For Four Aspiring Singers, a Dream Come True: Bauer Family High School Voice Studio Singers take the stage in HGO’s Tannhäuser
Do you remember a dream you had when you were younger? Did that dream ever come true? This season, Houston Grand Opera is thrilled to showcase the talents of four of the Bauer Family High School Voice Studio members and to help make their dreams come true. This spring, four young women in the BFHSVS program will have the chance to perform in HGO’s production of Wagner’s Tannhäuser.
The HGO Bauer Family High School Studio, under the direction of Dr. Lisa Borik Vickers, is currently composed of 11 exceptional Houston-area high-school juniors and seniors. The BFHSVS’s mission is to identify and nurture high-school students who exhibit extraordinary vocal potential and are interested in pursuing vocal performance at the collegiate level. The BFHSVS guides aspiring students to discover healthy means of vocal technique, grow as expressive singing artists, and get first-hand exposure to a world-class opera, all within a rigorous and supportive environment.
BFHSVS members Sabine Lesniewicz (senior, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts), Sara Springett (senior, Klein Cain High School), Jennifer Williamson (senior, Tomball Memorial High School), and Emma Hart Vogelsang (senior, Memorial Senior High School) perform in HGO’s Tannhäuser. Their dreams of performing with HGO on the Brown Stage—alongside some of the world’s greatest opera stars—became a reality this past fall as they auditioned for HGO staff at the start of the season. The four young singers will play the Noble Pages who announce the beginning of the singing contest in Act II of the opera.
When asked what her first reaction was upon hearing she was cast, Emma Hart Vogelsang shared, “I was in disbelief! I have attended Houston Grand Opera’s performances as an audience member for years, and to get the opportunity to actually perform in an HGO production is a dream come true.”
When asked what she is most looking forward to, Sara Springett commented, “I’m excited to be able to work in a professional environment and share the stage with incredible artists and singers.” Sabine Lesniewicz is excited “to wear the amazing costumes and sing with an orchestra!”
Over the course of the 2024-25 season, BFHSVS studio members attended and performed in monthly masterclasses. This season, they have worked with HGO Butler Studio Director Colin Michael Brush, chorus director Richard Bado, baritone Lucas Meachem, baritone Edward Parks, and soprano Brittany Renee. They also received instruction and exposure to career-related topics, such as vocal health (in partnership with Dr. Teresa Procter and Houston Methodist’s Texas Voice Center), acting for singers, stage combat, college preparedness, yoga for singers, and song interpretation. Members received lessons from esteemed voice instructors Alicia Gianni (HGO Affiliate Artist and Butler Studio alumna), Christopher Michel (Sam Houston State University), and Hector Vásquez (University of Houston and HGO Mainstage Artist). The BFSHVS performed in HGO’s Carols on the Green in December, attended all mainstage productions, and will work closely with Butler Studio members later this season.
Additionally, HGO supports members’ college audition endeavors by providing mentorship in school selection, professional video recordings for pre-screening requirements, rehearsal and coachings with collaborative pianists, and reimbursement for audition expenses. Looking ahead to college, Sabine Lesniewicz and Emma Vogelsang plan to major in Vocal Performance, Sara Springett plans to study Vocal Performance and Psychology, and Jennifer Williamson plans to study Vocal Performance and Business.
When prompted to share about her time as a BFHSVS member, Williamson stated, “My experience as a part of the BFHSVS has been nothing short of exceptional. The program is overflowing with the wisdom and experience of the incredible staff, which has been an immensely valuable asset to have as I develop as a musician. Not only is this community incredibly talented, they are also supportive, kind human beings that encourage each other’s growth and as artists. There is an ever-present respect and appreciation for one another that transcends artistry, embracing the person behind the music in a way that has been truly amazing to witness.”
The 2024-25 Bauer Family High School Voice Studio season will conclude with a final recital and scholarship ceremony on Sunday May 4, 2025 at 6:00 pm in the University of Houston’s Dudley Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public. HGO’s production of Tannhäuser, directed by Francesca Zambello, runs from April 25 to May 11, 2025. Tickets can be purchased here.