Thank you for joining us for what may be the most musically diverse stretch of our season. From soaring a cappella harmonies to genre-bending piano to raw Americana storytelling to a choral meditation on the American Experience, the performances in this program share a common thread: artists who refuse to stay in one lane. Voctave brings world-class a cappella to our stage, blending pop, Broadway, and classical into seamless vocal arrangements that have earned them a massive global following. Barron Ryan is a pianist raised on Mozart and Motown who lands somewhere between classical recital and concert hall singalong, delivering performances that are technically stunning and deeply accessible. Classic meets cool, as he puts it. Women of Americana is exactly what it sounds like: women doing incredible things in roots music, pulling from country, folk, blues, and soul. And Tonality closes things out with America Will Be, a choral program that grapples with the American Experience in a way that’s moving and a little challenging in the best sense—featuring Weber State University choir students joining the ensemble onstage.
Beyond the performances you’ll see on our stages, several of these artists are also spending time with students while they’re in town. Voctave is performing a student matinee, giving kids a field-trip-worthy introduction to live vocal performance. Barron Ryan is heading into local classrooms to work directly with students. And Tonality’s collaboration with Weber State’s choir is the kind of artist-meetscommunity exchange we live for. These are the moments that don’t make the marquee but often matter the most— and they’re possible because of supporters like you.
One more thing worth mentioning: Women of Americana and Tonality: America Will Be are funded in part through a National Endowment for the Arts grant as part of the NEA’s America 250 Initiative. Public investment in the arts matters—it’s how performances like these make it to stages in communities like ours. We don’t take that support for granted, and we think you’ll see why it’s worth it tonight.
Thank you for being here. Whether this is your first time with us or you’ve been coming for years, we’re glad you’re spending your evening in one of these seats. Enjoy the show.
Utah Symphony | The Music of Phil Collins & Genesis
Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 7:30PM
Rakish
Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 7:30PM
The Doo Wop Project Friday, October 17, 2025 at 7:30PM
Eternamente: A Día de los Muertos Spectacular
Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 7:30PM
Cirque Kalabanté
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 7:30PM
Utah Symphony | Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6
Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 7:30PM
National Geographic Live: The Rise of T-Rex Friday, November 7, 2025 at 7:30PM
Grupo Bella Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 7:30PM
Ballet West’s The Nutcracker Friday, November 28, 2025 at 2:00PM & 7:00PM Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 2:00PM & 7:00PM Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 12:00PM
Mariachi Herencia de México Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 7:30PM
Utah Symphony | Holiday Pops Extravaganza
Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7:30PM
The Second City Friday, January 16, 2026 at 7:30PM
BYU Young Ambassadors Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 7:30PM
Peppa Pig: My First Concert Wednesday, February 25, at 6:00PM
LP And The Vinyl Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7:30PM
International Guitar Night
Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7:30PM
Voctave
Monday, March 9, 2026 at 7:30PM
Barron Ryan
Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 7:30PM
Candlelight Celtic
Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 7:30PM
Women of Americana Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 7:30PM
Tonality
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 7:30PM
Utah Symphony | The Music of Harry Potter
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 7:00PM
Utah Symphony | La Vida Loca Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:30PM
Prokofiev Piano Concerto #3
Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:30PM
Sybarite5
Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:30PM
Val A. Browning Charitable Foundation
The Onstage Ogden’s 2025–2026 season is funded in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, Weber County Recreation, Arts, Museums, and Parks (RAMP) program, Stewart Education Foundation, and Val A. Browning Charitable Foundation.
Board & Staff
ONSTAGE OGDEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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President
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President-Elect
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Secretary
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Treasurer
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STAFF
James Fredrick Executive Director
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Mills Publishing, Inc.
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BROWNING CENTER AT WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY, AUSTAD AUDITORIUM
Voctave is a dynamic 11-member a cappella group hailing from Central Florida, renowned for their intricate and captivating vocal arrangements. Founded in the winter of 2015 by esteemed producer and arranger Jamey Ray, Voctave brings together a rich tapestry of musical backgrounds. The group’s members have performed globally and contributed to numerous recordings, showcasing their versatile talent.
Voctave has collaborated with a host of Grammy, Dove, and American Music Award winners, earning acclaim for their exceptional performances. They are proudly represented by Opus 3 Artists management, a testament to their esteemed place in the music industry.
Their impressive discography boasts multiple #1 songs and albums on platforms like iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify, and they have made significant strides on Billboard Magazine’s charts, ranking in the top 25. With over 200 million views across social media platforms, Voctave’s impact on the a cappella scene is undeniable. Their albums are widely available on all digital music and streaming platforms, allowing fans worldwide to experience their stunning vocal artistry.
CONCERT SPONSOR
Ralph Nye Charitable Foundation
Artists’ Profile
VOCTAVE MEMBERS
Kate Lott – Soprano 1
Kate has traveled the world with her voice, and she began with a broad variety of roles in Regional Theaters around the country before moving to Orlando more than a decade ago. Honoring her BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah University, Walt Disney Entertainment invited Kate to move to Orlando, Florida, where she has been singing First Soprano with the Voices of Liberty for over ten years. As a soloist, Kate has sung the National Anthem for the Atlanta Braves, Run Disney, and President Barack Obama. Her signature high notes have been captured on multiple studio recordings. She and her husband Rob reside in Windermere, Florida with their dog, Leo.
Tiffany Coburn – Soprano 2
Tiffany Coburn has been called a singer’s singer! Her love of music is undeniable. Whether you hear her singing with Voctave or performing her own gospel concerts, your heart will be moved by her voice. Her career has been filled with “pinch me” moments!
At the age of 17, she began the “tour” life beginning with the Continental Singers and Orchestra. She has toured with TRUTH, Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty just to name a few. She has had the privilege of performing as a soloist with the Boston Pops, the Orlando and Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestras, appeared at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and sang for the closing ceremonies of the Special Olympics. She represented the United States at the April Spring Friendship Festival in Pyongyang, North Korea against 40 other countries and brought home First Place Honors. Tiffany was a member of EPCOT’s Voices of Liberty for over 25 years, recorded the theme song “Share a Dream Come True” for Disney’s 100 Years of Magic,” as well as recordings for parades, stage shows and special events for Disney World as well as the other parks worldwide. She
became a Dove Award Nominated Artist with her most recent recording “You Are More” in the categories of Inspirational “Album of the Year” and Grass Roots “Song of the Year.” She currently lives in Clermont, FL with her husband of 30 years.
Ashley Espinoza – Soprano/Alto
Ashley Espinoza lives in Florida with her husband, Christian and children, and is a singer with the Voices of Liberty at Walt Disney World. In her spare time, she is a studio singer, and she records and travels with the viral group, Voctave. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance, & discovered barbershop at her college, Vanguard University of Southern California. In the past she has been a member of the Harborlites Chorus, Hypnotic, Vogue (2010 Rising Star Champions), Charmed, and Windsor. Along with her love for music, she also enjoys reading, loves cats, and is enjoying learning how to be a good wife & mother.
Sarah Whittemore – Alto 1
Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Sarah Whittemore grew up immersed in music, singing in touring children’s choirs, leading church services, and fronting her own jazz trio.
For the past 19 years, she has called Central Florida home, where she has established herself as a premier live and studio vocalist. Her signature silky sound is featured in the world-renowned a cappella group Voctave, and her Disney roots run deep from her years with the Voices of Liberty at Walt Disney World. Sarah has also been featured as a guest artist with the Orlando Philharmonic, Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, and Macon Pops, and has appeared as a soloist at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
A veteran of the session world, Sarah has recorded hundreds of projects worldwide. Her
work includes recordings for Disney parks across the globe, Universal Studios Japan, Norwegian Cruise Line, FELD Entertainment, and albums for Jon Anderson of Yes and various Broadway artists.
In 2021, Sarah released her debut solo recording, Love Song EP, showcasing her vocal jazz artistry. More recently, she has expanded her reach as a songwriter with Excelsia Publishing. In addition, her latest collaboration with writer/arranger Rick McKee, A Halloween Carol, is currently available on all music streaming platforms.
Chrystal Johnson – Alto 2
Chrystal Johnson is an accomplished singer and actress who is a 13-year veteran of Disney World’s famed “Voices of Liberty” at Epcot, a lead performer in Disney’s Festival of The Lion King, and many other venues throughout Greater Orlando, Florida. She was raised in the Great Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, where she began her singing career and received a degree in Public Relations and Religion from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. While at Lee, she was a premier singer for the “The Voices of Lee,” where she recorded with numerous artists as well as toured the world with the popular gospel group The Gaithers. She currently resides in Florida with her husband and four children.
E.J. Cardona – Tenor 1
Born and raised in Orlando, FL, E. J. has performed all over the world in a variety of ensembles and venues. Some of his favorite theatrical credits include, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Voice of Quasimodo), West Side Story (Chino) and In the Heights (Piraguero) at Musical Theatre West. In his many years with Walt Disney World Entertainment, he has performed featured roles in Finding Nemo: The Musical (Crush), High School Musical 3: Senior Year and various Special Events.
As a session vocalist, he has recorded in studios such as Capitol Records, The Imagination House, Roy O. Disney Studios, Jim Henson Studios and many more.
E.J. was a contestant in the premier season of The X Factor (FOX), the first winner of Orlando Idol (FOX) and was seen in GAP’s holiday commercial (national). He has sung background vocals for SuperFruit, Jordan Fisher (ABC), Shoshana Bean, Jackie Evancho, Chris Daughtry and others. E.J. has a passion for a cappella music, performing/ collaborating with groups such as Pentatonix, The Voices of Liberty (Disney), The American Music Machine. He is also a Director of Live Entertainment at Hawkmoon Creative! Much love to my entire world, Lindsay and Leo!
Drew Ochoa – Tenor 2
Originally from Ohio, Drew relocated to Orlando, FL to pursue an entertainment career with Walt Disney World. He is a full-time member of The Voices of Liberty and can sometimes be found hanging around with The Dapper Dans. Drew holds a BA in Music Education from Bowling Green State University and a MM in Voice Performance from Roosevelt University. He is an avid a cappella singer in the barbershop style winning the 2018 International Barbershop Quartet Contest with his quartet, After Hours.
Jamey Ray – Tenor 3/Arranger
A native Floridian, Jamey serves as the sole arranger and producer for Voctave, crafting every note the group has ever sung and producing all their recordings. Since founding Voctave in 2015, Jamey has guided the group to prominence with their distinct a cappella renditions of Disney classics, Broadway hits, Christmas favorites, jazz standards, and many other exciting projects.
For 15 years, Jamey was a music professor at Rollins College, an experience he is deeply
Artists’ Profile
grateful for. Now, he brings his expertise to Excelcia Music Publishing as the choral editor, where he continues to curate the ever-growing choral catalog, ensuring a rich selection of music for choirs of all ages and levels.
With arrangements appearing on albums by Pentatonix, The King’s Singers and The Swingles, Jamey has produced hundreds of recordings and dozens of full albums for multiple Broadway and Disney performers as well as groups including Voctave, the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park and the Liberty Voices.
Kurt von Schmittou – Baritone
Originally from the Nashville Tennessee area, Kurt was raised in a somewhat musical family. Kurt began playing piano at age 5, and later played trumpet and tuba, eventually attending college on a tuba scholarship. After getting his Bachelor of Music degree majoring in Recording Industry Management from Middle TN State university, performed in several shows at the Opryland theme park, sang as a solo artist on the Grand Ole Opry, and toured internationally as lead vocalist with The Chippendales. He has performed with numerous recording artists including Conway Twitty, Wynona Judd, Loretta Lynn, Brenda Lee, Lee Greenwood, Jessica Simpson, and Yanni to name just a few.
Kurt’s Broadway credits include the closing cast of the original run of CATS and the Original Broadway Cast of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. Performing at Walt Disney World for over 3 decades, Kurt’s voice can be heard either singing or providing voiceovers in every Disney theme park in the world.
Currently Kurt spends time traveling with his husband Zach and taking care of his 2 cats, Thunder & Pride.
John Hannigan – Baritone/Bass
John has been Voctave’s baritone sub since 2022, and he was honored to perform with the group for the first time during their Spring 2024 tour and now joins them in 2025 as an official member of the group!
Originally from Long Island, New York, John studied music at Cornell University before receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from NYU. During his 15-year Wall Street career, John performed in local musical theatre productions on nights and weekends before leaving the financial services industry to pursue the arts full-time.
Since then, John has performed at regional theaters across the country, appearing in productions of JERSEY BOYS, FOREVER PLAID, BANDSTAND, and most recently the new barbershop harmony musical, THE APPLE BOYS, at the prestigious Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania. He also works professionally as a commercial actor, lifestyle model, and session singer. John currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with his partner, Joe.
Karl Hudson – Bass
Karl Hudson is a bass singer who has traveled all over the world, sharing his passion for music and the pursuit to uplift humanity through song. He has had the privilege of recording with Grammy Award winner David Benoit at Capitol Records, Shoshana Bean, Pentatonix, Marc Broussard, Mindi Abair and David Foster amongst other amazing artists.
He is the bass singer of MTV’s Top Pop group The Edge Effect, a five-man vocal band who has opened for Robin Thicke, Sky Blue of LMFAO and can be seen touring throughout the year. No stranger to the Mouse, he has been with Disney’s premier a cappella group, Voices of Liberty for ten years. He also plays the role of Kiume in Disney’s Festival of the Lion King
and countless special events for the Walt Disney Company.
He studied at the Hartt School of Music where he was introduced to the a cappella world through Barbershop. Karl earned an international collegiate gold medal in the group Men in Black who later went on to become an international top ten quartet in the main competition. After graduating with a BFA in Musical Theatre, he started his career working in NYC and regional theaters playing roles from Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime to Balthasar in Much Ado About Nothing with Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba and Joe in Show Boat. Soon after he began working as a studio voice over actor landing his first big commercial for Centrum Vitamins. Karl is blessed to do what he loves and always grateful for the next opportunity to share it.
VOCTAVE TEAM
Rob A. Lott – Show Director
Rob A. Lott has been proudly but quietly writing and directing Voctave’s live shows since 2018. Rob has been a professional performer and director for twenty-five years. From Tokyo and New York, to Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, he and his teams have created intimate atmosphere shows as well as spectacle stage productions for large audiences. Rob is the Owner and Lead Creative at Blue Trumpet Creative, specializing in creating unforgettable experiences for audiences and artists alike. You can hear his thoughts on Leadership and Creativity on his regularly hosted show, The Leading Creative Podcast as well as Let’s Talk Soon - The Podcast where he and his sister, Tricia, New York Times Best-Selling Author, talk about the latest things they are reading about, writing about, thinking about, and speaking up about. Rob and his wife, Kate (yes, that Kate), live in Orlando, FL with their dog Leo. @RobALott
Bradley Roberts – Music Director
Bradley Roberts has served as Music Director for Voctave since 2020. It is truly one of the greatest and most fulfilling joys of his life. His music making and leadership career has spanned his entire life. From leading choirs and performing in his home state of Tennessee to performing and music directing for Royal Caribbean International to a 15-year career as a tenor and vocal captain for the Voices of Liberty at Epcot, he has a passion for coaching and leadership in every opportunity he is given. Currently, Bradley is honored to serve as the Senior Director of Traditional Music at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Orlando in addition to his continuing role with Voctave. “Gratitude guides my steps. And for my Voctave journey and family I am forever grateful!”
Kendall Thomsen – Sound Engineer
Kendall has extensive experience in recording production and live sound reinforcement. He began his career in the Air Force Band in Washington DC, touring providing sound reinforcement needs and managing the Air Force’s recording productions. After working in DC for 10 years, Kendall was offered a position as chief engineer and studio manager at Starke Lake Studios in Orlando, FL. Kendall has worked with many prestigious clients such as Warner Bros., Walt Disney Entertainment, Universal Studios, Sea World, NASA, and many others.
Kendall is the owner of Specialized Personnel Locators and provides recording production and musician contracting services for several publishing companies. He is also actively working with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Bach Festival Society of Winter Park Choir and Orchestra. He travels with Voctave providing sound reinforcement and recording services.
BARRON RYAN
CLASSIC MEETS COOL
In the interest of keeping you riveted to your seat in breathless anticipation, Barron will announce his selections from stage.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026 / 7:30 PM THE MONARCH
Barron Ryan’s love for music has always been divided. The son of two musicians, he grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Mozart to Michael Jackson. So when it comes to his own performing, he’s not content drawing on just one influence. He combines them all into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.
After beginning piano lessons at age four with his father, Barron seemed destined for a career in music. He excelled in performing throughout his middle and high school years in Tulsa, OK, then continued to impress his peers and instructors as a piano performance major at The University of Oklahoma.
Everything did not come up roses, however, as Barron was then rejected from all the music conservatories you might be impressed by. Disheartened and a little annoyed, he briefly gave up on the piano in pursuit of a satirical hip-hop career. But due to a favorable result in a piano competition that sent its winner to perform internationally, that project was graciously short-lived.
Thanks to that concert tour, Barron found his artistic voice. He discovered the joy of jazz- and ragtime-inspired concert music (found on his debut album, Classical with Attitude), and learned from great jazz pianists by transcribing and replaying their solos (found on his second album, The Masters’ Apprentice).
In 2019, Barron noticed a shocking lack of funk-, pop-, and country-inspired classical music. Realizing he could fill that void, he composed the “Magic City” Sonata and a dance suite called Suite Thing. Those works are now published and recorded on his third solo record, First of Its Kind
As of 2021, Barron added ‘commissioned composer’ to his growing list of accolades. Commissioned by Chamber Music Tulsa to produce a work commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, he wrote a piece for piano trio entitled My Soul Is Full of Troubles. Smithsonian Magazine even took notice, and named Barron one of Ten Innovators to Watch in 2021.
As of 2023, Barron can add ‘published author’ to his uncommon set of accolades. He published Honey, If It Wasn’t for You, an illustrated storybook about a song he co-wrote with a man who died six years before Barron was born.
Barron is following in his favorite composers’ footsteps by publishing his original works in the public domain. He offers his work as a gift to the world, and as a chance to collaborate with artists from around the globe.
What’s next? You’ll have to wait to find out, but rest assured that in all Barron Ryan’s music, Classic Meets Cool.
Find Barron on social media: ‘Barron Ryan’ on Facebook and YouTube @barroncp on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Threads
Exclusive US Representation
Siegel Artist Management LLC www.siegelartist.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2026 / 7:30 PM
PEERY’S EGYPTIAN THEATER
SPONSOR
SPONSOR
Artists’ Profile
Cristina Vane (Lead Vocal, Guitar, Banjo, Background Vocals) Songwriter, singer, slide guitar and clawhammer banjo player
Cristina Vane has a breadth and depth of serious musical skill. Cristina’s half American, half Guatemalan heritage is as unique as her sound. She is a product of a merging of numerous worlds – her classic rock, 90s indie, and heavier roots with her passion for pre-war blues, old time fiddle banjo music, country and bluegrass. She has an extensive touring history and has provided direct support for Molly Tuttle, Bob Weir, Wynonna Judd, Sam Bush, Nikki Lane, Arlo McKinley and Willi Carlisle just to name a few. Cristina has been mentioned in Rolling Stone Country and NPR, and was featured in the Bank of America ad for Ken Burns’ Country Music documentary.
Brennen Leigh (Lead Vocal, Guitar, Mandolin, Background Vocals) is an American songwriter, guitar player, mandolin player and singer whose to-thepoint storytelling style has elevated her to cult icon status in Europe, Scandinavia, the United States, South America and the United Kingdom. Her songs have been recorded by Lee Ann Womack, Rodney Crowell, Sunny Sweeney, Charley Crockett and many others. As renowned for her musicianship as she is for her writing, it’s easy to see how Leigh caught the ear of greats like Guy Clark and David Olney, who described her writing as “tender, violent, sentimental, foolish and wise, she is always Brennen. Confident and at ease with herself, without being a jerk about it.”
Ashleigh Caudill (Bass, Guitar, Banjo, Background Vocals) a folksinger, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will draw you into the tales she spins. Her sweet yet powerful vocals take you on a lonely train ride through the mountains, a drive along the countryside, or back in time with warm, dancing melodies and spacious, acoustic instrumentation.
Ashleigh’s tonally rich, understated, and precise touch lifts every song to which she lays her hands, making her a highly sought after bassist and harmony vocalist. She has performed with bluegrass, country, and americana artists across the map, from Charlie Sizemore to Angaleena Presley, from The Station Inn to The Grand Ole Opry.
You may have heard her music on popular TV show, Roswell New Mexico, on Balsam Range’s IBMA award winning album, Papertown, with Caudill-penned “Row By Row” topping the bluegrass gospel charts at number one, or performed by other artists like Jim Hurst, David Grier and more.
Ginny Mac (Piano, Keys, Organ, Accordion, Background Vocals) Hailing from Fort Worth, TX, Ginny Mac fronts a dynamic group that brings a fresh and exciting twist to vocal and instrumental stylings in the Country & Western Swing, Americana, Hot Jazz, and International music genres. Ginny has also toured with Asleep At The Wheel, Brave Combo, Pat Green,
Mike Dillon, The Texas Playboys under the direction of Tommy Allsup and Leon Rausch, and many others. She endorses Menghini s.r.l. Scandalli Accordions based in Castelfidardo, Italy.
Karrie Sheehan (Drums, Background Vocals) Born and raised in North Carolina, Karrie Sheehan didn’t pick up the sticks until she was 24 — but once she did, she never looked back. A lifelong listener with a love for everything from big band swing to folk, classical, and rock, she found drumming to be the perfect way to bring all of those influences to life.
Her early years in the NC scene took her through folk, indie rock, and eventually honky-tonk, where she developed a taste for the raw honesty of roots music. After moving to Austin in 2015, she dove headfirst into the city’s vibrant musical culture. There, she found a natural home in traditional country and western swing, discovering a community that values groove, history, and musicianship.
Over the years, she has performed with artists across the spectrum — from the high-energy garage rock of The Bluebonnets, to Americana voices like Bonnie Montgomery and Summer Dean, to Texas country stalwarts Bob Appel and Justin Trevino. Each collaboration fuels her passion for learning, evolving, and honoring the music she loves.
This tour appears by arrangement with IMG Artists and is represented by Toby Tumarkin.
www.IMGartists.com
www.WomenofAmericanaTour.com
TONALITY
AMERICA WILL BE
America Will Be attempts another sense of patriotism; one where a true awareness of how self-evaluation and refinement can bring about the country in which we all can be proud to live.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026 / 7:30 PM
BROWNING CENTER AT WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY, AUSTAD AUDITORIUM
Can You See
Lyrics taken from protest signs
Music by Zanaida Robles
In This House
Text by Cristian Larios and from the ‘Know and Exercise Your Rights’ presentation by Chicago Legal Protection Fund/Community Navigator Fund
Music by Cristian Larios
Make Peace
Music and Text by David Lang
A Lullaby
Text by Eugene Field
Music by Ryan Murphy
Sing About It
Words and Music by Moira Smiley
New Collective Consciousness: I. We Know
Music by Joseph Trapanese
Words by Andri Snœr Magnason (from the plaque “A Letter to the Future” placed by geologists and scientists on barren ground at the former glacier Okjökull in Iceland)
Please Stay
Music by Jake Runestead
Let Your True Self Sing
Text by Ryan Heller
Music by Carlos Cordero
America Will Be!
Text by Langston Hughes, Emma Lazarus, and students of Freedom High School Chorus (Orlando, FL)
Music by Joel Thompson
Soñar es Desear (A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes)
Words and Music by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston
Arranged by Derric Johnson; Spanish version by Edmundo Santos
Tonality
Tonality is a GRAMMY® Award-winning ensemble, established in 2016, known for “open-hearted singing.” Tonality was recognized as a 2026 GRAMMY® winner in New Age, Ambient or Chant Album for Carla Patullo’s “Nomadica,” featuring the Scorchio Quartet. Tonality was also recognized as a 2024 GRAMMY® winner in New Age, Ambient or Chant Album for Carla Patullo’s “So She Howls,” also featuring the Scorchio Quartet. Executive and Founding Artistic Director Dr. Alexander Lloyd Blake imagined Tonality as an ensemble that represents the diverse cultures and ethnicities within the Los Angeles area. Within a year of its forming, Tonality’s mission evolved to use its collective voices to inspire, innovate and spark social change through the power of diversity. The group premiered its first album in 2019, titled “Sing About It.” Tonality received the 2020 Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, a prize given for commitment to singing and commissioning new works. Tonality has collaborated with choral and film composers to create the works presented in concert, striving for diverse voices and perspectives within the composer community. Collaborators
Performer Names:
Alexander Lloyd Blake, Conductor
Hagar Sara Adam
Samuel Avila
Isaiah Chacon
Anna Crumley
Antonio Fernandez
Cara Fesjian
Dylan Gentile
include Joe Trapanese, Roman Gianarthur, Gaayatri Kaundinya, Reena Esmail, Shawn Kirchner, Zanaida Robles, Moira Smiley, Alex Wurman, Kris Bowers and Michael J. Giacchino. Tonality has performed with MacArthur Fellow Taylor Mac, Pete Townshend of The Who, pianist Lara Downes, internationally acclaimed performer Björk, Dutch DJ Tiësto, Kelly Clarkson in support of her album “Chemistry,” and Scott Hoying (Pentatonix) on his single, “Rose Without the Thorns,” for which Blake received a 2025 GRAMMY® nomination for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Capella.
Natalie Gonzalez Dubois
Kion Heidari
Jared Jones
Vi Jordan
Hannah Lewis
Ian Gabriel Luna
David Morales
Luz Rodriguez
Artists’ Profile
ALEXANDER LLOYD BLAKE
Founder and Director, Tonality
One morning in Asheville, NC, I was approached by a police officer while on my way to retrieve some things from my car. The officer stopped and questioned me, and he asked for my identification. After he dismissed me, I was left confused and embarrassed, and I struggled to figure out the reason why I was approached by the officer. I did not do anything wrong. It became obvious to me
that it was because I am a man of color.
This type of incident occurs far too often in our society, and it has to stop. Based on that experience, I knew that I needed to do something. No more racism, no more exclusion, no more discrimination. I decided to do what I do best: make music. I decided to form a choir whose purpose is to increase awareness through music. After meeting every member of Tonality, I realized that I was not alone, that many others possess a passion for unity, for bringing people together.
Since its formation a short time ago, Tonality has received support from artists who also value diversity and social justice through their music. India Carney from U.S. Season 8 of The Voice says, “Tonality is going to broaden horizons for music and show a diverse array of faces for classical music as we know it.” Grant Gershon, Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, states, “Choral singing is about sharing our voices, our traditions, and our experiences. Tonality has the potential to bring the amazingly diverse voices, traditions, and experiences of Los Angelenos together in a powerful new way.”
Tonality, now a diverse ensemble of 25 singers, was established on June 6, 2016. The singers come from a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities and countries. They are professional singers from Los Angeles who care about the future of our country and our world, and we sing in unity to actively demonstrate the beauty of diversity.
Friends of Onstage Ogden
Onstage Ogden is grateful for the individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies who have made a charitable contribution in support of the performing arts in our community. Donors listed made their contributions between January 1, 2025, and February 20, 2026.
SPONSORS ($10,000+)
Browning Presents!
Val A. Browning Charitable Foundation
Lawrence T. Dee and Janet T. Dee Foundation
Marriner S. Eccles Foundation
The Franzen Family
Alan and Jeanne Hall
Robert & Marcia Harris
PROTECTOR ($5,000–$9,999)
Beaver Creek Foundation
Better Being
George S and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation
PARTNER ($2,500–$4,999)
Bank of Utah
Marti M. Clayson ● CreativeWest
Alex Crowley ● ● ●
BENEFACTOR ($1,000–$2,499)
Diana Allison
Brad & Lisa Bailey ● Danielle Bendinelli ●
Brian & Vicky Boyle
Geraldine and Evan Christensen
Dr. Rosemary Conover
Richard K. & Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation
Dr. Val Johnson
Stewart Education Foundation
Norman C. & Barbara L. Tanner
Charitable Support Trust
Utah Division of Arts and Museums
Weber County RAMP
Rosemary & Dave Lesser ● Christina & Shaun Myers ● Ogden City Arts
Anna and Daniel Neumann
Marty and Carolyn Rasmussen ● Glenn and Connie Wimer
Brent and Vicki Cox
Rick and Karen Fairbanks
Doug and Shelley Felt ● Lucio Casillas and Cirilo
Franco ● ●
James & Nicole
Fredrick ● ● ●
Dr. Robert Fudge and Sylvia Newman ● William and Deborah Hackett
Pam and Rob Higginson ● ●
Catherine Holbrook
Clark ● ●
Friends of Onstage Ogden
Beth A. Mannino & Paul E. Schick
Willis McCree
Dr. Judith Mitchell ● MSL Family Foundation
PATRON
($500–$999)
Joan Alf
Raymond and Betty Christian
Tim and Candace Dee
Allan & Kellie Diersman
Diana & Ralph Dunkley
Holly and Stephen Handy
Kay Hoogland & James O’Brien
Marlin & Kathleen Jensen
Michelle and Grant Ley ●
ADVOCATE
($250–$499)
Tom and Carolyn Austad
Paul Bordelon
Jeffry and Linda Burton
Dr. Ann Ellis
Steve & Shellie Ericson
Steven Ewert
Scott and Deborah Greenwell ●
Becky & Kim Hale
DONOR
($100–$249)
Peggie Ambrey
Anonymous
Zana Anderson
Clyde Baker
Gracemarie Belvedere
Phil and Melanee Berger
John Binder
Jean Branch
Frank and Laurie Brown
Mr. Randy and Mrs. Laura Browne
Yaeko Bryner
Arthur & Marian Budge
Edwin Cannon
Brad and Lynn Carroll
Allison Chouinard
Dr. Allen and Janis Christensen
Meg and Mark Naisbitt ●
Robert and Sally Neil
Scott and Pam Parkinson
Ralph Nye Charitable Foundation
Flor Lopez ●
Frank and Sharon Markos
David Olmsted and Barb Crosbie
Paul and Sandra Perkin
Carolyn Rich-Denson
Laurie & Greg Rives
Wendy and Cary Roberts ●
Eileen & Steve Santella ●
Gabe and Desiree Johns
James & Deborah Lindstrom
Sandy and Phillip Maxwell
Madeline & Alex McDonald
Robert Miller
Dawn Rysavy
Kathy Sedgwick & Ron Tymcio
Keith and Marlys Sorbo
LaDawn and Kent Coburn
Phillip I Coleman
Justin and Betsy Crowley ●
Lynn and Natalie Dearden
Robert and Verlie Delange
Karla & Fred DuVall
David and Lisa Edwards
Lee Farster
James and Bonnie Fronk
Pat Fuller
Dixie Funk
David and Ruth Ann Gladwell
Dennis & Katherine Gladwell
Greg and Caitlin Gochnour
Cliff and Elizabeth Goff
Janice Grajek
Terry Hartman-Smith
Harry and Becky Senekjian
Jonathan and Beverly Souder
Holly Tensmeyer
Jennifer & Michael Webb ●
Sandra S. Sowerby
Ned and Sheila Stephens
Joyce and Robert Stillwell
Deborah Uman and Michael Sander ●
Jean A. Vaniman & Harry P. Schoen ●
Janice and Sheldon Ward Korryn Wiese
Paula Weick and Carl Stuart
Barbara West
Aloha Whitney
ShaRon Williams
Carl and Helgard Wolfram
Douglas & Karen Yonemura
The Hearn Family
Linda Hearn
Tina and Robert Herman
Anthony Hirst
Grover and Carol Hoopes
Carol Jackson
Matthew Janzen
Alisa Jenney
Earl Johnson
Russel R. and Jane T. King ●
Melba and Denis Kirby
Marilyn Konieczny
Paul Kriekard
Walter and Karen Kunz
William and Sarah Lindsay
Eugene and Pat Low
Lexie Lunt
Rand and Cynthia Mattson
James and Jennifer McGregor
Greg Montgomery
Inga Newton
Claude & Barbara Nix
Jean Norman
Ogden Chapter of MacDowell
Ensemble
Cheryl Orme
Dr. Michael & Cindy Palumbo
Donald Pantone
Suzy Patterson
Jeff and Pam Paulson
Bobbie Ramer
MEMBER ($50–99)
Kathy & Craig Adams
Olga Alvarado
Amy Alvord
Jerome Andersen
Marsha Ashby
Janet Asmus
Grant Baer
Cathay Christiansen
Debra Davis
Kirk Dexter
Michael and Susan Deyoung
Friends of Onstage Ogden
Ralph Rowley
Rema Sadak
Shane & Pamela Schvaneveldt
Sempre Musical Society
Mr. Henry Thomas Sledge
Denise Sly
Charlene Smith
Rocky Stone & Judith Faulkner
Jonathan and Beverly Souder
Dorothy & Dan Steimke ●
Katrina Stoliker
Edna Stratford
Gabrielle Strebel ●
Michael and Janiell Taylor
Kelsy Thompson
Nikki and Mike Thon ●
Janet & Bob Tillotson
Patti Van Aarle
Kelly and Shelly Van Noy
Linda Watson
Jolene Zito
Terrie Doman
Randy Emery
Paul & Susan Gutierrez
Mary Hargis
Sarah Kunz
Anne Ladd
Diane Luke
Andy and Susan McCrady
Rex Miller
Alice Mulder & Dan Bedford
Brian & Marsha Namba
Isabel Naylor
Joe & Rosalita T. Orozco
Jerry Paskins
Peggy Plyer
JoAn Powell
Jonathan Shurts
Andrew and Suzanne Wall
Korte Wamsley
Amy Winkel
Marilyn Woodbury
Please contact Onstage Ogden Development Coordinator, Sarah Bailey, at 801-612-0757 or sarah@onstageogden.org, if you would like to make a donation or if your name has inadvertently been left off or is misspelled.
BEVERLY LUND & GINNY MATTHEI LEGACY CIRCLE
75 years ago, Beverly Lund and Ginny Matthei organized a concert by the Utah Symphony at Ogden High School. They did so believing in the power of live performance to elevate and connect a community. Over the decades their vision has evolved into what it is today, Onstage Ogden. To honor their legacy this 75th season, Onstage Ogden established The Beverly Lund & Ginny Matthei Legacy Circle.
Recognizing those individuals and families who have included Onstage Ogden as a beneficiary in their estate plan.
Steven & Shellie Ericson
Connie Huggins*
Nancy Pinto-Orton*
Kent & Joann Smith*
*indicates donors being recognized posthumously
Jean Vaniman & Harry Schoen
Glenn & Connie Wimer
If you would like to join the Beverly Lund & Ginny Matthei Legacy Circle or have already included Onstage Ogden in your will, estate plan, or beneficiary arrangement, please let us know by calling Sarah Bailey at 801-399-9214 or by emailing sarah@onstageogden.org. Visit onstageogden.org/give for more information.
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS
Onstage Ogden gratefully accepts donations made through a DAF account, or Donor Advised Funds. It’s a great way to accomplish your philanthropic goals and easily manage your charitable giving. Giving through a DAF – which is like a charitable savings account – gives you the flexibility to recommend how much and how often money is granted to Onstage Ogden. You can recommend a grant or recurring grants now to make an immediate impact or use your fund as a tool for future charitable gifts.
You can also create a lasting legacy by naming Onstage Ogden the beneficiary of the entire account or a percentage of the fund. With a percentage, you can create a family legacy of giving by naming your loved ones as your successor to continue recommending grants to charitable organizations. Contact your fund administrator for a beneficiary form.
EMPLOYEE MATCHING
The following local companies are known to match their employees’ charitable donations
Amazon Autoliv North America Bank of America
Delta Air Lines
Harley Davidson Inc.
Kimberly Clark WorldWide Northrop Grumman
Parker-Hannifin Control Systems
Target The Home Depot Rocky Mountain Power
Sam’s Club State Farm Insurance Union Pacific Walmart
If you or your partner’s company has a matching gift program, please consider matching your donation to double your support and impact. For questions, or to submit an employee matching form, please contact sarah@onstageogden.org.
MARLENE BARNETT MUSIC EXCELLENCE ENDOWMENT FUND
Our dear friend Marlene Barnett—fondly known as the Symphony Lady—has been an extraordinary partner to Onstage Ogden for many years. Please join us in supporting the Marlene Barnett Music Excellence Endowment Fund at Weber State University.
Through the Marlene Barnett Music Excellence Endowment, your generosity will provide scholarships that empower aspiring musicians to follow in her footsteps, enriching their lives and uplifting our shared cultural heritage–reaching students in the Ogden and Weber School Districts as well as at Weber State University. It is a testament to Marlene’s vision and to your commitment that these opportunities will resonate for years to come. Your gift today will help carry that vision and commitment forward. Use the QR code below to make your contribution to the endowment.
Thank you again for your generosity in supporting Ogden’s own Symphony Lady through the Marlene Barnett Music Excellence Endowment Fund. You play a vital role in this shared vision with us, to elevate and connect our community through the transformative power of music.
