Meet the Filene Young Artists of the Wolf Trap Opera, Part III

Shortly after Memorial Day, the Wolf Trap Opera Company will welcome the arrival of the 2012 Filene Young Artists who will be in residence throughout the summer season. Out of approximately 800 applicants, 12 singers have been chosen to perform the principal roles in the WTOC productions. Filene Young Artists have completed advanced degrees from the top music schools in the country and have often participated in year-long young artist companies or apprenticeships. Many of them have already won prestigious awards and are on their way to significant careers. We're pleased to introduce the 2012 Filene Young Artists (Part Three!).....


Aaron Sorensen, bass
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Training: Glimmerglass Festival, Des Moines Metro Opera, Yale University, University of Houston
Roles for WTOC 2012: Masetto in Don Giovanni, Father Trulove in The Rake’s Progress

“When not singing (opera), Aaron Sorensen can most often be found in the kitchen whipping up something delectable and sinfully delicious. Taught by his grandmothers and mother, he is a foodie at heart and is infamous for his desserts. He is also an avid fan of hiking and the outdoors. It doesn’t happen often, but when time allows Aaron also enjoys watching movies and pointless television. So far, the best movie he has seen this year is, without a doubt, The Muppet Movie!”


Marcy Stonikas, soprano
Hometown: Elmhurst, IL
Training: Seattle Opera, Sarasota Opera, Oberlin College Conservatory of Music
Roles for WTOC 2012: Donna Anna in Don Giovanni

“Considering that I was at Wolf Trap last summer until I was 37 weeks pregnant, and since then, I’ve been spending quite a bit of time with the new man in my life, baby Henry. Motherhood has been a wonderful addition to an already full and satisfying life! When I can steal a second for myself, I can be found swimming laps at the local athletic center. My husband Brian, an actor with an equally busy schedule, and I can often be found having dates at home with rented movies, take-out, and a bottle of wine.”


Olivia Vote, mezzo-soprano
Hometown: St. Mary’s City, MD
Training: Academy of Vocal Arts, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, Yale University, North Carolina School of the Arts
Roles for WTOC 2012: Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, From Bel Canto to Can Belto Recital

“I love food... too much probably… and I am very excited to be in the DC area to try out some amazing restaurants that my brother (a local) has told me about. I enjoy traveling whenever possible and actually like living out of hotels. At one point I thought it might be possible to go to school and double major in political science and opera, while also playing competitive lacrosse... that was too ambitious. And I love being a member of my local art museum, in Philadelphia, at the moment I am most inspired by Chagall and Juan Gris.”


Corinne Winters, soprano
Hometown: Frederick, MD
Training: Academy of Vocal Arts, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, Lake George Opera, Peabody Conservatory
Roles for WTOC 2012: Anne Trulove in The Rake’s Progress, Vocal Colors, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the NSO

“I am a vegetarian and am very interested in natural health and wellness; however, I'm also a first-rate foodie and love cooking! Other hobbies/interests include photography, yoga, spirituality, reading, languages, and art – especially Henri Matisse. (I’m particularly excited about the chance to create and perform on a Vocal Colors concert at the Phillips Collection!) I’m native to the DC area, and my family in Frederick, MD is looking forward to coming to The Barns this summer.”