Kirsten Allegri, mezzo soprano 

Hailed by The New York Times as a “highlight” in performance, Allegri brings engaging vocalism, dynamic stage presence and sincere musical interpretation to the operatic stage.  With an expressive voice and compelling acting ability, her repertoire encompasses Bellini, Bizet, Britten, Handel, Mozart, and Massenet.  She has received critical acclaim from National Public Radio, “If Allegri keeps this up, it won’t be long before she garners a reputation as the first great mezzo of the 21st century!”

 

Allegri performed the title role of Cendrillon with the Aspen Opera Theatre Center at the Aspen Music Festival with Joseph Mechavich conducting, singing “splendidly,” according to The Aspen Times.  In previous seasons at the Aspen Music Festival, she made her Harris Concert Hall solo debut singing Faure’s La bonne chanson with piano quintet featuring renowned pianist Kenneth Merrill. She made her West Bay Opera debut in the role of Dama in Verdi’s Macbeth, followed by the role of Sylviane in Léhar’s Merry Widow. Her affinity for the dramatic side of opera has produced wonderful results, including an enchanting portrayal of the Fairy Queen in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe with Lyric Theatre of San Jose.  Prior to receiving a Masters in Music from the Manhattan School of Music, she lived in Paris, France for several years studying the French language and vocal repertoire. A native of Gresham, Oregon, she also holds degrees in Political Science and Music from Santa Clara University.  Allegri resides in New York. For more information: www.kirstenallegri.com
Amy Buckley, soprano, has received acclaim for her sparkling and agile soprano voice.  A solid musician with warm stage presence, she continues to mesmerize audiences with her unique interpretations of both recital and operatic literature.

Buckley has graced the operatic stage under the batons of Harry Bicket, David Jackson, Steven Osgood, Gary Wedow and Christopher Zimmerman, along with many others.  Most recently, she performed Cendrillon's La Fée (Massenet) with Aspen Opera Theater under the baton of Joseph Mechavich. Additional operatic roles include Sophie in Massenet's Werther, Adele in Strauss' Die Fledermaus, Servillia in Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito, Euridice in Monteverdi's Orfeo, Flora in Britten's The Turn of the Screw as well as Yum-Yum in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado.  She is also quite prolific on the concert stage.  She performed the United States premiere of Bálint Bolscó's Bird Eye at Lincoln Center.  In 2007 she made her Harris Hall solo debut at the Aspen Music Festival, singing Stravinsky's Three Japanese Lyrics and Two Poems of Konstantin Bal'mont with chamber ensemble. Most recently, she returned to Harris Hall to perform Mozart's "L'amero saro costante" from Il Re Pastore with renowned pianist Kenneth Merrill.  She has received several awards and scholarships including winner of the Quinnipiac Young Artists Competition, UConn Concerto Competition, Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition, and was awarded the La Camera-Guida prize for an aspiring young singer at the regional Metropolitan Opera auditions.  She received her Bachelor of Music from the University of Connecticut, where her study afforded her the opportunity to train at Guildhall in London. she went on to receive a Master of Music from the celebrated Juilliard School.   Buckley resides in New York where she studies voice with W. Stephen Smith, and is the founder of Canto Cucina: cantocucina.com