Mykel Robinson-Collins - Greenfield Award Coordinator
Mykel Robinson-Collins, a rising young artist, earned her Master's Degree in Music Performance from the prestigious University of Kentucky. During her time at the university, she showcased her talent in both classical and musical concerts, leaving an impression at renowned events such as Grand Night, Celebration of Song, Stars of Tomorrow, and Music with Friends. Her exceptional performance as Madame Goldentrill in the opera "The Impresario" was met with admiration and acclaim.
Beyond her achievements on stage, Mykel is an esteemed voice teacher in the DMV area, passionately guiding aspiring vocalists to reach their full potential. Alongside her teaching career, she has successfully navigated roles in administration, demonstrating her versatile skills beyond the music industry. Mykel's dedication to both performance and education underscores her commitment to fostering artistic growth and enriching the cultural landscape of her community.
Dr. Makeda Hampton
Dr. Makeda Hampton is an award-winning soprano and voice teacher with over a decade of experience. Dr. Hampton has performed with several opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. As a versatile artist, she regularly appears as soloist with symphony orchestras and multi-genre singing groups, co-produces shows at Feinstein’s/54 Below, and is featured on the world-premiere recording, United Sounds of America. Dr. Hampton has taught voice at several American universities and the AIMS in Graz summer program. She is currently an assistant professor of voice at Lincoln University and leads CodaSwitch Vocal Arts, the service she created to support voice majors at HBCUs. Dr. Hampton earned degrees from Oakwood University, Westminster Choir College, and the University of Kentucky.
Loki Karuna
Loki Karuna holds a Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance from the University of Memphis, where he studied with Lecolion Washington, and a Master of Music in Bassoon Performance from the University of Southern California, where he studied with Judith Farmer. He continues to work as a performing bassoonist and narrator, in addition to serving as the Executive Producer and host of the TRILLOQUY podcast, President of TrillWerks Media, and the Director of Artist Equity for the American Composers Orchestra. Loki serves on the board of directors for the American Composers Forum, Lyrica Baroque, the Lakes Area Music Festival, Decolonizing the Music Room, and the Cedar Cultural Center, and maintains leadership and artistic advisory positions with the Black Opera Alliance and the Gateways Music Festival. Loki is a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism, supporting the Bridgeview district of Soka Gakkai International, and spends his free time studying Black history and Eastern philosophy, eating plant-based cuisine, and enjoying life with his partner, Dell.
Dr. Everett McCorvey
Dr. Everett McCorvey, hailing from Montgomery, Alabama, and a University of Alabama graduate with a Doctorate in Musical Arts, has performed globally at venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, Kennedy Center, and Teatro Comunale in Florence. He founded the American Spiritual Ensemble and directs the National Chorale and Orchestra of New York City. McCorvey serves as Principal Guest Conductor at Opera Columbus and chairs the Kentucky Arts Council. He holds the OperaLex Endowed Chair at the University of Kentucky, where he also teaches voice. Recent highlights include conducting notable works worldwide, from Handel’s Messiah to contemporary premieres. Upcoming projects include productions with Opera Columbus and Kentucky Opera.
Key’mon Murrah
Fast-rising American countertenor, Key’mon Murrah, herald for his wide range and “hot coal core of tone”, has performed across the world on top opera, oratorio, and concert stages including Bayerische Staatsoper, Metropolitan Opera, Theatre du Capitol de Toulouse, Komische Oper Berlin, LA Opera, Florida Grand Opera, and San Diego Opera. He is the Grand Prize winner of the Giulio Gari Competition, Belvedere Competition, NYIOP International Vocal Competition and Houston Grand Opera Concert of Arias and a finalist of the Operalia Competition. Next season. He will be making debuts at the Kennedy Center as a recipient of the 2024 Marian Anderson Award, Dallas-Fort Worth Symphony and Opera Montpelier.
Brandie Sutton
Hailed by Opera News for her “sumptuous, mid-weight soprano,” and The New York Times for her “warm, ample voice,” “ravishing performance” and “distinctive earthy coloring,” Brandie Inez Sutton has appeared in concert halls and on opera stages around the country, including The Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Opera, Detroit Opera, Spoleto Festival USA, and New York City Opera to name a few.The versatile vocalist is sought after in many genres, appearing as a guest soloist with Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. She has appeared several times at Carnegie Hall with artists from Cyrus Chestnut to the Cecilia Chorus of New York. More than once has she participated in events for EJI (Equal Justice Initiative) appearing in concert with Andra Day, Bebe Winans and John Legend. She has also been immortalized as a hologram in The Legacy Museum: From Slavery to Mass Incarceration erected by EJI located in Montgomery, AL.