Baylor Opera Theatre

What do BOT students do during winter break? More opera, of course! This week, 17 of our current Baylor Opera Theatre students and alumni are in Wichita, Kansas, with Dr. Stephenson, performing in Le nozze di Figaro Amahl and the Night Visitors, Hänsel und Gretel, and an evening of opera scenes with Music On Site, Inc.

L-R back row: Honorary Baylor Bear Justin Ramm-Damron, John Jovicich, Alexia Rivera, Camille Bullard, Sofia Rohlman, Rebecca Walsh ('25), Jordan Roth ('25), Davian Raggio ('24), Mackenzie Block, Ella Selden, Bryce Comeaux, Stephan Gomez ('25).

L-R front row: Dr. Stephenson, Amy Krutsch ('21), Hannah Park ('25), McKenzie McCowan ('25).

Not pictured: Nalani Defensor, Jackson Phillips, Alan Hollinger.

Baylor University School of Music

Joaquina Sitches, also known under the stage name of Joaquina Briones or, after her marriage, of Joaquina García, was a Spanish actress and operatic soprano. The matriarch of the famed Garcia family, she was the wife of tenor, composer and impresario Manuel García, and the mother of the pedagogue Manuel García the younger, of the mezzo Maria Malibran, and of the mezzo and composer Pauline Viardot.

Throughout Pauline Viardot's life, there were many rivals who wished to bringer her down. In Notes On Viardot, these detractors are represented by two fictional characters: F***y and Giulia.

In the roles of both Madame Garcia and F***y, we're thrilled to feature BOT-veteran Ella Selden!

Ella Selden is a mezzo-soprano based in Atascosita, TX. She is a Senior Vocal Performance major at Baylor University studying under Dr. Morgan Manifacier. This is her second year in the Baylor Opera Theater. She has performed in The BOT scenes showcase as well as the Outreach Opera, and her most recent performance as Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus. Ella has received awards as a finalist for TEXOMA NATS competition and looks forward to competing in future events.