The Dayton Opera Artists-in-Residence Program was established in 1987 to serve as a professional training program for young singers as a bridge to move from the university/conservatory education experience into the arena of a professional opera company. Since its inception, over one hundred young artists have participated in this program. Artists are selected by audition and, in addition to their training schedule, they work together to perform education and outreach programs in our community, helping to ensure the future of this magnificent art form in our area. Click below to choose from several engaging program options!
2023-2024 Dayton Opera Artists in Residence
Gabrielle Flannery, Soprano

Gabrielle Flannery joins the Artists in Residence this season as soprano soloist for Attend the Tale of Abram Brown and community outreach concerts. In October, she will perform as Lucy in Dracula: Bloodlines with the Dayton Philharmonic and Dayton Ballet and will make her Dayton Opera debut in Sweeney Todd this November. Recently, Gabrielle performed as Angelica in Suor Angelica and Nella in Gianni Schicchi with Bay View Music Festival, and she performed with the American Spiritual Intensive as a soloist and ensemble member for a series of concerts. In the spring, Gabrielle performed as Abby in the world premiere of Jorge Sosa and Melisa Tien’s opera The Beehive presented by University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Opera Theatre. In previous seasons, Gabrielle has performed as Musetta in La bohème and Belinda in Dido and Aeneas. Recent concert credits include featured solo performances for UNI Opera’s “Glitter or Gold” Audience Choice Concert, the University of Northern Iowa Scholarship Benefit Concert, and the Waterloo Metropolitan Chorale. Flannery received her undergraduate degree from Lee University and will receive her Master degree from the University of Northern Iowa this December.
Tessa Fackelmann, Mezzo-soprano

Praised as “hilarious” and “vocally charming”, Canadian Mezzo Soprano, Tessa Fackelmann, has been seen on stages performing the works of Handel, Mozart and Rossini. A native of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, she holds a Bachelor of Arts and an Artist Diploma from the
University of Ottawa. Since 2020, Tessa has been based in Houston, Texas where she completed her Masters of Music at Rice University. In 2022, Tessa was a Studio Artist with Wolf Trap Opera where she sang The Bridesmaid in Der Freischütz, Donna Elvira (scenes) and Jackie Kennedy (scenes). This past summer, Tessa was an Apprentice Artist with the Santa Fe Opera where she made her mainstage debut as The Kitchen Girl in Dvorak’s Rusalka. In addition, Tessa was also seen as Maria Stuarda in Donizetti’s infamous “confrontation scene” in the apprentice scenes programme. In her spare time, Tessa enjoys rollerblading, traveling, karaoke and water colour painting (even though she isn’t very good at it.)
Allison Deady, Mezzo-soprano

With a stage presence that commands the spotlight and a voice to match, Allison Deady is a captivating young operatic performer. Hailing from Philadelphia, Allison has an exciting season ahead of her. She will be seen as a Resident Artist at Dayton Opera and will be covering Berta at San Jose Opera.
Known for her comedic roles, Allison has performed such favorites as Mrs. McClean (Susannah), Tisbe (la Cenerentola), Ruth (Pirates of Penzance), Hänsel (Hänsel und Gretel), Marcellina (le nozze di Figaro), and Lola (Cavalleria rusticana).
A graduate of SUNY Fredonia and the University of Tennessee, Allison has honed her skill at prestigious training programs. These include the Mary Ragland Emerging Artist Program at Nashville Opera, Knoxville Opera Studio, Chautauqua Opera Company Studio Artist, the Spoleto Festival, and the Brevard Music Center.
Beyond the stage, Allison is a passionate advocate for the accessibility of opera and opera education. They have collaborated with educational programs, including writing her own outreach show, bringing the beauty and emotional depth of this art form to the next generation of music lovers.
Artega Wright, Baritone

Artega Wright, baritone, made his Dayton Opera debut as Balthazar in “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” Recently, audiences had the pleasure of hearing him portray the role of Donner in “Das Rheingold,” showcasing his exceptional vocal abilities. Now, filled with anticipation, Artega is thrilled to return for another season as an Artist in Residence. He will be touring as a baritone soloist in the production of “Who Wants to Be an Opera Star?” Artega is deeply committed to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of opera enthusiasts and performers.
In addition to his involvement with Artists in Residence, Artega will also be featured as a soloist with the prestigious Dayton Philharmonic in their magical Magic Carpet Concerts. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Artega now proudly calls the Midwest his home. His talent and versatility as a performer were showcased when he covered the charismatic role of Sam in the groundbreaking world premiere of “The Factotum” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The production highlighted his ability to adapt to various roles and showcased his artistic depth.
Artega’s New York debut was truly unforgettable. He mesmerized audiences with his portrayal of Il Talpa in Puccini’s haunting masterpiece, “Il Tabarro,” performed aboard the historic lightship Ambrose with the esteemed On Site Opera. His captivating performance left audiences spellbound.
Artega has also graced the stage with Opera Columbus and will be seen this season in a condensed 90-minute production of the beloved opera “Carmen.” Wright has a Bachelors and Master’s degree in vocal performance from Southern Methodists University and Wayland Baptist University
Carl Rosenthal, Tenor

Tenor Carl Rosenthal is thrilled to return for a second season with Dayton Opera, where he will appear in Sweeney Todd (Pirelli), Tosca (Spoletta), and various other concerts and touring productions. Last season’s performances with DPAA include Das Rheingold (Froh), Amahl and the Night Visitors (King Kaspar), Handel’s Messiah (Tenor Soloist), and touring productions of The Elixir of Love (Nemorino) and Who Wants to be an Opera Star? (Emcee) performed for local Dayton schools. Other career highlights include La Traviata (Alfredo), Carmen (Don José), La Rondine (Ruggero), Gianni Schicchi (Rinuccio), Die Zauberflöte (Tamino), and Bernstein’s MASS (Celebrant). He has performed with a number of professional U.S. regional companies, including MIOpera, MassOpera, Loudoun Lyric Opera, and Franklin Light Opera. Originally from Arlington, Virginia, Rosenthal holds a Master of Music from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University. He worked as a mathematics teacher in New York City before pursuing a career in classical music.