Sidney Marquez Boquiren grew up in the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. As a composer, he is strongly drawn to the practice of collaboration: the ideation, germination, development, creation, realization, performance, and celebration of art that arises out of working closely with others. Past collaborative projects include works on Biblical illumination; multimedia and multi-sensory art experience; chamber opera; dance; and poetry. He has received commissions from the German vocal quintet, amarcord; harpist, Tasha Smith Godinez; the contemporary ensemble, counter)induction; and Parhelion Trio. He is one of 32 artists in the international roster commissioned to compose new solo piano works for Yael Weiss’ “32 Bright Clouds.” His compositions are often informed, influenced, and shaped by contemporary social justice issues; his Catholic faith; and his Philippine identity. A MacDowell Fellow, Sidney teaches courses in music theory and composition and directs the Improvisation Ensemble at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. He sings with the Ignatian Schola as well as the choir of The Church of St. Francis Xavier in Manhattan, New York.

Lite Pole (LP) is an emerging artist hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, whose innovative rhyme schemes and whimsical metaphors set him apart as one of the most unconventional and captivating lyricists on the music scene today. A natural-born creative, LP’s passion for art took root in childhood, but it was during 7th grade that his love for music truly ignited. Inspired by the freestyle sessions of his peers during lunch, he began honing his craft, blending vivid storytelling with intricate wordplay. Over the years, LP has evolved into a masterful lyricist and a versatile producer, crafting immersive instrumentals under the moniker “2 Stomachs.” In 2011, he founded UnPlugged Connection™ (UPC), a platform for his music and clothing line. Through UPC, LP strives to inspire peace, elevate consciousness, and revive the lost “art” of storytelling in hip-hop. With a unique sound and a visionary approach, LP continues to carve his path, connecting with listeners and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.

Rosemary Joyce, a Holland Community Opera Fellow with Opera Omaha, is described as a passionate and provocative performer. She is a soprano, opera director, lover of literature, crossword solver, and Chicago native. In recent seasons, Rosemary has been seen portraying the titular roles in both Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Menotti’s Maria Golovin. As a director, she has mounted productions of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and Mikeila McQueston’s Lucy Boyd, as well as assistant directing Britten’s The Turn of the Screw alongside Greg Eldridge. Rosemary is also an active recitalist whose repertoire selections reflect her desire to bring new voices and perspectives into the classical canon. A recent graduate, Rosemary earned her master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University, and she also holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota.

Alejandra Sandoval-Montañez is a dynamic Mexican-American mezzo-soprano, teaching artist, and content creator. As a Holland Community Fellow at Opera Omaha, she is at the forefront of innovative opera projects that blend artistry with community engagement. With a Master's in Vocal Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois under the guidance of bass-baritone Ricardo Herrera, Alejandra's stage credits include Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor, Mrs.Segstrom/Desiree Armfeldt in A Little Night Music, Edith in Pirates of Penzance, and Lady Angela in Patience. Beyond the stage, she is the driving force behind @AspiringOperaSingers, a thriving online community of 20K+ aspiring artists, offering mentorship, inspiration, and essential resources for the next generation of classical singers. Alejandra is committed to fostering artistic excellence and creating a more inclusive and equitable music world.

Gavin Kelley Rasmussen returns to Opera Omaha after performing in The Rake's Progress. During their attendance at Nebraska Wesleyan University, Rasmussen sang in productions of Il signor Bruschino, Lakmé, and played the roles of Lt. Joseph Cable in South Pacific, Don Pelagio in La canterina, Vassili in Mavra, and Ruggero Lastouc in La rondine. During this time, they participated in the Asheville Lyric Opera Young Artist Program performing various celebrated opera scenes and singing the role of Uriel in The Creation. They also participated in the Harrower Summer Opera Workshop playing the role of Valletto in L'incoronazione di Poppea and singing for the Harrower Summer Opera Gala. Rasmussen has been a part of the opera community in Omaha for several years, having made their first debut with Opera Omaha in La bohème as a member of the chorus. They have performed as a member of the chorus with Opera Omaha in Tosca, Faust, Madama Butterfly, The Abduction from the Seraglio, La Traviata, Don Pasquale, and many others.

Jesse Wohlman is a singer, actor, and educator based in Omaha, Nebraska. He has had the pleasure of working with a variety of performing arts organizations including Résonance, The Omaha Symphony, BLUEBARN Theatre, The Rose Theater, Vesper Concert Series, The Ollie Webb Center Inc., and Salt Creek Song Fest. Most recently, Jesse appeared as The Keeper of the Madhouse in Opera Omaha’s production of The Rake’s Progress. Other credits include soundscape artist for Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker with BLUEBARN Theatre, Aldeano #1 in Opera Omaha’s production of El último sueño de Frida y Diego, the bass soloist in Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme with the Omaha Symphonic Chorus, the Beast in The Rose Theater’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Melchior in Amahal and the Night Visitors with Résonance. Jesse is a faculty member of the Nebraska Wesleyan University Theatre Department where he teaches Musical Theatre Voice.

Josh Quinn is currently the Head of Music and Chorus Director with Opera Omaha. He was also the Music Director and Chorus Director for the Janiec Opera Company at the Brevard Music Center from 2018-2023. In the 2022-2023 season, he made his debut with Opera Baltimore conducting their production of Faust, and served on music staff with Opera Omaha for their productions of X: The Life and Times of Malcom X, and Suor Angelica, in addition to serving as the Chorus Director for the Sioux City Symphony’s performances of Mahler’s 2nd Symphony. While on music staff with Chicago Opera Theater for the past six seasons, he was involved in the development, workshops, and premieres of eight new operas with the company. He has served as the Director of Opera Studies at North Park University, and vocal coach at DePaul University and Roosevelt University in Chicago. He holds multiple degrees in opera performance from the New England Conservatory, and is an artist member of Music for Food, a musician-led initiative to fight hunger in our home communities.

Noni Williams is a poet, a teaching artist, a mathematician, a philosopher, a senior data professional born and raised in North Omaha, Nebraska. Noni finds purpose in using mathematical concepts as a lens for exploring the perceived world around them and fostering the joy of that exploration in others. Noni is a 2024 Ten Outstanding Young Omahan, 2024 Ten Outstanding Young American, an OEAA Outstanding Performance Poet nominee, and has created work featured by Joslyn Art Museum, Opera Omaha, Kiewit Luminarium, Juneteenth JoyFest, AfroFest, Omaha Diversity Experience, Silicon Prairie News, and others.