The Seven Last Words of Christ

Praised for his “lovely timbre,” “dramatic timing,” and “rich and gleaming” voice, Trevor Scheunemann has distinguished himself as one of opera’s leading baritones. Mr. Scheunemann’s powerful interpretations of operatic, oratorio, and concert repertoires have earned him roles in major opera houses and concert venues across the United States and worldwide. Performance highlights include multiple appearances as Sharpless in Madama Butterfly, Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Guglielmo in Così fan tutte; as well as the title role in Don Giovanni with L’Opéra de Monte Carlo. Mr. Scheunemann has regularly appeared at The Metropolitan Opera and debuted with the Concert Series in 2021. Awards include Washington National Opera Artist of the Year (2007) and 3rd Place Winner of Placido Domingo's Operalia (2006).

Soprano Karla Rivera enjoys a career as a soloist, ensemble vocalist, recording artist, and educator. Ms. Rivera’s operatic and concert engagements have featured her on stages throughout the world, including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, The U.S. State Department, The Supreme Court, Leopoldskron Palace, Austria, St. Martin-in-the-Fields and Ely Cathedral, London. Ms. Rivera was particularly honored to play the role of Mary in the 2010 Carnegie Hall premiere of “Oh My Son,” an operatic tableau about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. She has traveled the world performing with Washington Adventist University’s New England Youth Ensemble, ProMusica, and The Columbia Collegiate Chorale. 

Away from the main stage, Ms. Rivera is actively involved in charitable organizations that use music as a platform for community outreach and engagement, such as LiveFor1 and Voices of Inspiration. She directs the Choir of the Church of the Little Flower in Bethesda and often sings at The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and right here at St. Louis Parish. Karla also teaches voice for multiple area studios and is the Annual Fund Manager for Archbishop Carroll High School. Previous appointments include a nine-year tenure as director of the Georgetown Presbyterian Choir in Washington, D.C.

Despite her demanding schedule, Ms. Rivera has found time to record.  Her Christmas album, Born To Set Us Free, was released in December 2019.

Ms. Rivera holds a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University) and a master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Worship Studies from the Liberty University School of Music, Lynchburg, VA.

Hakeem Henderson performs a wide range of roles from Classical to Contemporary, including ‘Don Curzio’ (Le Nozze di Figaro), ‘Fortunato’ (The Cask of Amontillado), and ‘Rapunzel’s Prince’ (Into the Woods). He appeared as ‘Big Deal’ in the 2019 Edinburgh International Festival’s West Side Story and has performed in concert works such as Elgar’s Coronation Ode and Mozart’s Coronation Mass.

Henderson won the 2024 Metropolitan Opera Competition’s Maryland District Encouragement Award, placed 3rd and earned the Audience Favorite Award at the 2020 Boulder Bach Festival, and was a finalist in several other competitions. He holds a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from Morgan State University and a Master’s from the Royal Northern College of Music, and has trained with programs like the Gerdine Young Artist Program and Daniel Ferro Vocal Program.

In addition to opera, Henderson has written and produced popular music featured in Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It and BBC Music Introducing. He is based in the DC Metropolitan Area, working as a freelance performer.