DORAP — Opera MODO

The George Shirley Diversify Resident Artist Program

George Shirley

Namesake, Mentor

If there is one person who can be credited with opening the doors for modern black tenors it would have to be George Irving Shirley, a remarkable man of remarkable firsts who balances his joy of performing with a joy of developing talent in others.

Currently the Joseph Edgar Maddy Distinguished University Emeritus Professor of Voice at the University of Michigan, Mr. Shirley, known as one of opera’s most versatile tenors, has enjoyed a trail blazing international career in music.

MODO is so very honored to have Professor Shirley working with these incredible artists!

DORAP Program Director: Maya JohnsonMaya Johnson is a composer, improviser and arts administrator currently residing in rural south Pennsylvania. They are a graduate from the University of Michigan ‘20 and Baldwin Wallace Conservatory ‘18 with degrees in composition (B.M., M.M.) and viola performance (B.M.). Currently, they serve as Executive Director of Fifth Wall Performing Arts and produce experimental works for a diverse, mostly online audience. As an administrator, they develop equitable and community-driven programs that emphasize systemic growth for disenfranchised groups. As a creator, they work in genres of afro-futurism and funk, but through the lens of elevated queerness. — **DORAP Program Director: Maya Johnson**
Maya Johnson is a composer, improviser and arts administrator currently residing in rural south Pennsylvania. They are a graduate from the University of Michigan ‘20 and Baldwin Wallace Conservatory ‘18 with degrees in composition (B.M., M.M.) and viola performance (B.M.). Currently, they serve as Executive Director of Fifth Wall Performing Arts and produce experimental works for a diverse, mostly online audience. As an administrator, they develop equitable and community-driven programs that emphasize systemic growth for disenfranchised groups. As a creator, they work in genres of afro-futurism and funk, but through the lens of elevated queerness.

DORAP Artist 2019-2020Nicole Joseph, SopranoMODO Artist: 2014 - CurrentNicole Joseph is described as an artist with a “sweeping range of emotions” and a  “honeyed, effortless voice.” Ms. Joseph has delighted audiences in a wide range of performances  across the country. Following the completion of her Masters degree at the University of  Michigan, Ms. Joseph made her professional debut as Beatrice in Jake Heggie's Three  Decembers with Kentucky Opera. Receiving critical acclaim, it was said that her “impressive”  performance was “the most interesting to watch,” and “full of power and verve.” She has brought  “an arresting dramatic presence, angelic sound and soulful expression” to other recent MODO  credits, including The Governess (Turn of the Screw), Micaëla (Carmen), and Donna Anna (Don  Giovanni), and in her Michigan Opera Theatre debut as Hattie in The Summer King. A versatile  performer, Nicole has been a featured soloist with Grammy award-winning choral group Conspirare, and had the honor of performing for the nationally televised Aretha Franklin Tribute  Concert held at the newly-named Aretha Franklin (Chene) Park in Detroit. — DORAP Artist 2019-2020
Nicole Joseph, Soprano
MODO Artist: 2014 - Current
**Nicole Joseph** is described as an artist with a “sweeping range of emotions” and a “honeyed, effortless voice.” Ms. Joseph has delighted audiences in a wide range of performances across the country. Following the completion of her Masters degree at the University of Michigan, Ms. Joseph made her professional debut as Beatrice in Jake Heggie's *Three Decembers* with Kentucky Opera. Receiving critical acclaim, it was said that her “impressive” performance was “the most interesting to watch,” and “full of power and verve.” She has brought “an arresting dramatic presence, angelic sound and soulful expression” to other recent MODO credits, including The Governess (Turn of the Screw), Micaëla (Carmen), and Donna Anna (Don Giovanni), and in her Michigan Opera Theatre debut as Hattie in *The Summer King*. A versatile performer, Nicole has been a featured soloist with Grammy award-winning choral group Conspirare, and had the honor of performing for the nationally televised Aretha Franklin Tribute Concert held at the newly-named Aretha Franklin (Chene) Park in Detroit.

DORAP Artist 2019-2020

Branden C.S. Hood, Baritone

MODO Artist: 2016 - Current