Get to know the 2025 Portfolio Artist Interns
Michal Aloni
La Badessa, La Principessa Cover (Suor Angelica), Assistant Director (Parḗlios),
Michal Aloni is a mezzo-soprano, actress, and emerging stage director noted for her dramatic sensitivity and interdisciplinary approach. Born in Tel Aviv, she discovered her passion for opera in her mid-twenties, leading her to study, perform, and work internationally before settling in Canada. Michal’s repertoire spans Baroque to contemporary works, with recent performances across Canada and Europe, including Chants Libres, People Watching, the Canadian Opera Company, and Opéra de Montréal, and an upcoming solo recital in the COC’s RBA Concert Series. She is currently pursuing a Diploma in Stage Directing at McGill University, where she has directed scenes for various concerts, assisted on season productions, and will direct a full production of The Medium by Menotti. Michal is excited to be a 2026 Jette Parker Artists Programme Observership recipient at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (UK) and to participate in Opera 5’s 2026 Portfolio Artist Internship, where she will sing La Zia Principessa (Cover) and La Badessa in Suor Angelica and assist on the world premiere of Parḗlios. She holds voice performance degrees from the University of Western Ontario and the Jerusalem Academy of Music and is grateful for support from institutions and foundations, most recently Canada Council and Opera America.
Angélique Brown
La Zelatrice (Suor Angelica), Zita Cover (Gianni Schicchi)
Angélique Brown is a mezzo-soprano from San Diego, California in the 2nd year of her master’s at McGill University. Growing up, she was a child actor under contract with Opera Pacific, performing in La Boheme, Tosca, Susannah, and Carmen. More recently, she appeared as Mère Marie in Dialogues des Carmelites with Opera McGill. In January, she will be performing in the title role of Lucretia in Benjamin Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia. Angélique has an extensive background in lighting design and programming and was recognized for her achievement by The Cappies. She is excited to continue her artistic journey with Opera5.
Len Crino
Mezzo Soloist (Parḗlios), Assistant Director (Gianni Schicchi)
Len Crino is a recently graduated masters student from McGill University in the opera program, studying under Tracy Smith-Bessette. Len is a transgender soprano who nurtures an interest in contemporary opera and also reimagines classic soprano roles through a queer lens. Len played the role of “Bird” in McGill’s 2024 production of Blond Eckbert and will be singing the role of “Oberto” in the Winter production of Alcina, and the role of “Toby” in the Medium. He will be featured in the new opera Parḗlios and assistant direct Gianni schicchi during the summer internship program at Opera 5.
Liam Dooley
Maestro Spinelloccio, Ser Amantio di Nicolao (Gianni Schicchi), Assistant Stage Manager (Suor Angelica)
Liam Dooley is a baritone from Eagle River, Alaska. He is in the first year of his Master’s of Music in Voice and Opera at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University, where he is a student of Brett Polegato. In Opera McGill’s 2026 performances, Liam will be debuting the roles of Collatinus in The Rape of Lucretia by Benjamin Britten and Melisso in Alcina by Handel. At Opera5 this summer, Liam will be performing the roles of Spinelloccio and Ser Amantio di Nicolao in Gianni Schicchi. He will also be on the production team as an Assistant Stage Manager for Suor Angelica.
Elizabeth Fast
Big Sister Cover The Novice (Suor Angelica), Chorus (Parḗlios), Assistant Stage Manager (Parḗlios),
Elizabeth Fast (she/her), coloratura soprano, recently completed an MMus in Early Music at McGill University under Dr. Tracy Smith Bessette. Her musical interests span several centuries and styles, from early baroque monody to bel canto to 20th century serialism. Her opera roles include Morgana in Händel’s Alcina (Opera McGill, 2026), Clomiri in Händel’s Imeneo (Opera McGill, 2025), Adele in J. Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus (Alberta Vocal Arts, 2024, 2025, 2026), and Venus in Blow’s Venus and Adonis (UCalgary, 2023). In 2024, Elizabeth placed first in her class at the Alberta Music Festival and the Canada West Performing Arts Festival.
AJ Gauger
Lay Sister 2 & Secondi Cercatrici (Suor Angelica), Pinellino & Nella Cover (Gianni Schicchi)
AJ Gauger (they/them) is a soprano from New Richmond, Ohio. They received their bachelors degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and are completing their masters degree from the Schulich School of Music. Highlights from their operatic repertoire are Female Chorus fromThe Rape of Lucretia, Rosmene from Imeneo, and Winnie fromWinnie the Pooh the Opera. AJ is passionate about opera’s function in social activism. They have performed in Austria and Italy and were a fellowship member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. Outside of performing, they have experience in stage management, music mentorship, and currently work at a doggy daycare.
Marissa Lake
Lay Sister 1, Infermiera (Suor Angelica), La Ciesca Cover (Gianni Schicchi), Assistant Stage Manager (Gianni Schicchi)
American soprano Marissa Lake is known for her agile coloratura, expressive stage presence, and versatility between opera and operetta. Based in Montreal, she recently earned her Master of Music at McGill University, performing leading roles including Handel’s Semele, the Dew Fairy in Hänsel und Gretel, and Galatea (cover) in the world premiere of Dean Burry’s Il guidizio di Pigmalione.Recent highlights include Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel with the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, and her role debut as Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance with Stafford Opera Troupe. She will debut as Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore in 2026.
Hannah Mikita
Suor Dolcina (Suor Angelica), Guccio (Gianni Schicchi)
Slovak-American soprano, Hannah Mikita, is equally at home on the opera and musical theater stage. She recently earned her Master’s degree in Opera from McGill University, following a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance and French from Vanderbilt University. Her operatic credits include Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte and Suor Genovieffa in Suor Angelica, roles that showcase both her vocal agility and lyrical warmth. She recently appeared as Signora Nacarelli in “The Light in the Piazza” at the Monument National in Montreal, Canada. Most recently, Hannah was a semi-finalist in the Premiere Opera Competition in New York City. In addition to her musical pursuits, Hannah is currently an MBA candidate with the Global Leaders Institute
Tristan Pritham
Betto (Gianni Schicchi), Assistant Stage Manager (Suor Angelica)
Tristan Pritham is a versatile bass with a strong foundation in operatic and musical theater repertoire. Originally from Montana, he developed his passion for performance with Opera Montana and studied vocal technique with Linda Curtis. Now based in Vermont, he is completing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at McGill University, where he studies under Brett Polegato. A featured performer with Opera McGill, he recently debuted as Argenio in Handel’s Imeneo. He is an experienced concert artist and has been featured as a McGill concerto competition finalist, premiered new music with McGill faculty and students, and sings regularly as a chorister and soloist at St. Mattias Church in Westmount.
Patricia Wrigglesworth
Suor Genovieffa (Suor Angelica), Chorus (Parḗlios), Assistant Stage Manager (Parḗlios),
Originally from Markham, Ontario, soprano Patricia Wrigglesworth has been praised as “a delight to watch” (Opera Canada). Recent highlights include Alcina in Alcina, Lucia in The Rape of Lucretia, Countess Stasi in The Czardas Princess, Dido in Dido and Aeneas, Rosmene in Imeneo, Countess Lisa in Countess Maritza, Romilda in Xerse, Miss Wordsworth in Albert Herring, as well as soloist appearances with I Musici de Montréal and the London Symphonia. Patricia is about to complete her master’s degree in Opera and Voice at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music under the direction of Dr. Tracy Smith Bessette.
Brenden Lengsfeld
Mezzo Soloist (Parḗlios), Stage Manager (Gianni Schicchi)
Brenden Lengsfeld (he/him) is a countertenor from Calgary, Alberta, with a passion for exploring repertoire that breaks expectations of gender and vocal Fach. He is currently a graduate student at McGill University, where he received a Graduate Excellence Fellowship to pursue a Master of Music in Voice and Opera, under the direction of Tracy Smith-Bessette. Recent and upcoming opera credits include Ruggiero in Handel’s Alcina, Tirinto in Handel’s Imeneo (Opera McGill), the title role in Handel’s Giulio Cesare (Chicago Summer Opera), and Cupid in Blow’s Venus and Adonis (University of Calgary). An avid gymnast, Brenden loves combining elements of dance, flag work, and acrobatics on stage.
Christopher Pitre-McBride
Marco, Gianni Schicchi Cover (Gianni Schicchi), Assistant Director (Suor Angelica)
Christopher Pitre McBride is beyond pleased to join Opera5 this summer as Marco in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and as assistant director for Suor Angelica. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Western University and is currently pursuing a Master of Music at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music under the guidance of Brett Polegato and Stephen Hargreaves. With a background in musical theatre and dance, including a brief Broadway appearance, Christopher brings a deep commitment to storytelling and ensemble work. Recent roles include Sam in Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, Oroveso in Bellini’s Norma, and Tarquinius in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia. He is grateful for this opportunity and eager to learn and create alongside his upmost talented and kind friends.
Paige Robinson
Suor Osmina, Prima Cercatrici (Suor Angelica), Gherardino, Lauretta Cover (Gianni Schicchi)
Paige Robinson is a 22 year old soprano from Calgary, Alberta, noted as “one to watch” (opera ramblings). Paige is currently in her final year of undergraduate study at McGill University as a student of Tracy Smith Bessette. In the 2025-2026 season, Paige will perform Lucia in Benjamin Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia with Opera McGill and Flora in Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw with Opéra de Montréal. Recent role debuts include Miss. Silverpeal (Der Schauspieldirektor), Clara (The Light in the Piazza), Flora (The Turn of the Screw). Paige is thrilled and honored to return to the Opera 5 Internship program this summer!
