The Washington Opera Young Artists Program of the Americas 2002

KERI ALKEMA, a 28-year-old mezzo-soprano from Florida, most recently performed the role of Meg in Adamo’s Little Women with Chautauqua Opera, where she also won the Apprentice Artist Award. Ms. Alkema performs 2 roles with The Washington Opera in the fall: Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor and a Cretan Girl in Idomeneo, and in addition covers Erika in Vanessa. Future engagements also include the Marilyn Horne Foundation gala concert and debut recital in 2003. DANIELLE DESWERT, a 28-year-old pianist originally from California, has worked as a coach/accompanist with Chautauqua Opera, Portland Opera, Ashlawn Highland Summer Festival, and Indianapolis Opera.