This Season's Featured Soloists (in order of appearance, with upcoming soloists featured first)
Lindsay Feldmeth Westra, Soprano
Lindsay Feldmeth Westra has been praised for her “gleaming, beautiful, powerful voice” and her passion for singing “with exuberance and impeccable musicality.” Born in Hollywood, California, she earned her master's degree at the Mozarteum in Austria before completing her training with Mirella Freni in Italy and Ruth Falcon in New York City. She also worked with Montserrat Caballé and Dame Elisabeth Schwarzkopf in masterclasses. Ms. Westra first trained as a coloratura soprano, but her voice has grown into more dramatic repertoire such as Leonora in Il Trovatore, Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana, and Elisabeth in Tannhäuser. She has performed leading roles in ten operas and given art song recitals from Vienna to Tokyo. For two years, she sang weekly concerts at Opera St. Marks in Florence, Italy.
Ms. Westra also organized two global opera festivals, the Kathmandu Music for Peace Festival in Nepal and the No. 1 Ladies’ Opera Festival in Botswana. She has been a featured soloist with Repertory Opera Company, San Pedro Opera, UC Riverside Orchestra, Pasadena Symphony Orchestra, and Claremont Concert Orchestra, and she is delighted to return to the Claremont Symphony Orchestra. She takes special joy in sacred music! She is also a pastor’s wife, a worship leader, and a homeschooling mom.
Ms. Westra also organized two global opera festivals, the Kathmandu Music for Peace Festival in Nepal and the No. 1 Ladies’ Opera Festival in Botswana. She has been a featured soloist with Repertory Opera Company, San Pedro Opera, UC Riverside Orchestra, Pasadena Symphony Orchestra, and Claremont Concert Orchestra, and she is delighted to return to the Claremont Symphony Orchestra. She takes special joy in sacred music! She is also a pastor’s wife, a worship leader, and a homeschooling mom.
Emily Weinberg, Mezzo-Soprano
Hailed for her rich and beautiful voice, mezzo-soprano Emily Weinberg has amassed wins in prestigious competitions in Southern California, including the Musical Merit Foundation of San Diego and the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Young Artist Competition. Previously, Ms. Weinberg received awards from Opera Buffs and Lyric Opera of Orange County. Recently, she
was named a winner in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition – San Diego District and went on to compete at the MET’s Laffont Competition Western Region Finals in February 2024. Ms. Weinberg’s recent opera appearances are highlighted by her debut with San Diego Opera as Lay Sister in Suor Angelica and as Kate Pinkerton in Madam Butterfly; her role of Toledo in The Falling and the Rising with Bodhi Tree Concerts; and the titular role of Carmen with the Pacific Lyric Association.
Ms. Weinberg has enjoyed a robust artistic partnership with the Pacific Symphony, appearing with them over three seasons in concert stagings of La Cenerentola as Cenerentola, Die Zauberflöte as Third Lady, and Die Fledermaus as Prince Orlofsky. Other roles in her repertoire include Zosia in Jake Heggie’s Two Remain and Mercedes in Carmen with Lyric Opera of Orange County, Dorabella in Cosí fan tutte and L’enfant in L’Enfant et les Sortileges with CSUF Opera Theater, Miss Todd in The Old Maid and the Thief and La Badessa in Suor Angelica with International Lyric Academy, and the title role in Nina Crecia’s The Little Prince with Crecia Opera Productions. Ms. Weinberg received her Bachelor of Music degree from California State University, Fullerton, graduating Cum Laude in 2019 and has attended the International Lyric Academy, Vicenza Italy. She is a student of Enrique Toral.
was named a winner in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition – San Diego District and went on to compete at the MET’s Laffont Competition Western Region Finals in February 2024. Ms. Weinberg’s recent opera appearances are highlighted by her debut with San Diego Opera as Lay Sister in Suor Angelica and as Kate Pinkerton in Madam Butterfly; her role of Toledo in The Falling and the Rising with Bodhi Tree Concerts; and the titular role of Carmen with the Pacific Lyric Association.
Ms. Weinberg has enjoyed a robust artistic partnership with the Pacific Symphony, appearing with them over three seasons in concert stagings of La Cenerentola as Cenerentola, Die Zauberflöte as Third Lady, and Die Fledermaus as Prince Orlofsky. Other roles in her repertoire include Zosia in Jake Heggie’s Two Remain and Mercedes in Carmen with Lyric Opera of Orange County, Dorabella in Cosí fan tutte and L’enfant in L’Enfant et les Sortileges with CSUF Opera Theater, Miss Todd in The Old Maid and the Thief and La Badessa in Suor Angelica with International Lyric Academy, and the title role in Nina Crecia’s The Little Prince with Crecia Opera Productions. Ms. Weinberg received her Bachelor of Music degree from California State University, Fullerton, graduating Cum Laude in 2019 and has attended the International Lyric Academy, Vicenza Italy. She is a student of Enrique Toral.
Matthew Dunn, Tenor
Praised for his beautiful and expressive singing, Dr. Matt Dunn has sung many roles for Repertory Opera Company, including Nemorino in Elixir of Love at the Fox Theater, Don Basilio in The Marriage of Figaro at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, Little Bat in Susannah by Carlisle Floyd, Spalanzani in The Tales of Hoffman, Beppe in I Pagliacci, and Dr. Caius in Falstaff. He also sang Roméo in Roméo et Juliette, Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni, Tamino in The Magic Flute, Alfredo in La Traviata, and Fernando in Così fan tutte. Dr. Dunn recently returned from Europe after giving a concert of Spanish songs in Sebastián, Spain.
Jóhann Schram Reed, Bass-Baritone
Jóhann Schram Reed has been noted internationally for his rich, warm sound and moving performances. The Icelandic bass-baritone was most recently seen as Rapunzel’s Prince in Pacific Opera Project’s dynamic production of Sondheim’s Into The Woods at Descanso Gardens. Shortly before that, he appeared as Escamillo with the Lyric Opera of Orange County. He also recently performed the role of Don Basilio in Opera Roanoke’s exciting production of Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia, “singing absolutely beautifully all the while” (Roanoke Times).
Mr. Schram Reed made his international debut as the soloist in Tokyo Sinfonia’s performance of Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem, a part of their quincentennial celebration of the Reformation. He has previously been a celebrated soloist in works such as the Mozart Requiem, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, the Bach Magnificat, Handel’s Messiah, and many others. In 2019, he took part in Marina Del Rey Symphony’s stellar performance of La Bohéme. That following winter, Mr. Schram Reed joined Portland Opera for their production of La Bohéme in the role of Colline. He claimed first prize at the Vox Domini Voice Competition in his native Iceland, which was followed by a featured recital with the Icelandic National Opera.
As a successful crossover artist, Mr. Schram Reed was seen as Dr. Neville Craven in Utah Festival Opera's 2018 stunning production of The Secret Garden. During the same season, he was also featured as Mr. Whitley in Amazing Grace, as well as in multiple concerts and cabaret appearances. He has previously received acclaim for his portrayal of Emile de Becque in South Pacific as well as his powerful performance as Inspector Javert in Bay View Festival’s Les Misérables.
Mr. Schram Reed made his international debut as the soloist in Tokyo Sinfonia’s performance of Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem, a part of their quincentennial celebration of the Reformation. He has previously been a celebrated soloist in works such as the Mozart Requiem, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, the Bach Magnificat, Handel’s Messiah, and many others. In 2019, he took part in Marina Del Rey Symphony’s stellar performance of La Bohéme. That following winter, Mr. Schram Reed joined Portland Opera for their production of La Bohéme in the role of Colline. He claimed first prize at the Vox Domini Voice Competition in his native Iceland, which was followed by a featured recital with the Icelandic National Opera.
As a successful crossover artist, Mr. Schram Reed was seen as Dr. Neville Craven in Utah Festival Opera's 2018 stunning production of The Secret Garden. During the same season, he was also featured as Mr. Whitley in Amazing Grace, as well as in multiple concerts and cabaret appearances. He has previously received acclaim for his portrayal of Emile de Becque in South Pacific as well as his powerful performance as Inspector Javert in Bay View Festival’s Les Misérables.
Caleb Van Brunt, Cello
Caleb Van Brunt, 16, has been playing the cello for over six years and has been a part of CYSO for the past three. Besides the cello, he's a talented instrumentalist who also plays the piano, viola, clarinet, and saxophone. Aside from music, Caleb has a love for learning language; he is fluent in Spanish, Mandarin, and American Sign Language (ASL). Caleb also volunteers with the San Antonio Regional Hospital music therapy program and also plays cello for his church orchestra. His hobbies include 3D printing, and Caleb runs a successful 3D printing business and has made products for several major US companies.
Leonardo Gonzalez, Piano
Leonardo Gonzalez is a 14-year-old 9th grade student in Blue Ridge Academy. He is a member of the National Honors Society in his high school, and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Mt. San Antonio College Chapter). He is a multi-instrumentalist and is currently taking music lessons with Janet Colburn (piano), Charles Horton (voice), Matthew Keating (cello), Nicholas Casillas (clarinet), and Tom Mueller (pipe organ, scholarship sponsored by the Rotary Club of Claremont & America Guild of Organist Los Angeles Chapter).
Leonardo began piano lessons at age five. He particularly enjoyed music composition class under the mentorship of Dr. Alexander Koops, director of Azusa Conservatory of Music, and since the age of six has actively engaged in many of the music lessons/ensembles the conservatory has offered. In 2021 Leonardo was introduced to MTAC's Certificate of Merit program by his piano teacher, Eric Abrahamson. He took his first CM Exam in 2022 at level six and has received State Honors on every CM exam since. He is currently working on level 10, aiming to finish with his final CM exam in February 2025. In addition to piano, Leonardo's repertoire includes voice, cello, clarinet, pipe organ, guitar, ukulele, and music composition. He was proud to have served in the percussion section as a member of Azusa Pacific University's Symphonic Band (2022-2024). He has enjoyed learning to work with music groups of different genres.
Aside from his regular educational commitment, Leonardo intends to continue studying different genres of music, and he strives to gain hands-on knowledge of different instruments, paving the way to achieve his goal of becoming a cinematic composer.
Leonardo began piano lessons at age five. He particularly enjoyed music composition class under the mentorship of Dr. Alexander Koops, director of Azusa Conservatory of Music, and since the age of six has actively engaged in many of the music lessons/ensembles the conservatory has offered. In 2021 Leonardo was introduced to MTAC's Certificate of Merit program by his piano teacher, Eric Abrahamson. He took his first CM Exam in 2022 at level six and has received State Honors on every CM exam since. He is currently working on level 10, aiming to finish with his final CM exam in February 2025. In addition to piano, Leonardo's repertoire includes voice, cello, clarinet, pipe organ, guitar, ukulele, and music composition. He was proud to have served in the percussion section as a member of Azusa Pacific University's Symphonic Band (2022-2024). He has enjoyed learning to work with music groups of different genres.
Aside from his regular educational commitment, Leonardo intends to continue studying different genres of music, and he strives to gain hands-on knowledge of different instruments, paving the way to achieve his goal of becoming a cinematic composer.
Mondy Gottesman, Cello
14-year-old cellist Mondy Gottesman began playing the cello at the age of six. He enjoys performing as a soloist and as a chamber and orchestral musician. At age 10 Mondy won second prize at the MAP International Music Competition, playing Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major. His orchestral experience started at the age of nine as principal cellist of the Claremont Unified School District Orchestra and continued as principal cellist of the Claremont Young Musicians Intermezzo Orchestra. Currently Mondy performs with the Claremont Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO), Claremont Young Musicians Orchestra (CYMO), El Roble String Orchestra, and El Roble Jazz Band. Mondy has performed various string quartet, violin/cello duo, and flute/cello/piano trio repertoire as part of the Junior Chamber Music program in California as an Honors student. Mondy’s chamber group “Mamoji Trio” won third prize at the Amici Chamber Music Competition in February 2024, performing Mendelssohn’s Trio No. 1 in D minor.
Mondy is currently studying cello with Maggie Parkins, Marek Szpakiewicz, and Henry Guan. His first cello teacher was Rick Mooney. Mondy has been attending the National Cello Institute every year since 2018, studying there with Amy Barston, Anthony Elliott, Matthew Keating, and Peter Kibbe, among others. He has also attended the Idyllwild Arts Chamber Music and Summer Symphony Orchestra Intensive programs in 2023 and 2024, studying with Daniel Bassin, Joo Lee, Kai Potts Smith, and John Walz. When not playing the cello, Mondy enjoys drawing, writing fiction stories, studying Spanish, swimming, and riding his bike.
Mondy is currently studying cello with Maggie Parkins, Marek Szpakiewicz, and Henry Guan. His first cello teacher was Rick Mooney. Mondy has been attending the National Cello Institute every year since 2018, studying there with Amy Barston, Anthony Elliott, Matthew Keating, and Peter Kibbe, among others. He has also attended the Idyllwild Arts Chamber Music and Summer Symphony Orchestra Intensive programs in 2023 and 2024, studying with Daniel Bassin, Joo Lee, Kai Potts Smith, and John Walz. When not playing the cello, Mondy enjoys drawing, writing fiction stories, studying Spanish, swimming, and riding his bike.
Victor Peña, Tuba
Robert Sage, Piano
Robert Sage has been Music Director of the Claremont Symphony Orchestra since 2011. He presently also conducts the Buddha's Light Youth Symphony Orchestra, and he has conducted a number of other orchestras in both symphonic and operatic repertoire. Dr. Sage has soloed with CSO many times over the past nearly 40 years, including the complete cycles of piano concerti by Brahms and Rachmaninoff. His Master and Doctorate degrees in Piano Performance were taken at the University of Southern California, where he studied with Lillian Steuber. He has also worked with Richard A. Jeandin and Harry Datyner of the Geneva Conservatory (Switzerland).
Marek Szpakiewicz, Cello
Polish-born cellist Marek Szpakiewicz has been described by Yo-Yo Ma as an artist whose “energy, motivation, earnestness and generosity of spirit are evident through his work.” Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Corigliano stated, “[Szpakiewicz’s] performance of my ‘Fancy on a Bach Air’ is absolutely gorgeous.” Dr. Szpakiewicz gained rapid recognition in the United States when he won the 16th Mu Phi Epsilon International Competition in 2003. His work as a soloist with various orchestras in Europe and in the United States has drawn praise from critics, who have described him as “a gifted player,” “with expansive vision and immense authority,” and “no technical limitation.” Polish and American radio stations have broadcasted his live performances, including a one-hour special program dedicated solely to his music on KUSC-Los Angeles, the largest non-profit classical music station in the country. Strad Magazine commented on his live recording of Ernest Bloch’s Schelomo as “remarkably accurate realisation of the score.”
Dr. Szpakiewicz began cello lessons at the age of six in Lublin, Poland. In his early years, he studied with Ryszard Losakiewicz and Stanislaw Firlej. He later studied with Stephen Kates at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. Dr. Szpakiewicz completed his doctorate degree under the tutelage of Eleonore Schoenfeld at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. He also studied with such distinguished cellists as Daniil Shafran, Lynn Harrell, and Siegfried Palm. He currently teaches cello and chamber music at Azusa Pacific University. His students have won top prizes at numerous international and national competitions, including International Cello Competition in Chile, the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, ASTA South Bay Competition, SYMF Young Cellist Concerto Competition, and Bellflower Young Artist Competition. In addition, his former students have been accepted by such schools as Juilliard School, Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, and USC Thornton School of Music.
Dr. Szpakiewicz has also contributed his talent to film orchestration as a collaborator with Polish composer Jan A.P. Kaczmarek. Among the scores he has worked on are the music for the critically acclaimed movie Finding Neverland, which received the 77th Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2005. In March 2008, Dr. Szpakiewicz earned permanent residency from the U.S. government as an “Extraordinary Ability Artist.” The title means that he has “sustained national or international acclaim and the achievements have been recognized” in his field, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In June 2011, Dr. Szpakiewicz, along with his wife Keiko Mori, received recognition from Los Angeles County Supervisors Zev Yaroslavsky and Michael Antonovich for organizing a musical event to raise relief funds for the March 11 earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.
Dr. Szpakiewicz began cello lessons at the age of six in Lublin, Poland. In his early years, he studied with Ryszard Losakiewicz and Stanislaw Firlej. He later studied with Stephen Kates at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. Dr. Szpakiewicz completed his doctorate degree under the tutelage of Eleonore Schoenfeld at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. He also studied with such distinguished cellists as Daniil Shafran, Lynn Harrell, and Siegfried Palm. He currently teaches cello and chamber music at Azusa Pacific University. His students have won top prizes at numerous international and national competitions, including International Cello Competition in Chile, the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, ASTA South Bay Competition, SYMF Young Cellist Concerto Competition, and Bellflower Young Artist Competition. In addition, his former students have been accepted by such schools as Juilliard School, Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, and USC Thornton School of Music.
Dr. Szpakiewicz has also contributed his talent to film orchestration as a collaborator with Polish composer Jan A.P. Kaczmarek. Among the scores he has worked on are the music for the critically acclaimed movie Finding Neverland, which received the 77th Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2005. In March 2008, Dr. Szpakiewicz earned permanent residency from the U.S. government as an “Extraordinary Ability Artist.” The title means that he has “sustained national or international acclaim and the achievements have been recognized” in his field, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In June 2011, Dr. Szpakiewicz, along with his wife Keiko Mori, received recognition from Los Angeles County Supervisors Zev Yaroslavsky and Michael Antonovich for organizing a musical event to raise relief funds for the March 11 earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.
Maria Pérez, Piano
Pianist Dr. Maria Pérez, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, has built a diverse and fulfilling career in music. Her early musical training took place in Puerto Rico before she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance with distinction from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. She continued her studies with Master’s and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Washington in Seattle, where her doctoral dissertation explored American pianist/composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk and his Caribbean-based compositions.
As a soloist, Dr. Pérez has performed a range of concertos and recitals, including a notable debut with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico, where her interpretations of Mendelssohn's Concerto in G minor and Gottschalk's Grande Tarantelle were well-received. She has also made appearances with various orchestras such as the Claremont Symphony Orchestra, Puerto Rico Conservatory Orchestra, Beach Cities Symphony, Ontario/Chaffey Concert Band, Rancho Belago Symphony, Laguna Woods Symphony, and the Hour of Power Orchestra of the Crystal Cathedral.
Dr. Pérez has collaborated with a variety of musicians, including Martin Chalifour, Lev Polyakin, Tenor Daniel Rodriguez, Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan, Sopranos Ursula Kleinecke and Hayley Westenra, arranger Tom Scott, film composer John Debney, and Chinese Erhu player Ma XiaoHui. She has been featured on several television programs and live radio talk shows, highlighting her versatile musical skills. In addition to her performance career, Dr. Pérez is an active member of the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) and has been on the faculty of the Claremont School of Music since 1993, where she teaches and mentors young musicians.
Outside of music, Dr. Pérez enjoys hiking and backpacking, practices meditation, loves dancing to Latin music, and is learning Mandarin, reflecting her diverse interests and commitment to personal growth. She currently resides in Southern Utah.
As a soloist, Dr. Pérez has performed a range of concertos and recitals, including a notable debut with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico, where her interpretations of Mendelssohn's Concerto in G minor and Gottschalk's Grande Tarantelle were well-received. She has also made appearances with various orchestras such as the Claremont Symphony Orchestra, Puerto Rico Conservatory Orchestra, Beach Cities Symphony, Ontario/Chaffey Concert Band, Rancho Belago Symphony, Laguna Woods Symphony, and the Hour of Power Orchestra of the Crystal Cathedral.
Dr. Pérez has collaborated with a variety of musicians, including Martin Chalifour, Lev Polyakin, Tenor Daniel Rodriguez, Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan, Sopranos Ursula Kleinecke and Hayley Westenra, arranger Tom Scott, film composer John Debney, and Chinese Erhu player Ma XiaoHui. She has been featured on several television programs and live radio talk shows, highlighting her versatile musical skills. In addition to her performance career, Dr. Pérez is an active member of the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) and has been on the faculty of the Claremont School of Music since 1993, where she teaches and mentors young musicians.
Outside of music, Dr. Pérez enjoys hiking and backpacking, practices meditation, loves dancing to Latin music, and is learning Mandarin, reflecting her diverse interests and commitment to personal growth. She currently resides in Southern Utah.
John Barcellona, Flute
John Barcellona is Professor Emeritus of Flute at California State University Long Beach and is flutist with the internationally acclaimed Westwood Wind Quintet (recordings on Columbia, Crystal, and WIM labels), the Caliendo Trio (recording on Ardus Gramophone), and the Caliendo/Barcellona Duo. He is the former Principal Flutist with the Pacific Symphony and piccolo with the Long Beach Symphony. An active freelance musician in Southern California, he has played Principal Flute with many international ballet companies.
Dr. Barcellona recently released a solo CD on Crystal Records, entitled Silverheels. His other solo album Is this the way to Carnegie Hall? (with Calvin Smith on horn) was nominated for a Grammy award. Mr. Barcellona is a former member of the Moyse Duo with pianist Louis Moyse. He was also a member of the West Point Military Academy Army Band during the Vietnam War Era. He has taught and performed in many music festivals, including the Rio International Cello Encounter in Brazil and the International Flute Festival in Lima, Peru, and he has taught and performed at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival for 30 years.
Dr. Barcellona received his Bachelor of Music from the Hartt School of Music, Master of Arts from California State University Long Beach, and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Southern California. His principal teachers were Harold Bennett (Principal Flute of New York Metropolitan Opera), Carl Bergner (Principal Flute of Hartford Symphony), Roger Stevens (Los Angeles Philharmonic), and John Wummer (Principal Flute of New York Philharmonic).
Dr. Barcellona recently released a solo CD on Crystal Records, entitled Silverheels. His other solo album Is this the way to Carnegie Hall? (with Calvin Smith on horn) was nominated for a Grammy award. Mr. Barcellona is a former member of the Moyse Duo with pianist Louis Moyse. He was also a member of the West Point Military Academy Army Band during the Vietnam War Era. He has taught and performed in many music festivals, including the Rio International Cello Encounter in Brazil and the International Flute Festival in Lima, Peru, and he has taught and performed at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival for 30 years.
Dr. Barcellona received his Bachelor of Music from the Hartt School of Music, Master of Arts from California State University Long Beach, and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Southern California. His principal teachers were Harold Bennett (Principal Flute of New York Metropolitan Opera), Carl Bergner (Principal Flute of Hartford Symphony), Roger Stevens (Los Angeles Philharmonic), and John Wummer (Principal Flute of New York Philharmonic).
