Roderick Dixon, tenor

Rodrick Dixon possesses a tenor voice of extraordinary range and versatility that has earned him the respect and attention of leading conductors, orchestras, and opera companies.

Notable operatic engagements include Los Angeles Opera in the title role of Zemlinky’s Der Zwerg conducted by James Conlon and as Walther von der Vogelweide in Tannhauser. At Michigan Opera Theater and Todi Music Festival, Dixon appeared as Tonio in La Fille Du Regiment. He also appeared as Lenski in Todi’s production of Eugene Onegin .  At Portland Opera, he performed the title role of Les Contes d’Hoffmann; Prince in Opera Columbus premiere of Vanqui ;  Sportin’ Life in Virginia Opera’s Porgy & Bess; the Duke in Rigoletto for Cincinnati Opera; and Opera Southwest in the title role of Rossini’s  Otello. 

Alfreda Burke, soprano

Alfreda Burke’s vocal artistry has been described as “voluptuous, creamy and luxuriant” (Chicago Tribune). She has appeared in concert throughout North America and in Europe. Alfreda made her Carnegie and Orchestra Hall debut in Strauss’ Elektra with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra led by Daniel Barenboim. Highlighted performances include the Chicago Symphony at Ravinia under Erich Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theatre/DSO/Rackham Choir, Royal Philharmonic (London), Prague Philharmonic, Umbria Music Festival (Italy), TodiMusicFest (US), Miss World 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021 (China, UK, US, Puerto Rico);  Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Miss World Beauty With A Purpose and Rise Against Hunger events, Gala (South Africa 2017);  Humanity Rising: Notre-Dame Reborn virtual Gala; Sentinel of the Sea Award Virtual Celebration honoring Gary Sinise; Holders Season Gala (Barbados), Lancaster Festival, Corrales Cultural Arts Council (New Mexico), Grant Park Music Festival, Millennium Park Gala, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center, Auditorium Theatre, Auditorium Theatre 125 Living the History, Orpheum Theatre (Memphis), Chicago Opera Theater, Chorus Angelorum, Chicagoland Pops Orchestra, Siamsa na nGael and NATO Chicago Summit, among others.

Judy Page, vocals

A lifetime Peoria resident,  Judy “Page” Adkisson began singing at the age of 5 for family and friends, and in her church’s Children’s Choir. She then continued her singing through school choirs and group talent shows at Carver Community Center. Her only formal vocal training was instruction from her high school music teacher, where she learned harmony and a minimal amount of reading music. Her consideration of a career in vocal music actually started at 15 while in high school. She performed as the lead vocalist with a 4-piece band that entertained in the high school gymnasium after school for “sock hops.”

Judy’s career in music has spanned over 56 years. She currently performs at various venues in and around Peoria, such as the Contemporary Art Center, Two25 at the Mark Twain Hotel, Broken Tree Coffee Shop, Central Illinois Jazz Society events, Peoria Riverfront events, and private venues with longtime guitarist friends Preston Jackson and Steve Degenford. She mainly performs Jazz, the music she was first introduced to when she began vocalizing at home.

Erika Vondale, vocals

Hailed during a recent industry workshop in New York City as very natural and authentic, ten-year-old soprano (and Peoria native) Erika Vondale earned acclaim from top casting directors for her range and wonderful vibrato, good humor, great energy, and skill. A rising talent with remarkable expression, she is gaining attention from presenters, managers, and production companies both regionally and nationwide. This fall, Ms. Vondale made her South Bend Civic Theatre debut as an Oompa Loompa and ensemble member in the regional premiere of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-A New Musical.” Her recent performance credits include Marta in the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra x GhostLight Theatre’s production of “The Sound of Music” (Summer ’23) and Eric Shaffernickle in “Matilda, Jr.” (Spring ’23) for Children’s Music Workshop (CMW).  In 2021, she made her theatrical debut at the age of seven playing multiple roles in CMW’s production of  “Super Happy Awesome News,” a musical written for virtual performance during the pandemic. Her teachers include: soprano Chelsea Basler (Metropolitan Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Berklee College of Music), Kurt Domoney (Broadway Kids Auditions, NYC), Brett Teresa (Broadway Kids Auditions, NYC), Lorie Krauss (St. Joseph, MI), and Paul Mow (St. Joseph, MI). In her studies of diverse musical styles and genres, Ms. Vondale often performs solo recitals, and December 2023 marks her Peoria Symphony Orchestra debut. Instagram: @erika_vondale_official

Derel Montieth, piano

Andy Crawford, bass

Jason Brannon, drums

Doug Orear, narrator