Biographies

Deborah Massell, Hailed as "memorable" by The New York Times, and "striking" by the San Francisco Chronicle, lyric soprano Deborah Massell has appeared in leading operatic roles throughout Europe and North America, and sung in acclaimed venues such as the Hamburg State Opera, the United Nations, Basel Opera, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the 92nd St Y, and Town Hall; and festivals including the Vienna, St. Bart's, Salzburg Mozarteum, Princeton, and Caramoor. She has performed with noted artists Julius Rudel, Lukas Foss, Peter Ustinov, Warren Jones, and Walter Berry, and coached with legendary performers Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Gérard Souzay. She has also sung with the Metropolitan Opera Guild, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Mexico City Opera, Orchestra of Cologne, Syracuse Symphony, and ONNY. Ms. Massell's discography includes recordings for Austrian, German, and Swiss radio, as well as Gluck's Echo et Narcisse, and the songs of Jacques Leguerney (both for Harmonia Mundi). She can also be seen on the award winning video The Bald Soprano (Center for Contemporary Opera), and the classical music video for children, Ears Wide Open. Dr. Massell holds degrees from Hamilton College, The Mannes College of Music, and The University of Montreal, and has been on the faculty of Crane since 2000.

Dr. Kathleen A. Miller, has performed and taught throughout the United States and Mexico. She has worked with composers such as Witold Lutoslawski, John Corigliano and Hans Werner Henze. Recent appearances include a recital of Nineteenth Century vocal music at the Instituto de Cultura in Mexicali, Mexico and a recital of Twentieth Century American Art and Theatrical song at The University of Baja California in Ensenada, Mexico. Locally, Kathleen has appeared as Lady Billows in Albert Herring with the Crane Opera Ensemble and as Lady Thiang in The King and I. Kathleen will be performing Harmonium by Vincent Persichetti with Dr. Kirk Severtson, piano, on September 21st in Sara M. Snell Theater.

Jon Manasse
Jon Manasse is among the most distinguished classical artists of his generation. Internationally recognized for his inspiring artistry, uniquely glorious sound and charismatic performing style. Jon Manasse's current season is highlighted by return performances with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and debuts with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, The Chappaqua Orchestra, Montana's Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Oregon's Rogue Valley Symphony. With pianist Jon Nakamatsu, he continues to tour throughout the United States as half of the acclaimed Manasse/Nakamatsu Duo. Jon Manasse's solo appearances include New York City performances at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall, Hunter College's Sylvia & Danny Kaye Playhouse, Columbia University, Rockefeller University and The Town Hall, fourteen tours of Japan and Southeast Asia - all with the New York Symphonic Ensemble, debuts in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Osaka and concerto performances with Gerard Schwarz and the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, both at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall and at the prestigious Tokyu Bunkamura Festival in Tokyo.

Jill Pearon, holds degrees from the University of Evansville (BMMT, Music Therapy), Southern Methodist University (MM, Voice and MMT, Music Therapy) and the University of Michigan (DMA, Voice and Graduate Certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy) having studied with professionals such as Shirley Verrett, Martin Katz, Lorna Haywood, and Robin Rice. She has performed in opera, recital, and concert venues across the United States and in Europe. She specializes in creating unique themed recital programs often incorporating staged, costumed, and visual components. Additionally, she has a particular interest in 20th century and chamber music and has premiered several new works with one currently under commission. Dr. Pearon is currently on the faculty of the Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam) and has previously held faculty positions at Capital University, Kenyon College, and was also a Graduate Instructor at the University of Michigan and Southern Methodist University. She was selected to participate in the 2000 National Association of Teachers of Singing Internship Program where she studied with Shirlee Emmons and has been honored to present Master Classes from Massachusetts to California.

David Pittman-Jennings, is at ease in French, German, Italian, and contemporary repertoires. Mr. Pittman-Jennings has sung major roles in the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, the Vienna State Opera, the Dresden State Opera, the Salzburg Festival, the Chicago Symphony and many others. He has taught voice privately in Paris since 1996 and joined the faculty of the Crane School of Music in September 2007 and has recorded extensively on Deutsche Grammophon and other major labels.

Lorraine Yaros Sullivan, is an active performer, appearing in performances of opera, oratorio, chamber music, and art song. Her favorite performance credits include Dorabella in Mozart's Così fan tutte, Ottavia in Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione di Poppea, and Schoenberg's Pierrot Lunaire and Das Buch der hängenden Gärten. Additionally, she has been a featured recitalist in the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theatre and just returned from a recital tour in Taiwan.
Dr. Sullivan is Assistant Professor of Voice at the Crane School of Music. She has also served on the faculty of Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. She holds the Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance from the University of Michigan, a double Master of Music degree in Voice Performance and Choral Conducting from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Millikin University.

Lonel Woods, is an active performer of opera, oratorio and musical theatre. He has performed with The Michigan Opera Theater, The Washington National Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Toledo Opera, Chicago Opera Theatre, Chamber Opera Chicago and Houston Grand Opera. He also performed, on Broadway and National tour, in Hal Prince's Tony Award winning revival of Showboat. Dr. Woods joins the Crane School of Music faculty as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Voice. He has served on the faculty of Spring Arbor University, Georgetown Day School and Aurora Public Schools. Dr. Woods graduated from DePaul University, with a degree in Music Education, received a Master's of Music from Catholic University of America with an emphasis in vocal pedagogy and received a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan.