Meet the 2025-26 Resident Artists at Pittsburgh Opera
Written by Amanda Buchman
Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Opera
Since its founding in 1939, Pittsburgh Opera has remained a premiere opera company, now home to one of the top five training centers for rising opera stars in the U.S.. Each year, a handful of exceptional young performers are selected from a pool of over 800 applicants. Don’t miss a chance to see these rising stars perform at the Pittsburgh Opera House, located in the Strip District.
From comprimario to principal roles, the Resident Artists are given opportunities to showcase their full range of talent on stage. Beyond the Opera House, you can hear them sing in schools, at community events, and in midday Song Shop concerts at the Bitz Opera Factory.
While each of the 2025-26 Resident Artists have a wealth of experience on stage, the program allows them to learn from experienced musicians, directors, and composers, further developing their skills in acting, movement, diction, vocal range, and more.
With that said, meet this generation’s gifted artists:
Maeve Berry is a Pittsburgh native currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at Eastman. A Pianist Prize winner, music theory teacher, and vocal coach, her contributions to musical preparations for productions are incredibly valued at Pittsburgh Opera.
Coming all the way from Virginia Beach, Virginia, soprano Shannon Crowley is adding to her expansive repertoire this year. Her recognition extends beyond her operatic roles as the winner of the 2023 Laffont Competition Houston District.
Another accomplished soprano, Lauryn Davis has performed both operatic and musical theater roles. After taking masterclasses with world-renowned musicians and conductors, she won the Tommy Trotter Award for the 2022 Atlanta Guild’s Scholarship Competition.
Dana Kinney is an experienced stage director who has worked on productions across the country. Her ability to tell a story with grace and warmth has only strengthened since her role as an apprentice artist with Opera Fort Collins.
Regularly engaged by the Cincinnati Song Initiative, Erik Nordstrom brings a sensitivity and depth to the stage that every baritone needs. He has received numerous awards and competition titles for his work.
Matthew Soibelman is a bass from Los Angeles, California. He began his vocal training in 2012, and has since earned a Graduate Diploma from The Juilliard School. His 2024 mainstage debut at Des Moines Metro Opera laid the foundation for his future at Pittsburgh Opera.
The only first-year Resident Artist in the 2025-26 class, tenor Logan Wagner, is already becoming a known standout. He has held several compelling roles with different production companies and was a District Winner in the South Carolina Laffont Competition in 2025.
Last but not least is mezzo-soprano Audrey Welsh. She performed four roles during her time in the Pittsburgh program just last year and is already set to fulfill two more. She was also a Houston District Winner in the 2023 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.
