Season 13 Gala
Meet the Artists
Night of Illusion Season 13 Gala
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Soprano
Sara Kennedy
Hailed as an “exciting singer with a killer voice” (Chris Ruel, OperaWire), American soprano Sara Kennedy is gaining attention for her sumptuous vocalism, commanding dramatic presence, and versatility across both standard and contemporary repertoire.
Ms. Kennedy’s 2026 season included her principal debut as Valencienne in The Merry Widow with Sarasota Opera and Miranda in the world-staged premiere of Joseph Summer’s The Tempest with Teatro Grattacielo. Other recent highlights include Bianca in Zemlinsky’s Zimmer with The Little Opera Theatre of New York, Lola in Cavalleria rusticana with Sarasota Opera, and Pamina in Die Zauberflöte with Florida Grand Opera. She also originated the role of Ruth Atkins in the world premiere of Nicolas Flagello’s Beyond the Horizon.
Additional credits include Fiordiligi, Donna Anna, Musetta, and Annina with companies including Opera Arlington, Painted Sky Opera, Camerata Bardi, and Florida Grand Opera. Sara is represented by Gloria Parker at Insignia Artists Management.
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Tenor
Isaac Hurtado
“Money-notes worth every penny,” “wonderful acting,” “movie star good looks,” and “passionate elegance” are just a few of the phrases used by critics to describe tenor Isaac Hurtado. Critically acclaimed for portrayals of Don José in Carmen, Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Werther in Werther, the Duke in Rigoletto, Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Rodolfo in La Bohème, Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Alfredo in La Traviata, and Roméo in Roméo et Juliette, Mr. Hurtado is “the complete package.”
Praised for his ringing Italianate sound, commanding stage presence, and refined dramatic instincts, tenor Isaac Hurtado has established himself as one of today’s rising interpreters of the lyric and spinto tenor repertoire.
The 2026–27 season includes performances as Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with Opera Orlando, the title role in Werther with Amelia Island Opera, and his Gulfshore Opera debut in two concert appearances.
During the 2025–26 season, Mr. Hurtado made a series of notable company debuts, appearing as Riccardo in Un ballo in maschera with Winter Opera St. Louis, Tamino in Die Zauberflöte with Opera Tampa, and Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with Opera Maryland. He also returned to the role of Alfredo in La traviata with Utah Opera.
Previous highlights include Alfredo in La traviata with Opera Idaho, The Price in Rusalka with Opera Orlando and Don Jose with Utah Opera. Mr. Hurtado spent two seasons as Principal Artist in Residence with Opera San José, where he debuted seven leading roles. He received his young artist training with Central City Opera, Opera North, and Utah Festival Opera.
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Bass-Baritone
Neil Nelson
With a commanding bass-baritone voice, Neil Nelson has captivated audiences both nationally and internationally. From the grand stages of the Tatarstan Opera Theatre in Russia to revered American companies such as Florida Grand Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, and Palm Beach Opera, his powerful performances leave a lasting impression. Neil’s versatility shines not only in his operatic roles but also in oratorio and concert singing. He made a stunning debut as Porgy in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with the South Florida Symphony and has performed with ensembles like Orchestra Miami, the Lynn Conservatory Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His recent performances include portraying Emperor Claudio in Handel’s Agrippina and serving as bass soloist in Handel’s Messiah and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
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Pianist, Conductor
Michael Fennelly
Michael Fennelly, a celebrated Bösendorfer artist, praised as a pianist with “flair and energy” (The New York Times), has gained international acclaim for completing George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue for solo piano, orchestra, and symphonic chorus, earning him a knighthood in Spain. Known for his dynamic performances, he has toured all seven continents and performed with renowned orchestras and artists, including Renée Fleming and the New York Philharmonic. As a staff pianist for The Juilliard School and the Metropolitan Opera, Michael has collaborated with many of the world’s most celebrated musicians, including Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, Renata Scotto, Itzhak Perlman, and Lorin Maazel. Fennelly has also excelled as a conductor, leading operas and premieres worldwide. He co-founded the Athena Music Foundation with his wife, soprano Megan Weston, to promote dynamic music programs and foster young talent.