CRISTINA NASSIF, Violetta, is one of the “most watched” young singers in America. Last season, she returned to the Virginia Opera as Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata, sang the title role in Bizet’s Carmen for the Tampa Performing Arts Center, and made a notable debut with the Washington National Opera as Vitellia in La Clemenza di Tito.  This season she will return to the Virginia Opera as Carmen and as Nedda in I Pagliacci. She will also sing Carmen for the Charleston, West Virginia Symphony and in Shanghai.  Ms. Nassif has been a winner of several competitions including the prestigious Rosa Ponselle Opera Competition. La Traviata marks her debut with the Wichita Grand Opera.
	GASTON RIVERO, Alfredo, a Uruguayan tenor, made his European debut as B.F. Pinkerton in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at the Staatstheatre Nurnberg.  He rose to fame with his interpretation of Rudolfo in Baz Luhrmann’s stunning Broadway adaptation of La Boheme.  According to BBC he is “a true Italianate tenor.” Mr. Rivero has sung with the Palm Beach Opera, Welsh National Opera, Opera Orchestra of  New York, New England Symphonic Ensemble, Queens Symphony Orchestra, and Symphony of the Americas.  Mr. Rivero received his training at the Carlos Lopez Buchardo National Conservatory of Music in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  He has won several national and international vocal competitions including the prestigious Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Foundation Award 2006.
	WILLIAM ANDREW STUCKEY, Germont.  Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, William Andrew Stuckey’s performances have been acclaimed for their visceral power and beauty.  Last season he debuted with Wichita Grand Opera singing the role of Tonio in I Pagliacci, having had a recent success in the same role with Opera Delaware.  He made his debut with the Palm Beach Opera as Peter in Hansel and Gretel; performed Germont in La Traviata at the Santa Fe and Delaware Operas; and Conte di Luna in Sarasota Opera’s acclaimed production of Il Trovatore.   He has also performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera, Augusta Opera, Toledo Opera and Opera Roanoke.