2026 Season Musicians
ZELTER STRING QUARTET
Kyle Gilner and Gallia Kastner, violin; Carson Rick, viola; Allan Hon, cello Based in Los Angles, Zelter String Quartet is lauded for their "effortless precision and blend." This distinguished ensemble is dedicated to tradition and evolves the future of chamber music. With expressive performances and thoughtful interpretations, they represent a commitment to musical dialogue, artistic integrity, and collaborative exploration. Learn more > 
ELIZABETH HANJE, SOPRANO
Second-year Houston Grand Opera Butler Studio artist Elizabeth Hanje is a Tanzanian-American soprano from Vestavia Hills, AL. She is a 2026 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Semifinalist and earned first place at HGO’s 2024 Eleanor McCollum Competition Concert of Arias. In the 2025-26 HGO season, Hanje sings mainstage roles in Porgy and Bess, Suor Angelica, Silent Night, Family Day Hansel and Gretel. Learn more > 
LAURA BLEAKLEY, PIANO
Laura Bleakley is a Korean-American collaborative pianist from Honolulu, Hawaii based in Seattle, Washington. Her 25–26 season includes work with Utah Opera, El Paso Opera, Seattle Opera, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City. She is on the staff of University of Washington’s School of Music as a coach, guest lecturer, and collaborative pianist. Laura is a graduate of the Houston Grand Opera’s esteemed Sarah and Ernest Butler Studio. Learn more > 
FESTIVAL TROMBONE CHOIR
The Festival Trombone Choir, made up of world-class faculty and students from around the country, put on a stunning display of virtuosity and power. Musicians have represented the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Dallas Opera, Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, and "Pershing's Own" U.S. Army Band. |
TRIO MAGNOLIANA
Mann-Wen Lo, violin; Eunghee Cho, cello; Andrew Staupe, piano One of the most exciting Piano Trios to emerge on the international chamber music scene, Trio Magnoliana is poised to become a globally-recognized ensemble of artistic distinction. Founded in 2023, this dynamic Piano Trio features concert soloists and faculty members at the University of Houston, each bringing a wealth of professional chamber music experience. Learn more > 
LUKA TSEVELIDZE, TENOR
A first-year Butler Studio artist from Tbilisi, Georgia, Luka Tsevelidze won second place at HGO’s 2025 Eleanor McCollum Competition Concert of Arias. Tsevelidze makes his HGO debut as the Ballad Singer in the Butler Studio production of Of Mice and Men in the 2025-26 season. He made his operatic debut as Tamino in The Magic Flute with the Tbilisi State Conservatoire Opera Studio. Learn more > 
WINDY CITY
Your favorite Chicago tunes, reproduced just as they were originally recorded! The classic sounds of this Chicago tribute band have entertained audiences around the country. Windy City opens the festival with a dazzling horn line, powerful vocals and familiar tunes. Learn more > |