Met or on Broadway one day! Congratulations, Paul!!!

St. Paul Central High School incoming junior, Lydia Bearss, was selected for the 2020-2021 All-state choir! Congratulations, Lydia!

Paige Klemenhagen was accepted into the prestigious and competitive summer arts program in Interlochen, Michigan. Pivoting to an online experience proved to be a great way to grow and be challenged over the summer during a pandemic!

I am so fortunate to work with so many wonderful young singers who are just all around great people! 

Alex Meyer will attend Valparaiso University to study vocal performance and engineering and hopes to one day combine his interests into the development of a bionic larynx.

Veronica Jacobs will attend Thomas More University where she hopes to start a career toward palliative care and will continue singing in church and in choir.

Melissa Elmer will be venturing off to the University of British Columbia, Vancouver - and while her major is undetermined, she will participate in a cappella singing groups!

SCHMIDT VOCAL COMPETITION Paige Klemenhagen was named Finalist and Most Promising Sophomore

THURSDAY MUSICAL Paige Klemenhagen was named the 1st Place Winner of the High School Division

MN-NATS Congratulations to Paul Gutmann who was awarded 2nd in the Graduate Division, Alex Meyer  who was awarded 3rd place in the High School TBB Division. and Paige Klemenhagen who won 1st place in High School Treble Lower Class Division.

Baritone, Paul Gutmann, has been chosen to sing in VoiceExperience and the Savannah Voice Festival. He will be featured in the role of Dandini in Rossini’s LA CENERENTOLA and will return to study with operatic legend, Sherrill Milnes.

Congratulations to Paige Klemenhagen who was cast in the Children’s Theater Company’s MainStage production of ANNIE!

It was so fun to go see so many TMS students performing in Ashland Productions fall musical, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Bravo tutti to Paige Klemenhagen, Natalie Pietig, Clare Odin, and Shannon Sykes!! 

Baritone, Niko Simmons, is having a busy opera season as he prepares for his first solo role with the MN Opera in their premiere of EDWARD TULANE, is again a part of the ensemble of the MN Opera, and is also preparing two roles for the Opera Reading Project. Bravo, Niko!!

Coloratura soprano, Carmelita Guse, was selected to perform in a master class with world renowned coach and pianist, Margo Garrett. This was an event sponsored by ArtSongMN.org.

Soprano Carmelita Guse will be joining the Lakes Area Music Festival in their summer production of LA BELLE HELENE. After performing in Ashland Productions first alumni production of NEXT TO NORMAL,  Paul Gutmann will be spending the summer at the Atlantic Music Festival in Maine. 

Congratulations to Kaitlyn Maynard (‘19)  for being cast as Maria in WEST SIDE STORY at Simley High School and to Gracie Tilney-Kaemmer (‘22) for being cast as Little Red in INTO THE WOODS at St. Paul Academy and Summit School.

Natalie Harrison will be pursuing a double major in opera performance and french at North Dakota State University. Kaitlyn Maynard was one of seven students accepted into the highly competitive music theater degree at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. Sophia Schreier will be attending Loyola University in Chicago on a presidential scholarship where she will keep singing and will work to make a positive impact on the world through advocacy. 

Paul Gutmann and Christina Ippoliti who were accepted into the La Musica Lyrica opera program. This is an intensive five week opera training program. Paul will be singing the role of Guglielmo in Mozart’s comic opera COSI FAN TUTTE and Christina will be in the ensemble for Poulenc’s dramatic opera, THE DIALOGUES OF THE CARMELITES.

Congratulations to Paul Gutmann and Niko Simmons for being cast in the Minnesota Opera’s production of SILENT NIGHT in the 2018-2019 season!

These high school performers continue to amaze! Congratulations to:

• Kaitlyn Maynard for her performance as the Scarecrow in Simley H.S.’s Production of THE WIZARD OF OZ.
• David Timm for his performance as Lumiere in Sibley H.S.’s production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

for being recognized by the Hennepin Theater Trust for their outstanding performances!

Sibley high school senior, David Timm, was selected to sing in a master class with internationally renowned American baritone, Nathan Gunn. David was chosen for this honor because he was a first place winner at MN-NATS in November 2017.

Congratulations to David Timm who was selected from over 200 submissions to be one of MPR's Minnesota Varsity finalists! 

Congratulations to these students who were cast as leads in their high school musicals:

• Kaitlyn Maynard (Siimley HS '17) is the Scarecrow in THE WIZARD OF OZ.
• Laura Myers (Mounds Park Academy '18) is Maria in THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
• David Timm (Sibley HS '18) is Lumiere in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

TVS made a strong showing at Minnesota NATS (National Teachers of Singing) Fall Competition at St. John's University in November 2017. I am SO tremendously proud of all of you!!!!! Bravo tutti!!!!!

• David Timm (Sibley HS '18) won 1st Place in High School Men's Classical Division.
• David Timm (Sibley HS '18) won 1st Place in High School Men's Musical Theater Division.
• Emma Bearss (Central HS '18) won 2nd Place in High School Women's Upper Class Classical Division.
• Natalie Harrison (Edina HS '20) won 3rd Place in High School Women's Lower Cllass Classical Division.
• Alex Meyer (Math and Science Academy '19) semi-finalist in High School Men's Classical Division.
• Kelly Myers (Mounds Park Academy '18) semi-finalist in High School Women's Upper Class Division.

• Ingrid Haugen is the newest soprano in one of the Twin Cities' newest professional choirs, Border Crossings
• Emma Bearss (Central H.S. '18) was selected as an apprentice for Project Opera of the Minnesota Opera.
• Carl Rosamilia will be appearing in Ashland Productions THE ADDAMS FAMILY and The Gilbert and Sullivan's Very Light Opera Company's production of PRINCESS IDA (Cyril).
• Paul Gutmann will be appearing in the Minnesota Opera's production of LE NOZZE DI FIGARO, Mill City Opera's production of CARMEN, and the Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company's production of PRINCESS IDA..
• India Stewart Pelster-Wiebe (Central HS '21)) a member of Project Opera, was selected to be in Minnesota Opera's world premiere opera DEAD MAN WALKING.
• Abby Feuer (East Ridge HS '19) was selected for ACDA's 2018 Regional Honor Choir.

Sending all best wishes to this years graduating seniors!!

• Rachel Countryman will attend the College of St. Benedict where she received a music scholarship and will major in education.
• Isabelle Jones will attend the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities where she will pursue a degree in engineering.
• Natalie Maxam will attend Boston College where she will study communications and continue singing in the choir.
• Maddie Stoffel will be attending the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse where she will pursue a degree in Music Theater Performance.
• Erica Thelen will be attending Oberlin Conservatory of Music on scholarship where she will study opera/vocal performance.

Congratulations to Paul Gutmann who will be starring as the Beast in Fridley Community Theater's production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST this July.

The studio hit a record this year with five students being accepted into the Minnesota All-State Choir!! Congratulations to Emma Bearss, Abby Feuer, Emma Madeux, Kelly Myers, and David Timm who will spend a week at St. Olaf in August and then perform at Orchestra Hall in February of 2018. 

It is the "choral heartland" after all so it is fitting that so many singers should be singing this spring!

• The Singers: Minnesota Choral Artists ( Beth Althof, Carolyn Swanson, and Megan Skubic) will present their program (my personal favorite program of theirs!!) My Soul's Repose the first weekend in April.
• The Minnesota Chorale (Mark Countryman and Liz Pauly) is preparing Carmina Burana and several more programs this spring.
• The National Lutheran Choir (Colleen Cook) will be wrapping up their season with a tour and a spring gala.
• The Oratorio Society of MN (Jo Ann Musumeci) will be giving the world premiere of Randall Thompson's Requiem in April.

Garden of Song's third season brings a production of HANSEL AND GRETEL featuring TMS's Taylor Van Denburgh as The Witch. This production will be in English and in the intimate Baroque Room (Downtown St. Paul) - a great first opera if you've never been or even want to bring the kiddos!

Congratulations to these stellar singers who were cast as the leads in their high school musicals!!  Christina Ippoliti  (East Ridge High School) as Hodel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Isabelle Jones (St. Paul Conservatory for the Performing Arts) as Small Alison in FUN HOME, Maddie Stoffel (St. Croix Prep Academy) as Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS, Kelly Myers (Mounds Park Academy) as Hodel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and Isabella Jurgens (Centennial Middle School) as Nala in THE LION KING..