Kendra Beasley • Mezzo-soprano

Kendra Faith Beasley, mezzo soprano, is known for her uniquely rich and velvety timbre. A native of Madison, Georgia, Kendra recently graduated from The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) with her Arist Diploma. Kendra recently performed the role of Girlfriend 3 in BLUE at New Orleans Opera, Berta in Barber of Seville at Cincinnati Opera as well as the Mother in Madame Butterfly. 

An Apprentice Artist with Des Moines Metro Opera last season, Kendra now moves to Detroit Opera as Resident Artist where, in addition to other performance opportunities, she will cover Sharonne Salaam in their new production of Anthony Davis’ Central Park Five this season. This month she will appear with the Savannah Philharmonic as soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

Top row: Edward Graves, Raven McMillon, Olivia Johnson Bottom Row: Sabrina Langlois, Kendra Beasley, Christine Jobson, Daniel Rich

Meet the Judges

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.

Samuel James Dewese

Baritone Samuel James Dewese continues to forge a path as a unique and evocative vocal artist. Returning to Lyric Opera of Chicago for the 2024-25 season, he appears as Diego Rivera in Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World/Illick. Additional operatic highlights include Sam/Trouble in Tahiti, Father/Hansel and Gretel, Astrophel/The Arcadians, and Marcello/La Bohème. In concert, Samuel has been a soloist at Portsmouth Cathedral (UK), Highgate Choral Society, and the Illinois Wind Symphony. Dedicated to the future of vocal music, Samuel’s world and US premiere credits include The Perfect Opera (Edinburgh Fringe), Would You Eat Me? (Thompson Street Opera Company), La Jetée (Chicago Fringe Opera) and the title character in John Henry (Tête à Tête, London). Samuel is a transracial adoptee, and the 2024-25 season includes the debut of From Cradle to Stage, a concert celebrating The Cradle, the Evanston, IL adoption agency that connected Samuel and his family. Samuel is an alumnus of the Royal College of Music, London and the Florentine Opera apprentice program, and has been honored in competition by James Toland Vocal Arts, the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, the Hariclea Darclée Competition, and the Luminarts Foundation.

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.

Alexander Rameses Taite

A resident and native of Oakland California, Alexander Taite graduated in 2007 from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor’s Degree in music theory and composition. He emphasized in vocal performance and jazz piano. He spent 4 years teaching theory and conducting choirs at the Oakland School for the Arts. In 2014 He placed third in the inaugural James Toland Vocal Arts competition and in 2016 took audience favorite. He was a finalist in the East Bay Opera League scholarship competition in 2015. He is currently writing two song books of spirituals, one for solo voice with piano and one for acapella chorus. Previously, Alex has enjoyed teaching with the SF Opera Guild (SF Opera's education and outreach department); conducting the graduate level ensemble at the San Francisco Boys Chorus; Singing with the San Francisco Symphony chorus; coaching and voice teaching at Cantare Con Vivo; directing, and singing in recording projects around the Bay Area; and performing on many local Bay Area opera stages. He currently finds great joy in singing with the San Francisco Opera Chorus; teaching private piano, music theory, and voice lessons; and Directing Chorus Eclectic.