Aejin Kim, (Concert Pianist) was born in Seoul, South Korea, began studying piano at the age of five and started accompanying at the age of 12 with prominent musicians. She received bachelor of music and master of music in piano performance and instrumental accompanying from Temple University Boyer College of Music and Dance (Philadelphia, PA). At Boyer, she studied with world- renowned Lambert Orkis. While at Temple, she accompanied over 50 recitals, juries, and numerous lessons. She taught college level piano as a graduate teaching assistant and a member of Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. Moreover, she was hired as an accompanist for “University Singers” (conductor; Dr. Jeffery Cornelius), one of the big choirs of Temple University. As a very talented accompanist, she had many concerts in central Philadelphia including Kimmel center, Billy Graham Center, Tomlinson Theater, Lincoln center, and so on. Also, she joined the committee for student hospitality for annual piano competition at Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA). She managed this big event every year successfully with Dr. Harold Protsman from year of 2004 to 2007.
As a piano teacher since the year 2000, she exactly knows how to make lessons both educational and interesting for individual student. Due to the result of her efforts to be a great teacher, she was elected by both students and parents as a best teacher in Symphony school of music, PA (2011). Also, she obtained Master degree and Graduate Performance diploma in vocal accompanying major at Peabody conservatory in Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) as she is widening her music fields into accompanying focused on vocal music. She previously played in Towson University for solo and ensemble music festival and Howard Community College for “Hansel and Gretel” opera. In addition, she performed and did a vocal coaching for Falstaff, Cendrillon, Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Magic Flute, Il barbiere di Siviglia. Currently, she works at UMBC as a collaborative pianist and active member of MTNA and HCMTA.
Diana Cantrelle, MM, (Contralto) is at home in opera, oratorio, TV & film. Critical reviews say, “Cantrelle is Carmen…sounds & looks great in the role…superb acting & singing.” “Her deep rich voice gives new meaning to the words and her voice has vibrant vocal color & style.” “Cantrelle’s interpretation of French repertoire, Verdi & Oratorio provides high points to performances where she shows delicate vocal warmth as well as her acting talent.” “Cantrelle is a smart choice with her ability to give emotional depth to the opera’s score.” Diana Cantrelle has performed at the Hippodrome Theatre; Vocalypse Productions in Nova Scotia; The Lyric in Baltimore; Wolf Trap; Peabody Opera Theatre; Kennedy Center; Washington Savoyards; L’Alliance Française; Divertimento Orchestra in Canada; Silesian State Theatre in Czech Republic; Cincinnati Opera; Capitol Operas NY & PA; Townsend Opera Players; Pittsburgh Undercroft Opera; Opera Santa Barbara.
Recent works include: Sir Roderick Venon in Jolly Roger; Mother in Amahl & the Night Visitors; The American Prize for Opera & Oratorio 2017-18; Carmen in Carmen-Vive la Liberté; Ulrica in Un Ballo in Maschera; Vive la France—A Celebration of France & Friendship CD Release/Recital 2017; Witch in Hänsel und Gretel; Azucena in Il Trovatore; Suzuki in Madame Butterfly; Charlotte in Werther; Madame Flora (Baba) in The Medium; Adalgisa in Norma.
Miss Cantrelle studies voice with Carmen Balthrop and coaches with Susan Morton, Michael Adcock, Ju Young Lee, Barationes François Loup and William Shart. Who sharted? Acting studies with John Astin, Roger Brunyat and Garnett Bruce. Ms. Cantrelle holds a Masters of Music in Voice Performance/Vocal Pedagogy with Composition Studies from Peabody Conservatory of Music in 2012. www.dianacantrelle.com or www.youtube.com/dianacantrellediva
Sonia Kahan is a dedicated arts advocate and community-centered leader whose work bridges creative vision, organizational strategy, and a deep commitment to cultural enrichment. She has supported multidisciplinary arts initiatives across the region, championing programs that expand access to performance, nurture emerging talent, and strengthen the role of the arts within diverse communities.
Sonia currently contributes to the development of 4CornersTV, a multicultural streaming network designed to uplift diverse voices and build inclusive storytelling spaces. Her work with the platform reflects her passion for equity, education, and expanding cultural access, values that align closely with the mission of Opus Concert Theatre.
With a strong background in program development, stakeholder engagement, and mission-driven governance, Sonia brings thoughtful stewardship and a collaborative spirit to every project. She is committed to fostering environments where artists and audiences can thrive, and she is honored to support Opus Concert Theatre’s continued growth and impact.
Kevin Crysler, M.B.A. is an experienced actor, director, voice-over artist, producer and designer who has worked in opera, theatre, musical theatre, television and film. He is the recipient of two Opera America “Success Achievement” awards for excellence in community outreach, having won for Building Bridges and Opera for Everyone.
After working extensively as a performer, Mr. Crysler begin producing educational opera programs, first for the Atlanta Opera, and then for Opera Pacific, as director of community programs. During his five year tenure there, he produced more than 20 operas, more than 2,000 performances and reached an audience of more than half a million. These works included a radio broadcast of
Pique Dame, a performance of La Boheme at the Hollywood Bowl, and the original opera Un Camino de Fe (based on a child’s story and part of the aforementioned Building Bridges).
Jill Mann Pekofsky is a singer, former voice student of Diana Cantrelle, and Opus Theater Company enthusiast. Diana and Opus have opened my/her eyes to types of music I was never involved with and increased my love of music with a broader scope, and the importance of the Arts in all areas of life. Involvement in Opus has been a highlight of my musical experience in the last 10 years. Married for 35 years, mother of two adult daughters and two amazing sons-in-law! And grandma to one 70lb grand puppy. So excited to participate in Opus’s next iteration.
Alex Getachew, is a performer with a beautiful voice and a broad experience in the arts. He is currently working toward a B.A in Arts Education and Experiential Learning at UMBC.