Bree Nichols – Rusalka Praised for her “rich vocal disposition,” soprano Bree Nichols is an internationally active artist known for her work in Czech opera and new music. Based in Prague, she has appeared with companies including Tulsa Opera and the Janáček Philharmonic and joins Opera Modesto in the title role of Rusalka.
Isaiah Musik-Ayala – Vodnik Praised by The New York Times for his “burly and resonant” voice, bass Isaiah Musik-Ayala is an internationally active artist known for his commanding stage presence and expansive repertoire. He has appeared with companies including the LA Phil, Virginia Opera, and New York City Opera and joins Opera Modesto this season.
Jason Nichols – Prince Praised for his “vulnerability and passion” (Roanoke Times), bringing emotional intensity and lyrical warmth to the stage. He recently made his debut as Rodolfo in La Bohème at the Silesian Theatre Opava. This season, he debuts as the Prince in Rusalka with Opera Modesto and the North Czech Philharmonic, sings with Lithuanian National Opera, covers Tom Rakewell in The Rake’s Progress at the National Theatre Prague, and performs Alfredo in La Traviata in collaboration with AVA Prague and Studio Martinek.
Emily Geller – Ježibaba NYC-based contralto Emily Geller is lauded for her remarkable vocal depth and dramatic presence. Her recent work includes appearances with Opera Santa Barbara, Tri-Cities Opera, Pacific Opera Project, and Gulfshore Opera, with Opera Modesto marking her house debut in 2026.
Jessica Sandidge – Foreign Princess Praised for her “voice of both power and beauty,” soprano Jessica Sandidge appears regularly with major opera companies across the U.S. and internationally. Recent highlights include title roles in Tosca, Susannah, and Manon Lescaut.
Guillermo Garcia Jr. –The Hunter/Gamekeep Baritone Guillermo García Jr. began his musical training as a violinist before earning a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from CSU, Stanislaus. He has appeared with Opera Modesto in productions including The Merry Widow, Roméo et Juliette, and The Barber of Seville, and has also performed with Center Stage Opera and Pacific Chorale. He currently serves as Director of Liturgical Music in Manteca, California.
Leandra Ramm – Turnspit/Kitchen boy Praised for her expressive singing and vivid character portrayals, mezzo-soprano Leandra Ramm makes her Opera Modesto debut after appearing with companies including the San Francisco Symphony, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, West Edge Opera, and Livermore Valley Opera. She is also a regular member of the San Francisco Opera Chorus.
Bella Dávila – Wood Sprite Bella Dávila is a classically trained soprano and multi-instrumentalist actively involved with Opera Modesto as a chorus member and Children’s Chorus Director. A Summer Opera Institute alum and Modesto Junior College musician, she has appeared in multiple main stage productions and continues to expand her work as a performer and educator.
Addison Mendenhall – Wood Sprite Soprano Addison Mendenhall is a young artist gaining attention throughout the Central Valley for her natural talent and vocal flexibility. A participant in Opera Modesto’s Summer Opera Institute, she sings with the Modesto Symphony Chorus and Gregori High School Choir and is thrilled to make her Opera Modesto debut.
Katie Overton – Wood Sprite Katie Overton is a longtime performer turned stage manager. She began with Opera Modesto’s Summer Opera Institute in 2018 and has since worked behind the scenes as Assistant Stage Manager since the 2024-2025 season.
Director: Annalisa Winberg
Conductor: Caleb Yanez Glickman
Scenic/Production Design: Corey Strauss
Costumer: Shannon Andrews
