Welcome to Our 2025–2026 Season
Welcome to a brand-new season with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation! I’m honored to step into the role of Board President as we continue TOCA’s proud tradition of celebrating the arts in all their beautiful diversity.
For over three decades, TOCA has been a cornerstone of creativity and connection in the South Bay. That legacy continues today because of the passion and dedication of our community—our artists, audiences, partners, donors, and volunteers. Together, we make it possible to bring inspiring, thought-provoking, and joy-filled performances to our stages.
At TOCA, we believe the arts are for everyone. Whether it’s your first time in the theater or you’ve been with us since the beginning, we invite you to explore this season’s lineup and find something that speaks to you. From laugh-out-loud comedy to moving musical performances and cultural celebrations, there’s truly something for every taste.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support. I hope you’ll consider deepening your connection with TOCA—subscribe to our season, become a donor, or lend your time as a volunteer. However you choose to engage, know that you are a vital part of our mission.
I look forward to seeing you at the theater—and to all the unforgettable moments we’ll share this season.
Warmly,
Camilla Seferian President, Board of Directors
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
Welcome to the 2025/2026 season at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation!
As we turn the page from our milestone 30th year and look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude—not only for where we’ve been, but for where we’re going. Each season is a new opportunity to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the incredible power of live performance.
At TOCA, we’re not just curating a season—we’re creating space for discovery, connection, and joy. Whether it’s world-class music, laughout-loud comedy, soul-stirring theater, or family programming that ignites young imaginations, our goal remains the same: to offer something memorable for everyone who walks through our doors.
I continue to be inspired by the artists we work with, the team behind the scenes, and especially you— our audience, donors, and community partners—who make it all possible. Your enthusiasm and support are what keeps TOCA vibrant and thriving.
Please explore this brochure and find the shows that speak to you. And as always, if there’s anything we can do to make your experience better, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@TorranceArts.org.
Let’s make this season one to remember. See you at the theatre!
Chris Wolf Executive Director
Assisted listening devices available. Ask the House Manager or usher for assistance.
L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love) is a delightful comic opera by Gaetano Donizetti, filled with humor, heart, and charming misunderstandings. Set in a small Italian village, the story follows the lovesick young farmer Nemorino, hopelessly infatuated with the beautiful and spirited Adina. When the pompous and boastful officer Belcore arrives to woo her, Nemorino feels increasingly desperate.
A traveling quack, Dulcamara, offers Nemorino a “magic” elixir, promising that it will make Adina fall in love with him. Convinced of its powers, Nemorino drinks the potion, unaware that its effects are more about luck and circumstance than magic. Meanwhile, Adina watches Nemorino’s devotion with growing affection, and the spirited Gianetta adds her own charm and wit to the village antics.
Through comic misunderstandings, tender moments, and clever twists, Nemorino’s sincere love and patience are ultimately rewarded. The opera ends in joyous celebration, with love triumphing, friendships strengthened, and everyone delighting in the charming chaos that only a Donizetti opera can provide.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Music Director / Conductor – Maxim Kuzin
Stage Director – Siyeon Kim
Production & Stage Manager – Nicole Benson
Assistant Conductor – Andrew Karatay
Properties Operators – Josias Canul-Marchand and Gloria Stickney
Supertitles Operator – Haeun Kim
Stage Designer – Yejin Kim
Music Coach / Piano – Sky Lee
Piano – Jung Hee An Hair & Makeup – Queena B, Queena Beautiful Skin
CAST
Adina – Alexandra Rose Hotz
Nemorino (2/28 & 3/1) – Jungrok Oh
Nemorino (3/1) – Wi Young Oh
Belcore – Kevin Blickfeldt
Dr. Dulcamara – Dr. José Luis Maldonado
Giannetta – Christine Oh
CHORUS
SOPRANOS
Olivia Kellett
Vesta Sung
ALTOS
Rose Kreider
Ellie Woodard
Joony Kim
Stephanie Dietz
TENORS
Jose Torres
Ethan Eliafan
George Froehlig
BASSES
Alexei Helmbock
Chase Yun
Dominic Lim
David Contreras
ANGELS LYRIC OPERA
Angels Lyric Opera was founded in Los Angeles in 2024 with a simple but bold vision: to make opera welcoming, accessible, and deeply connected to the community. Guided by a spirit of inclusivity and generosity, the company brings the beauty, drama, and emotional power of opera to audiences of all backgrounds, from lifelong enthusiasts to those experiencing the art form for the very first time.
With a commitment to musical excellence, Angels Lyric Opera carefully selects accomplished and dedicated singers and musicians, ensuring every performance is rich in artistry, emotion, and storytelling. By combining professional talent with approachable, intimate productions, the company transforms opera into a vibrant, moving, and unforgettable experience.
At the heart of Angels Lyric Opera is a dedication to community. The company gives back through charitable donations, partnerships, and outreach programs, believing deeply in the power of music to uplift, connect, and inspire. Alongside its performances, the company is expanding into music education, nurturing young artists and cultivating the next generation of performers, supporters, and arts advocates.
This production of L’elisir d’amore marks Angels Lyric Opera’s first full opera production—a milestone that reflects both its artistic ambition and its devotion to building meaningful connections through music. As a young and evolving organization, Angels Lyric Opera is guided by a passion for storytelling, a commitment to excellence, and a vision of opera as a living, inclusive art form for everyone.
Support the company’s mission and help bring music, education, and community engagement to life by donating at www.angelslyricopera.com/contact, which can also be scanned via QR code in this program.
ABOUT THE PALISADES SYMPHONY & CHORALE
The Palisades Symphony & Chorale was founded in 1966 by Joel B. Lish — violist, conductor, and longtime music director at Palisades High School — with a simple, enduring mission: to make great music accessible to all. What began as a small community orchestra in Pacific Palisades has grown into one of California’s oldest continuously operating volunteer ensembles, now led by Music Director Dr. Maxim Kuzin, with Susan Rosenstein directing the chorale since 1987.
Each season, the organization presents seven free concerts, including major choral-orchestral works, a summer opera showcase, and the annual Young Artists Award Competition, which has nurtured hundreds of promising young musicians since the early 1970s. Over the decades, the ensemble has performed a vast repertoire — from Beethoven, Brahms, and Dvořák to Verdi’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, and contemporary works — while premiering numerous pieces by local composers. Since Dr. Kuzin’s appointment in 2024, the organization has expanded its artistic vision to embrace cross-cultural and genre-spanning programming, attracting new and diverse audiences across Los Angeles.
The ensemble demonstrated its resilience after the January 2025 Palisades Fire by resuming rehearsals within days and performing a Fire Recovery Benefit Concert covered on the front page of the Los Angeles Times.
Nearly sixty years on, the Palisades Symphony & Chorale remains anchored in its founding values: artistic excellence, community engagement, and accessibility for all. palisadessymphony.org
PALISADES SYMPHONY & CHORALE
VIOLIN I
Kevin Zheng, concertmaster
Jeff Corwin
Helen Bendix
Ann Dunn
Doug Green
Nicole Anna
VIOLIN II
Lyn Bertles, principal
Yao Wang
Yoko Tamanoi
Mary Higashi
George Hall
VIOLA
Judy Garf, principal
Kasey Stern
David Quinn
CELLO
Jan Kelley, principal
Sandy Sonderling
Richard Ross
Martha Doran
DOUBLE BASS
Denisa Hanna, principal
THANK YOU
Thank you line for Angels Lyric Opera supporters.
Significant support from Hyesoon Lee and Kwangsuk Kim.
Support from the Seasun Artists Group and Dr. Joowon Yoon from Space Dental.
FLUTE
Keiko Okamoto
Eve Harrison
OBOE
Melissa Leicester
CLARINET
Ben Winjum
Oscar Cruz
BASSOON
Michael Sandler
HORN
Frank Fox
Susan Edwards
TRUMPET
Michael Rotman
Ryan Jordan
TROMBONE
Mark Geiger
David Horwitz
Steve Underwood
TIMPANI
Dan Shevitz
SIYEON KIM
Siyeon Kim is a soprano, stage director, and arts executive recognized for artistic excellence and community-centered leadership in opera. She is the Founder and CEO of Angels Lyric Opera, where she leads sustainable productions that expand access to opera through innovative programming, educational outreach, and collaborative partnerships across Southern California. In recognition of her cultural leadership and service through music, she received a commendation from the Los Angeles City Council.
Her recent directing credits include a family-focused production of The Magic Flute (2025) and the current production of L’elisir d’amore (2026), reflecting her commitment to connecting performance, education, and community engagement through an accessible and audience-centered operatic model. Ms. Kim is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate (ABD) at the University of Iowa and holds an Artist Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She serves on the applied music faculty at El Camino College and World Mission University while maintaining an active performing career.
DR. MAXIM KUZIN
Ukrainian-born conductor and educator Dr. Maxim Kuzin serves as Music Director of the Palisades Symphony & Chorale and the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic. He trained at Kyiv’s Lysenko Specialized Boarding Music School and the National Music Academy of Ukraine before earning a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from UCLA.
Dr. Kuzin has led major Eastern European ensembles including the National Symphony and National Philharmonic Orchestras of Ukraine, and has conducted over twenty opera and operetta productions across Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and the United States. A champion of contemporary music, he directed the Ricochet New Music Ensemble in Kyiv and continues modern music engagements in Los Angeles.
Recognized as an “Emerging Artist” by Symphony Magazine of the League of American Orchestras and a recipient of the Elaine Krown Klein Fine Arts Scholarship Award, Dr. Kuzin is also deeply committed to mentoring young musicians through competitions, festivals, and educational initiatives. His career reflects a passion for artistic excellence, discovery, and nurturing the next generation of talent.
NICOLE BENSON
Nicole Benson is a soprano and arts leader whose work brings music, movement, and education together in meaningful ways. As a soloist and choral section leader, she has performed with a variety of ensembles and toured internationally as a featured singer, sharing music with audiences around the world.
Nicole has a strong background in music education and currently serves as Director of Music Education at Mewsic Moves, where she helps create inclusive, engaging musical experiences for learners of all ages and abilities. In addition to her artistic work, she is a business project manager, applying strategic planning and organizational leadership to creative and mission-driven organizations.
An accomplished Latin dancer, Nicole integrates movement into her artistic practice and performance. She is a Board Member and Chief Operating Officer of Angels Lyric Opera, where she supports accessible, vibrant operatic programming and community-focused initiatives.
ANDREW KARATAY
Andrii Karatai (Andrew Karatay, b. 1993) is a Ukrainian-born pianist, conductor, and music score restoration specialist currently pursuing a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting at Azusa Pacific University under Dr. Maxim Kuzin, and serves as Assistant Conductor with the Palisades Symphony & Chorale.
A graduate of the Arkas Mykolaiv Music College and the Nezhdanova Odessa National Academy of Music, he has performed as soloist with the Mykolaiv Symphony Orchestra and served as assistant conductor, librarian, and educator.
With over 15 years of experience in historical score restoration and orchestration, Karatai has revived rare works by George Gershwin, André Kostelanetz, Johnny Green, and Thomas Griselle. His editions have been performed by ensembles including the Pasadena POPS, Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, and Kyiv National Operetta Theater Symphony Orchestra. His collaborators include Michael Feinstein, Larry Blank, David Charles Abell, and Dr. Maxim Kuzin.
SKY LEE, PIANIST/MUSIC COACH
Pianist and coach Sky Lee is a versatile collaborator with extensive experience across opera, vocal, choral, and instrumental repertoire. Her notable engagements include Long Beach Opera, Indianapolis Opera, The Opera Buffs, Aspen Music Festival, Pittsburgh Festival Opera, Queens College Opera (CUNY), Long Beach Camerata Singers, Lyric Opera of Orange County, USC Thornton Opera, Opera UCLA, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Pepperdine University, NATS and Indiana University String Academy.
Her performances have spanned the United States, Germany, Italy, Austria, Prague, and her home country S. Korea, including a debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. Lee holds degrees in Solo Piano Performance from Indiana University and in Keyboard Collaborative Arts from USC, where she received recognition through awards, scholarships and teaching assistantships.
Ms. Lee currently serves as adjunct faculty at Pepperdine University for the 2025-26 season, as vocal coach/staff pianist at Santa Monica College, and as staff pianist at USC and UCLA.
JUNG HEE AN
Jung Hee An is a collaborative pianist and educator based in Southern California. She is a recipient of the prestigious Gwendolyn Koldofsky Scholarship and a full Teaching Assistantship at the University of Southern California, where she earned a Master of Music degree in Keyboard Collaborative Arts. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Piano Performance from USC and previously studied at Seoul Arts High School and Yonsei University in South Korea on a full scholarship. At USC, she studied with pianists Daniel Pollack and Kevin Fitz-Gerald.
Jung Hee is currently an adjunct faculty member at Azusa Pacific University and California Arts University, and serves as a staff pianist at Pasadena City College and El Camino College. An active collaborative musician, she performs with Los Angeles Korean-American Musicians’ Association, Los Angeles Chamber Choir, Suara Southeast Asian Choir, Young Angels Choir, Angels Lyric Opera, and The One Orchestra. She also serves as the chair of the Instrumental Division for the Southern California Korean Musicians Association.
ALEXANDRA ROSE HOTZ
With a magnetic stage presence and compelling artistry, American soprano Alexandra Rose Hotz is equally at home on the opera, concert, and recital stages. Recent operatic credits include Crobyle in Thaïs at the Spoleto Festival, Frasquita in Carmen and Le Feu in L’enfant et les sortilèges with Music Academy of the West, and the title role in Handel’s Alcina with Eastman Opera Theatre. This summer, she will join the Aspen Music Festival as Zweite Dame in Die Zauberflöte.
Alexandra was named a Los Angeles District winner and Western Region Encouragement Award recipient of the 2026 Laffont Metropolitan Opera Competition. She recently made her Carnegie Hall debut with a solo recital as the winner of Joy in Singing’s International Art Song Competition. She will compete this spring in the Opera Naples Luciano Pavarotti Competition and the Annapolis Opera Competition. Alexandra holds an MM and DMA from the Eastman School of Music.
JUNGROK OH
Korean tenor Jungrok Oh has recently performed with the LAKMA Choir at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. He has also been featured as the tenor soloist in The Seven Last Words of Christ with the San Francisco Master Chorale under the direction of Hyun Kim, in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Central Texas Philharmonic conducted by Stefan Sanders. His extensive performance career further includes recitals and appearances in Boston, Texas, and Los Angeles.
His operatic credits include Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore) by G.Donizetti, Tamino (The Magic Flute) and Arbace (Idomeneo) by W. A. Mozart, Oronte (Alcina) by G. F. Händel, and the title role in Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing. In addition, he has appeared in opera scene productions as Rodolfo (La Bohème), Alfredo (La Traviata), Chevalier de la Force (Dialogues of the Carmelites), Jenik (The Bartered Bride), Idomeneo (Idomeneo), and Tamino (The Magic Flute).
WI YOUNG OH (TENOR & CONDUCTOR)
Tenor Wi Young Oh is an internationally active performer and conductor whose artistry bridges operatic drama, sacred repertoire, and choral leadership between Korea and the United States. Born in Seoul, he earned degrees from Azusa Pacific University and International Theological Seminary, and completed his Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) at World Mission University in 2025.
His notable roles include Yoon Dong Joo and Moses at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Samson in Samson et Dalila at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. A frequent collaborator with LAKMA, he has appeared in their Peace Concerts and performed as the tenor soloist in Verdi’s Requiem. He has also graced prestigious stages including the Seoul Arts Center and Lotte Concert Hall.
Currently, Wi Young is a Professor of Voice at California Art University and conducts the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Choir, KAMA Choir, and Golden Chorale. Collaborating with ensembles like Vocielesti, he remains a vital musical bridge across the Pacific.
KEVIN BLICKFELDT
Kevin Blickfeldt has made an indelible impression on the operatic and crossover music scenes of North America. He has performed with opera companies and orchestras across Europe, North and South America, and locally with LA Opera, Pasadena Opera, Pacific Opera Project, the Palm Springs Opera Guild, and at the Hollywood Bowl. Career highlights include three seasons as an Artist-in-Residence at the Ohio Light Opera, appearances at Austria’s Oper im Park Festival (Don Pasquale), recital performances at the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, and the West Coast premiere of Kurt Weill’s Seven Deadly Sins (piano-and-percussion version).
His discography on Albany Records, the Operetta Archives Foundation, and Chandos include The Firefly, Robinhood, The Vagabond King, The Violet of Montemartre, and an original cast recording of Windy City.
A founding member of VOX, Kevin made his national television debut with the operatic quartet on America’s Got Talent and has since performed throughout the United States and Canada.
DR. JOSÉ LUIS MALDONADO
Hailed by Opera News as a “seemingly unlimited baritone,” Dr. José Luis Maldonado is an international vocalist from Los Angeles, California. He holds degrees from Cal State Fullerton (BM), Manhattan School of Music (MM), and a Doctor of Musical Arts in vocal performance from Michigan State University. A recipient of grants from Opera Buffs Inc. and the Shoshana Foundation, Maldonado’s roles include Falstaff, Don Giovanni, Escamillo, and Don Alfonso. He has performed with Long Beach Opera, Aspen Music Festival, Opera Grand Rapids, and Pacific Opera Project. Highlights include covering Sir Bryn Terfel at Aspen, his Carnegie Hall debut in Nuestros Sonidos, and his Lincoln Center debut as Escamillo in La Carmencita. In 2025, he debuted as Rigoletto with Indianapolis Opera and appeared with the San Bernardino Symphony. This season, Maldonado returns to Los Angeles as Dr. Dulcamara in L’elisir d’amore and makes his role debut as Tonio in Pagliacci with Birmingham Opera. Visit www.BaritoneJoe.com.
CHRISTINE OH
Christine Oh, soprano, has been praised for her “noble heart and pipes.” Recent operatic credits include Monica (The Medium), Miss Pinkerton (The Old Maid and the Thief), and Nannetta (Falstaff) with Lyric Opera of Orange County; and Eva (The Wreck of the Miranda) and Young Fong See (On Gold Mountain) with Los Angeles Opera. Her oratorio repertoire includes soprano soloist performances in Handel’s Messiah and Mendelssohn’s Elijah.
Christine has participated in distinguished programs including Central City Opera, the Chautauqua Institution, Houston Grand Opera’s Young Artist Vocal Academy (YAVA), and SongFest Los Angeles.
Christine holds a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory, where she performed the roles of Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), and La bergère (L’enfant et les sortilèges). She earned her Bachelor of Music from The Juilliard School, where she appeared as Nerina (La fedeltà premiata), La Chauve-Souris (L’enfant et les sortilèges), and Erste Knabe (Die Zauberflöte).
