The Music Conservatory of Coeur d'Alene has unveiled the exceptional soloists who will grace the stage for its highly anticipated annual performance of Handel's beloved oratorio, "Messiah." This concert, a cherished tradition in the region, is set to captivate audiences at the Schuler Performing Arts Center on the North Idaho College campus over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Elevating the Timeless Masterpiece with Exceptional Talent

Chloe Sundet: A Versatile Soprano Shines

Chloe Sundet, a rising soprano, has already made a name for herself on prestigious stages across the country. Her impressive resume includes performances with companies such as Pacific Opera Project, Opera Neo, Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, American Contemporary Ballet, Wenatchee Valley Symphony, and Leavenworth Summer Theatre. As a concert soloist, Sundet has captivated audiences with her renditions of Mozart's "Great Mass in C," Handel's "Messiah," Stravinsky's "Pulcinella Ballet," and Saint-Saëns' "Oratorio de Noël." Beyond her classical prowess, Sundet has also showcased her versatility, working as a character performer at the Disneyland Resort, embodying the role of the beloved Snow White. Holding a Master of Music in vocal arts and opera from the University of Southern California, where she studied under the tutelage of Lynn Helding, Sundet is poised to bring her exceptional talent and artistry to the Coeur d'Alene stage. Notably, she will also be joining the voice faculty at North Idaho College this winter, further enriching the local arts community.

Scott Miller: A Versatile Singing Actor Captivates

Scott Miller, a versatile singing actor, has graced the stage in a wide range of genres. His recent engagements include the world premiere of "Prairie Songs: Remembering Antonia" by Brent Edstrom, which was performed nationally and in France in a version for piano, violin, and voice, and subsequently premiered with the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra in Lincoln, Nebraska, under the baton of Edward Polochick. Miller's operatic repertoire includes the world premieres of American composer Carlysle Floyd's "Cold Sassy Tree" and American composer Libby Larsen's "Eric Hermannson's Soul." In 2023, Miller, a Spokane resident, was awarded an International Scholar Award for a five-month sabbatical residency at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. His scholarly presentations have included a recital of the song cycle "Garland" for the 50th National Convention Program of the College Music Society in Salt Lake City, the premiere of "Songs for Soulmates" by Christopher Stanichar for the International Double Reed Society Conference, and a 90-minute workshop presentation for the Hawaii International Conference on Education. Holding a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Miller currently serves as the director of voice studies and professor of music at Whitworth University. He has also held two terms on the National Board of the National Association of Teachers of Singing as the intermountain region governor from 2011 to 2015.

Ann Benson: A Versatile Mezzo-Soprano Shines

Ann Benson, a versatile mezzo-soprano, is a familiar face in the Inland Northwest's classical and musical theater scenes. Her opera credits include roles such as Marcellina in "The Marriage of Figaro," Hansel in "Hansel and Gretel," and Count Orlofsky in "Die Fledermaus" with Inland Northwest Opera. As a soloist, Benson has graced the stage with the Spokane Symphony, performing in Beethoven's "Ninth Symphony" and Vivaldi's "Gloria." She has also lent her voice to the Palouse Choral Society's performance of Mozart's "Requiem" and the Walla Walla University Symphony's rendition of Haydn's "Lord Nelson Mass." Benson's musical theater credits are equally impressive, with roles such as the fairy godmother in a school tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" for Spokane Civic Interactive, Marmee in "Little Women," Mother Superior in "Nunsense" (both with Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre), and Alison in "Fun Home" at Lake City Playhouse. Benson, a Spokane resident, also highlights the works of women composers in her collaboration with pianist Mary J. Trotter, "He Said/She Said," and maintains a thriving voice studio.

Steve Mortier: A Commanding Bass with Dramatic Flair

Steve Mortier, a renowned bass, is celebrated for his warm, expressive singing and bold dramatic interpretations. His versatile talents have graced a wide range of genres, from opera to musical theater. Mortier recently portrayed the role of Pulitzer in Spokane Valley Summer Theatre's production of "Newsies" and the role of Pa in their regional premiere and fully staged production of "Little House on the Prairie the Musical." His solo debut at Carnegie Hall as bass soloist with the New England Symphonic Ensemble under the baton of John Rutter in Haydn's "The Creation" and his bass soloist performance at Lincoln Center in New York City at Avery Fischer Hall with the National Chorale in "Messiah" have earned him critical acclaim. Mortier has also showcased his talents as the bass soloist in Haydn's "Mass In Time of War" with the Oregon East Symphony. His operatic roles include the Traveler in Spoleto Festival USA's production of "Curlew River," Dr. Dulcamara in Pittsburgh Opera's "L'Elisir d'Amore," and Curley in Lake Charles Symphony's production of "Oklahoma!" Mortier has also taken on the roles of Don Quixote in "The Man of La Mancha" with Spokane Opera and the title role in Puccini's one-act opera "Gianni Schicchi" with North Bay Opera and the University of Idaho. In addition to his stage performances, Mortier has been a soloist for Spokane Opera's 25th Anniversary Gala and has performed Handel's "Messiah" with the Coeur d'Alene Symphony. He maintains a private voice studio in North Spokane.