UK Opera Theatre Rappahannock County

CoryOn Brooks, tenor, is a Paducah, KY, native who is in his second year of undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky, studying Vocal Performance under the tutelage of the esteemed Dr. McCorvey. He is the first-place recipient of the 2025 Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition. He is also a member of the Inaugural Class of the Kaleidoscope Vocal Ensemble Academy held at Yale University School of Music. His most recent operatic performance credits are the role of the Official in the World Premiere of A Nation of Others and “Chorus” in Hansel und Gretel, both with the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre. This summer, he was in the cast of Grand Night 2026 and the American Spiritual Intensive at the Bayview Music Festival.

Destiny Cardell, soprano, is a Vocal Performance student at the University of Kentucky and a native of Louisville, Kentucky. She is making her principal opera debut in the University of Kentucky’s production of Rappahannock County. Destiny is passionate about opera, musical storytelling, and bringing compelling characters to life through music and drama.

In 2025, Destiny was named a winner of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Kentucky Chapter Competition and an Alltech Winner. She continues to develop her artistry through her studies at the University of Kentucky, where she is cultivating a career centered on opera and vocal performance.

Destiny is grateful to her professors, directors, coaches, family, and friends for their continued support and encouragement. She is honored to share this milestone with audiences and looks forward to continuing her journey as a young artist.

Mezzo-soprano Ella Clark is an undergraduate sophomore at the University of Kentucky, pursuing a double major in Vocal Performance and Music Education and studying under Dr. Angelique Clay. She is the First Place recipient of the Alltech Scholarship, one of the university’s top music honors.

Ella recently debuted the role of Hanna in the premiere of Paul Moravec’s A Nation of Others. She has also performed the role of Hansel in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel.

This past summer, Ella was a member of the Janiec Opera Company at the Brevard Music Center, where she covered the role of Cherubino in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and performed Cousin Hebe in Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore.

Ella placed first in the Undergraduate Division of the Matinee Musicale, Nancy F. Walker Memorial Scholarship Competition. In addition to classical performance, she has a special interest in jazz and musical theater. She also performed a jazz solo on live television as part of the University of Kentucky’s Celebration of Song.

Emory Hampton is a mezzo-soprano from Louisville, Kentucky. She is a second year undergraduate Vocal Performance student and Alltech Vocal Scholar at the University of Kentucky. Emory made her UK Opera Theatre debut last semester as a member of the Immigrant Chorus in the world premiere of A Nation of Others and is excited to be returning for Rappahannock County.

Zackery Morris, tenor, is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, and now resides in Paris, Kentucky. Recent appearances include "Songbird" with Kentucky Opera and "Kaspar" in Amahl and the Night Visitors. He has performed with Opera Saratoga, American Lyric Theatre, Opera Maine, The Ohio Light Opera, and University of Kentucky Opera Theatre, among others. An active concert and oratorio soloist, Zackery specializes in baroque, classical, and contemporary repertoire. He also serves as an Academic Advisor at the University of Kentucky.

Nichelle Noble is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky majoring in voice performance and music education studying with Dr. Angelique Clay. Her most recent operatic performance include “chorus” in the world premiere of A Nation of Others.

Liam Schippers is a classic vocalist, musician, and conductor studying at the University of Kentucky. His musical interests encompass orchestral, choral, and chamber repertoire, with a particular focus on conducting and ensemble leadership. As both a vocalist and conductor, he is committed to developing his musicianship through performance, collaboration, and continued study.

Sylvie Martin is a second year undergraduate student at UK studying Vocal Performance. This is her first time in the roll of assistant stage manager as well as her first opera. She would like to thank the production team for sharing their leadership and artistry.