Company Personnel
J. Bradley Baker
Executive Director; Music Director
J. Bradley Baker, pianist and coach, has served as coach for Wichita Grand Opera (KS), Natchez Festival (MS), Opera Birmingham (AL), Opera Naples (FL), Chicago Summer Opera (IL), and Glimmerglass Festival (NY), among others. Baker's performance on Navona Records have been broadcast throughout Great Britain and the United States. He has presented performances in the U.S., Canada, and France, with upcoming engagements in Italy.
Jen Stephenson
Artistic Director
Jen Stephenson enjoys a multifaceted career as stage director, producer, soprano, educator, and arts administrator. She has worked with the Baylor Opera Theatre, Wichita Grand Opera, Chicago Summer Opera, Opera Seme, Lawrence Opera Theatre, Harrower Summer Opera, Druid City Opera, Opéra du Perigord, Utah Lyric Opera, New Century Opera, The University of Alabama Opera Theatre, and Tabor College Opera, which she founded in 2015. Recent directing credits include productions of The Tender Land, Gianni Schicchi, Suor Angelica, La finta giardiniera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Hansel and Gretel. Praised for her thoughtful characterization and impeccable comedic timing, she is currently chair of the awarding committee of the National Opera Association's JoElyn Wakefield Wright Stage Director Internship, of which she was the recipient of in 2015. For more information, please visit www.jenstephenson.com
Shawn Knopp
Director of Community Outreach
Shawn M. Knopp serves as Assistant Professor of Music Education, Director of Bands and Music Education Program Director at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. At Friends, he conducts the Concert Band, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and the Falcon Beat Basketball Band. Additionally, he teaches courses in music education, conducting, instrumental methods, and advises the collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education. Outside of his university duties, Shawn is in demand as an honor band conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the region.