Alumni Spotlight: Haley DeWitt

Soprano Haley De Witt, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, was Apprentice Studio Artist at Kentucky Opera for the 2017-2018 season and the University of Louisville School of Music Graduate Teaching Assistant in Voice where she taught both privately and in the classroom. She has been seen as Despina in Così fan tutte, Laurie in The Tenderland, Laurette in Le Docteur Miracle, a featured soloist in the Louisville Orchestra’s performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, and a soloist in Bourbon Baroque’s Messiah. An avid singer of choral music, Haley was a member of the renowned UofL Cardinal Singers for three years and has been a member of the Louisville Chamber Choir for four years. Haley recently completed her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Louisville, where she studied with Dr. Katherine Donner. Haley received her B.M. in Vocal Performance from U of L where she studied with Edith Davis Tidwell.

Alumni Spotlight: Jia-Jun Hong

The Chinese baritone and pianist, Jiajun Hong (nickname: Richard), studied at Guangzhou No.2 High School in Guangzhou, China (2006-2009). He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education (Grade 3.3) from Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China (2009-2013); Master of Music degree in Classical Voice Performance (as Baritone) from Manhattan School of Music in New York City (2013-2015); and his Master of Music degree in Piano Accompanying also from Manhattan School of Music (2015-2017).

Jiajun Hong has worked as a piano teacher at Shanghai Five Arts Music School in Shanghai, China (March 2012-March 2013; Teaching children from 5-15 playing piano); Accompanying Pianist at Manhattan School of Music (since September 2015); and as Associate Music Director at Brooklyn Christian Church in New York (since May 2017). He was featured as a soloist for Manhattan School of Music Chamber Choir in J.S. Bach's B Minor Mass (BWV 232), under the direction of Kent Tritle (February 2014). He currently lives in New York City.  He currently serves as Extra Chorus in the Metropolitan Opera Chorus for their 2017-18 season.  Congratulations, Jiajun!