Musician Spotlights
Soloist Spotlight
Melissa Harvey
Why and when did you start performing?
When I was around 5 years old, my mom entered my sister and myself into a talent competition. I sang “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” with my sister accompanying me on the piano. We won our age groups and were invited to perform at Carnegie Hall that fall. I had liked singing before then, but after that experience, I knew I wanted singing to be a major part of my life.- Did you play any instruments as a child?
I did! The first instrument I learned was piano. I had this charming, loveable teacher named Lucile Baldwin, whom we knew from the church we attended at the time. She always created a positive, light atmosphere for learning, and I’ll always be grateful for that. At the beginning, I had trouble remembering the middle line of the bass clef. She’d remind me of the answer by saying “Down there in “D” middle.” I also played the flute and piccolo. - What are some struggles or challenges, if any, you have overcome in your career?
I’ve had many struggles throughout my career, but the main one has been having confidence in myself. This has ebbed and flowed throughout different points in my career. What has helped most is remembering I’m not competing against anyone other than myself. My voice is uniquely mine and the inspiration to improve is rooted in that.
Another challenge I’ve experienced is breaking out of the box of what you think your career should look like. For example, my voice fit naturally into “early music.” This, however, was not a style supported by the voice program at the conservatory I attended. The main focus was on opera, namely Mozart – present. I was afraid if I put my efforts into early music, I would be pigeon-holed solely as an early music singer and not considered for more traditional operatic repertoire. What I’ve realized later in my career is that a career is a career. If you can make money singing repertoire outside that of the traditional, that is a career to be just as proud of. - If you were not a singer, what could you see yourself being?
If I were not a singer, I think I would be either an actor or a veterinarian. Two very different things, I know. The psychological aspect of inhabiting a role has always been the most interesting to me, as it informs everything about your character; even the way you sing. When I’ve had the opportunity to perform an entire role that, say, includes a standard audition aria, it’s more informative than any isolated character study I could do. I like delving deep into another’s psyche to fully understand the work I’m performing. As for being a veterinarian, I’ve always loved animals and have followed a vegan lifestyle for the past six years. For now, though, my job outside of singing is being a mom to my incredible 4-year-old son. - Who were your early influences/inspirations?
My sister, who is also an opera singer, was my first musical influence. She was extremely talented and began taking voice lessons at a young age. I knew, while sitting with my dad outside of her lessons, talking about cars and how they work, that I’d rather be in there singing with her! The song, though, that made me realize I truly wanted to pursue singing in college and as a career was “Frühlingsglaube” by Franz Schubert, performed by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, when I was around 15. I had never heard anything more beautiful and knew then and there I had to sing classical music. - Who or what inspired you that was not music-related?
Throughout my life, my mom has always challenged herself and never takes “no” for an answer. Time and time again throughout her life, she persevered, no matter what. Just as I began college, she was forced to quit her job due to an injury she had sustained. Rather than sitting around and waiting for the next opportunity, she took the NYS Civil Service test and scored 100%. I was so proud of her and still am to this day. She will always be my biggest inspiration. - What is your favorite musician or period of music?
Though he composed very little vocal music, my favorite composer has always been Beethoven. To me, the pairing of passion and beauty in his music is unmatched. Some of my favorites by him are Symphonies 5 & 7 (namely movements 3 and 2, respectively) and Piano Sonata No. 21, Mvt. 1.
I think my favorite period of music depends on my mood that day. In the US, early music gets a bad rap, but it’s truly beautiful and so expressive. Something I appreciate about performing music from the 17 th century, for example, as opposed to traditional opera is that the singer has more freedom to create, choosing ornaments based on the text, having more say in the dramatic direction of a piece, etc. I always feel more like an ensemble with the instrumentalists when I sing music from the late Renaissance/early Baroque, and I really like that feeling.
As far as a favorite musician, it’s German tenor Fritz Wunderlich, hands down. He’s so incredibly musical, sensitive and his singing sounds effortless. The color of his instrument is absolutely gorgeous and always appropriate. - Favorite piece of music to sing and/or to hear?
This is such a tough question! Currently, my favorite piece of music to sing is an aria from an opera called La ville morte by Nadia Boulanger- her only opera, in fact. I had the honor of premiering the fully staged opera, which was composed in 1913, with Greek National Opera this past January. With my voice type, one usually sings lighter arias- happy arias or ones about being in love. This aria, however, is heavier, with the character realizing she’s about to be executed by her own brother. It provides the opportunity to dig deep and sing with one’s soul. I also really enjoy singing music by Franz Schubert (especially the song Ganymed) and Richard Strauss.
Since I can’t give just one favorite to listen to, I’ll share a list of some of my top 10:
- Ich grolle nicht from Dichterliebe by Schumann (sung by Dieskau or Wunderlich, of course)
- Quam pulchra es by John Dunstable (choral piece)
- Zefiro torna e di soave accenti by Monteverdi
- Come un bel dì di Maggio from Andrea Chénier (Umberto Giordano)
- The last two minutes of La Bohème (Puccini)
- The Poulenc Gloria (choral piece)
- Alleluia (choral piece) by Randall Thompson
Soloist Spotlight
Dylan Shelton
Why and when did you start performing?
I started performing at 5 years of age. I’d recruit my siblings and neighborhood kids to assist with magic shows, circus acts, and even melodramas. I had a flair for villainous characters with drawn on mustaches.- Did you play any instruments as a child?
I played the trumpet for two years in grade school, but after getting braces, I switched to the timpani. - What are some struggles or challenges, if any, you have overcome in your career?
Each new show brings fresh challenges, whether it's researching a new script, creating different types of puppets, or learning to use new technology. I try to embrace these challenges as opportunities to grow and evolve as an artist. - If you were not a puppeteer, what could you see yourself being?
If I weren’t an actor or puppeteer, I would have loved to become a professional cyclist. - Who were your early influences/inspirations?
I’ve been inspired by The Muppets, Pee Wee’s Playhouse, The Marx Brothers, Rowan Atkinson, and so many other comedians, puppeteers, and performers. - Who or what inspired you that was not music or theatre related?
I draw a lot of inspiration from children’s literature, particularly the works of Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss, and Maurice Sendak. - What is your favorite musician or period of music?
I love Beethoven for his dramatic and emotional compositions, which are easily envisioned as pieces of theatre. However, I probably listen to Chopin the most; his soothing music puts me in such a relaxed state of mind. - Favorite piece of music to perform with and/or to hear?
Stravinsky’s “The Firebird Suite” is one of my favorite pieces of music to perform with due to its dynamic storytelling the wave upon wave of dynamic expression.
Soloist Spotlight
Lana Suran
Why and when did you start playing music?
I started taking lessons at the age of five in Stockholm at a local music school- What instruments did you play as a child?
Piano - What are some struggles or challenges, if any, you have overcome in your career?
I think the challenges in my life as a musician have meant different things at different times, a big challenge fifteen years ago seems like a very small problem today and so forth. One of the biggest challenges I faced as a younger musician was learning to let go, trust the process and be happy for my friends in a time where it seemed like everybody around me was having “bigger” success then I and winning competitions left and right. Thankfully this period didn’t last very long and I was able to actually use that time in a way that really benefitted me long-term. - If you were not a musician, what could you see yourself being?
I could see myself being a manager in the music industry or owning a beautiful bookstore. - Who were your early influences/inspirations?
Martha Argerich and Sviatoslav Richter - Who or what inspired you that was not music-related?
Books and Museums - What is your favorite musician or period of music?
I don’t think I can answer this one! It depends on what mood I am in during that specific period, right now I’m in a very Jazzy-period and listening to Keith Jarrett and Fred Hersch a lot. - Favorite piece of music to play and/or to hear?
Also very difficult! To play, I would say anything by Rachmaninoff, and to listen I would say anything by Bach.
Student Spotlight
Mary Hsia
Why did you pick SU?
SU offers everything I was looking for: a small, close-knit campus, a location close to home and the beach, and a strong connection with the Honors College. It felt like the perfect balance of academic opportunities and a supportive community.- When did you start playing an instrument?
I started taking piano lessons when I was about 5 years old and began playing the cello at 7. In middle school, I also played the French horn and mellophone in both concert and marching band. Throughout my high school career, I continued to play both the cello and horn in orchestra and band, which helped me develop an appreciation for music and a strong foundation in a diverse range of musical styles and ensembles. - Who is your favorite musician?
Jacqueline du Pré, the late cellist, performed with an extraordinary depth of emotion that made her performances truly unforgettable. In her interpretation of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, I was in awe as she captured the dynamic contrast between melancholy and hopefulness within the piece. - What is your favorite SSO moment?
One of my favorite moments with the SSO was playing Porgy and Bess with the American Spiritual Ensemble. It was so rewarding to witness everyone’s unique musical talents coming together to create such a powerful and enjoyable performance. It was also exciting to be part of such a large ensemble bringing music to life on stage. - What is your favorite Dr. Schoyen moment?
I enjoy whenever Dr. Schoyen borrows a cello from a player in the cello section to demonstrate a rhythm or technique. It is always interesting to see how Dr. Schoyen interprets a specific phrase in his style. - What are your future plans and aspirations?
After graduation, I hope to successfully become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and explore the business world in the DC area. I will also continue writing, playing music, and pursuing photography on the side. I am excited to explore new cities, stationery stores, and good eats!
Community Spotlight
Devon Bristow
Why and when did you start playing music?
I started playing the violin in the fourth grade. I was 9 years old, and I can’t even remember anymore what drew me to it, but I’m glad that whatever it was - my gut, my ears, or my future self - did- What are some struggles or challenges, if any, you have overcome in your musical career?
Returning to music after a few years away was a bit of a challenge. I couldn’t remember a lot of the terminology and notations written in my music and what they meant, but it came back to me more and more every time I played. - When did you join the SSO as a community member?
I rejoined the SSO in 2024 as a community member after being a student player from 2016 to 2018. I put a pause on music to focus initially on my BA, but then also my MA and adjuncting for the Salisbury University English Department and Honors College. I left teaching in 2023, started looking for a full-time position in higher education, and knew it was time to do something "good to me" again - that just happened to be coming home to music, and subsequently the SSO. - When you are not performing with the SSO, what do you do?
I perform at the Irish Penny with a few other local musicians, attend fandom conventions and other kinds of nerdy festivals, and work at Wor-Wic Community College! - Tell us something that we would be surprised to know about you.
Normally my experience as a musician is the surprise! In this case, I’ll share the fact(s) that I’m an only child and from a military family, so I moved every 3 to 4 years and have lived in Hawaii, Colorado, New Jersey, Maryland (the first time), New York, Texas, and then Maryland again. - Who or what inspired you that was not music-related?
My papa. He always encouraged me to be my best in a way that never made me feel pressured - only loved - and he was the best man I’ve ever known. My mom and I joke that he hung the moon and the stars. He and my grandma both passed recently. I miss them both every single day, and I always will. - Favorite SSO piece of music to play and/or to hear?
Symphony No. 2, Op. 132, Mysterious Mountain by Alan Hovhaness, especially the second movement. We performed this in 2017! - Favorite Jeff Schoyen conductor story?
My father attended one SSO concert. It was after that concert that he said, “Huh. That conductor of yours looks like he’s fighting bears on stage!” Sometimes, I don’t think he’s wrong. Sorry, Dr. Schoyen!