Pensacola Opera Chorus
a community of local, volunteer singers
The Opera Chorus is a group of enthusiastic volunteer performers, who join us for mainstage productions, community events, and concert productions throughout the season. We have members of the Chorus who have sung in over fifty productions, as well as new members joining us each year. The Opera Chorus is a vital part of every mainstage production, serving as a large group of singing actors, interacting with the principal artists, and promoting our performances throughout the community.
In addition to their work on our mainstage productions, the Opera Chorus also participates in a series of community engagement and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. They regularly serve as holiday carolers in December, as well as appearing alongside the Artists in Residence at “Pours & Encores” events in bars and breweries around town.
Our Opera Chorus is made up of a wide variety of people, who come to us from all around the area and from all walks of life. These are people who love to sing and are great team players. While we do add new members to our ranks every year, we also have a few dedicated Opera Chorus members who have performed in over fifty productions!
About the Opera Chorus
The role of the chorus in any opera production is one of the utmost importance. These singers take part in many scenes, interacting with the principal characters and setting the tone for the entire cast. Many of opera’s most beloved titles feature large ensemble sections, such as the “Anvil Chorus” in Il trovatore or the Brindisi in La traviata. In addition to their vocal forces, the chorus also serves an important role in creating action on stage. For example, Pensacola Opera Chorus members recently created a stunning river effect in our 2019 production of Florencia in the Amazon, even when they weren’t singing!
2024-25 Opera Chorus
Soprano
Mia Carisse^
Gabrielle Carley+
Holly Caverly+
Judy Eddins+
Rachel Fitzgerald*^
Jerusha Grandberry^
Laura Hernandez+
Mary Holway^
Hannah Kivisalu^
Emily Perry+
Brooke Ryan^
Anne Marie Schoonover^
Payton Tanner^
Rachael Thacker^
Ting Wang+
Alto
Chelsea Alberda+
Amber Cobley+^
Kiara Colon+^
Ashley Decker^
Laura Dees^
Theresa Goodyear+
Elise Gordon+^
Suzette Leger^
Maureen McNeill+
Leigh Proctor^
Cori Riesberg^
Camille Robles*^
Tenor
Jade Perry^
McKenzie Price^
Michael Riesberg^
Brian Swan^
Gregory Watson+^
Michael Wyatt+^
Baritone/Bass
Carlo Canapa^
Curtis Cole^
Joseph Decker+^
Marcus Henry+
Jacob Hyer^
Joseph O’Shea*^
Jordan Svendsen+^
Kalani Yen+^
+ = The Marriage of Figaro
^ = Pagliacci
* = 2024-25 Jan Miller Studio Artist
Sing With Us!
2025-26 Mainstage Productions
La traviata (Verdi)
Music rehearsals begin September 23, 2025
Staging rehearsals begin January 6, 2026
Performances are January 23 & 25, 2026
Oklahoma! (Rodgers & Hammerstein)
Music rehearsals begin January 27, 2026
Staging rehearsals begin February 24, 2026
Performances are March 13 & 15, 2026
Audition Information
Auditions for our 2025-26 mainstage season productions will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Opera Center (map). These auditions will be for both new and returning chorus members.
For more details about the Opera Chorus, you can also reach out to Cody Martin, Music Director, at cody@pensacolaopera.com.
