Meet the Artists

Wendy Reynolds, soprano

            After her portrayal of Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata for Island Opera Theatre, Celebrate! Key West wrote, "I was privileged to hear Wendy Reynolds as she sang the role for the first time.  Her performance didn't leave her gasping for air - it left me that way.  I was literally on the edge of my seat watching a star being born during the death scene.  Such passion.  She didn't just own the part - she lived it!" Palm Beach Opera audiences may recall Ms. Reynolds’ performances in the title role of Lehár's The Merry Widow and as Musetta in Puccini's La bohème.

William Stafford, baritone

            One of the most sought-after entertainers in Florida, Mr. Stafford has performed extensively with Palm Beach Opera, Gold Coast Opera, as well as with The Columbus Symphony, The Virginia Symphony, and Virginia Pro Musica, to name a few.  Mr. Stafford has been heard as Marcello and Schaunard in La Boheme, Papageno in The Magic Flute, Frank in Die Fledermaus, Silvio in Pagliacci, and many others.  He also performs regularly as oratorio soloist, including for the Mozart Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and Handel’s Messiah.

Dr. Heather Coltman, piano

            With “remarkable technique, stunning clarity, and a great deal of musical intelligence” (Birmingham Post-Herald), Dr. Coltman is a top prize-winner in numerous major international competitions, and she performs extensively throughout North America, Europe, and South Africa. Currently Chair of the Department of Music at Florida Atlantic University, where she is a Professor of Music and the Director of Keyboard Studies, Dr. Coltman was named the University's 2004 “Researcher of the Year” at the Professor level.