Soprano:
Emily Bigler
Emily Bigler, soprano, is the chorus teacher and music director for the theatre program at Beauregard High School in Lee County, Alabama. She also serves as the Handbell Choir director and Assistant Choir Director at Auburn United Methodist Church in Auburn, Alabama. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Auburn University in 2022.
Susan Williams
Susan Williams, soprano, has performed nationally and internationally in a wide range of leading opera roles and as a vocal soloist. During a sabbatical research trip in 2022, she guest lectured at The Royal Irish Academy of Music and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Sandy Draper Sprague
Sandy Draper Sprague is a soprano residing in Birmingham, Alabama. Mrs. Sprague graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in Choral Music Education. She taught music for six years in the Birmingham school system and is currently staying at home with her two young children. She works as a singer at the Eternal Word Television Network.
Hannah Wunsch Ryan
Dr. Hannah Wunsch Ryan is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVa-Wise) where she directs three choral ensembles and teaches courses in conducting, vocal pedagogy, diction, choral literature, music history, applied voice, and choral methods.
Alto:
Tyra Shelley
Tyra Shelley is a graduate of Carson-Newman University in Tennessee, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Church Music with emphasis in Choral Conducting at Samford University. Tyra works at Mason Music as their Programs Manager and Events Coordinator and also privately teaches piano and voice.
Ellen Mitchell
Ellen Mitchell is a mezzo soprano noted for her “jammy timbre” and expressive singing. Most recently, she was seen as La Badessa in Birmingham Opera Project’s production of Suor Angelica in June of 2025 and The Pirates of Penzance (Ruth) with Samford University in 2013 and the University of South Alabama Opera Theatre in 2022.
Jeanette Fontaine
Dr. Jeanette Fontaine, mezzo-soprano, is an Associate Professor of Voice at Mississippi State University. She earned her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Alabama.
Laura Pritchard
Laura Pritchard, mezzo-soprano, works actively as a soloist, teacher, researcher, and stage director. Laura has received national recognition by The American Prize as a Semi-Finalist in the Art Song & Oratorio division and recognition by the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing as a First-Place winner in the Advanced Classical Voice division.
Tenor:
David Tayloe
A native of North Carolina, tenor, David Tayloe has been praised for his “lovely tenor that sings with Mozartean finesse.” David has made appearances with many opera companies throughout the country. His recent performances include Roméo et Juliette, Medea, Albert Herring, La Traviata, Michael Torke’s Strawberry Fields, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, Bernstein’s Candide, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Mozart and Salieri.
Dee Hamner
Dee Hamner, tenor, is a Tuscaloosa native where he attended the University of Alabama. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance. Mr. Hamner has taught in both Alabama and Georgia. Presently, Dee teaches at Eastwood Middle School in Cottondale.
Scott AuCoin
Dr. Scott AuCoin is a conductor, performer, and composer of choral music. He currently serves as Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of Alabama School of Music where he conducts the Tenor Bass Chorus, the University Chorus, and teaches courses in choral conducting and choral literature.
Keith A. Wolfe-Hughes
Keith A. Wolfe-Hughes joined Opera Birmingham as its General Director in January 2015, leading the company as it expanded both the variety of works presented on the stage as well as opportunities to engage with the community in programs off the stage.
Bass:
Christopher O'Rear
Dr. Christopher O’Rear is Assistant Professor of Voice at The University of North Alabama. He appears regularly as a soloist and clinician around the Southeastern United States and abroad, performing in recitals, opera, and oratorio. He holds degrees from Winthrop University, Samford University and a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from University of Alabama.
Joseph Wilkinson
Joseph Wilkinson, bass, is the Director of Music Ministries at Starkville First UMC; a position he has held since June 2021. He is also the immediate past Artistic Directors for the Meistersingers of Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS, 9 years) and the Jackson Choral Society (Jackson, MS, 2 years). In 2019, Wilkinson was a featured Conductor Artist with Vox Anima London, conducting Dan Forrest’s Te Deum at Cadogan Hall in London, England with the composer.
Chris Withrow
A native of Redding, California, Mr. Withrow has been known for “his powerful stage presence” and “moving performance” with Opera Fairbanks, Townsend Opera Players, Northstar Opera Company, Modesto Symphony Orchestra, and many more. Mr. Withrow is now an Assistant Director of Voice at Samford University.
Grady Moore
Grady Moore is chair of the Environmental Section at the Birmingham-based law firm of Balch & Bingham. Grady graduated from the University of Virginia and was a founding member of the Hullabahoos a cappella group, as featured in the book and movie Pitch Perfect and appearing on the NBC comedy series The Office. Grady has been performing with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Chorus since 2010.