Our Faculty
Viktoria Vizin, voice
Viktoria Vizin is an internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano. Her name is frequently associated with prestigious opera houses such as the Metropolitan Opera, Hungarian State Opera House, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Royal Opera House Covent Garden.
Andrea Silvestrelli, voice
Andrea Silvestrelli is one of the most sought-after ‘bassi profondi’ on the international opera scene. The Chicago Sun concurred, “Andrea Silvestrelli wielded a big, black, menacing bass in his debut as the assassin Sparafucile.”
Franco Pomponi, voice
Franco Pomponi performed in many of the world's most prestigious opera houses and concert halls. He trained at the Juilliard Opera Center and the Lyric Opera of Chicago Young Artists Center.
Maria Kanyova, voice
(guest)
Maria Kanyova has been revered as an extraordinarily gifted singing actress. Critics have hailed Maria for her ability to capture the essence of a character while maintaining exquisite singing. Throughout Maria’s extensive and busy performing career, she has performed leading roles with Chicago Lyric Opera and San Francisco Opera among many other opera companies.
Irina Feoktistova, vocal coach
Irina Feoktistova is affiliated with Ryan Center of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Appolo Chorus of Chicago and Chicago Children Choir "Uniting Voices Chicago". She is on faculty of Northwerstern University. In Summer 2022 she joined Opera Festival Chicago as an accompanist and vocal coach.
Anastasia Antropova, vocal coach
Anastasia Antropova is a classical singer, also trained as a pianist and vocal coach. She performs in European and American venues. The solo performance venues included Casa Verdi, Sala Santa Maria, Palazzina Liberty in Italy, Academic Capella, and Steinway Piano Gallery in Saint Petersburg.
Mikhail Svetlov, voice (guest)
Mikhail Svetlov is one of the brightest representatives of the bass vocal tradition. Mr. Svetlov was nominated for a Grammy Award, was also honored with two Telerama Awards in France, and won the Viotti International Competition in Italy. He has performed as a principal soloist at the Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow, the Metropolitan Opera of New York, and many other prestigious opera theaters.