Cast Photo or

design
 MMF Presents

Communi-Tea
Youth Program 2024

Program

Thank you for the Music ABBA

Arr. Jerry Estes
from Mamma Mia!

Treble Ensemble

In Summer Kristen Anderson Lopez

Robert Lopez
from Frozen

Olaf...Mathew Porras
Pour the Pirate Sherry Gilbert & Sullivan
from The Pirate of Penzance

Pirate Ensemble

Hakuna Matata Elton John

from The Lion King

Timon...Mason Lang
Pumpa...Benjamin Rosas
Simba...Eduardo Lacroix

Lo Conosco a quegli ochietti G.B. Pergorlesi

from La Serva Padrona

Serpina...Maria Fernandez
Uberto...Alejandro Garza
Prologue Alan Menken
from Little Shop of Horrors

Ronnete...Sophia Prudencia
Crystal...Camila Moreno
Chiffon...Phoenix Aaragon

Nur Stille, Stille! W.A. Mozart

from Die Zauberflöte

Monastatos...Mason Lang
Die Königen der Nacht...Alexandra Larios
Erste Dame...Laura Suarez
Zweite Dame...Maria Fernandez
Dritte Dame...Isabelle Prats

Sull’aria W.A. Mozart

from Le Nozze di Figaro

La Contessa…Laura Suarez
Susanna…Alexandra Larios
Stepsister’s Lament Rodgers & Hammerstein
from Cinderella

Grace...Bianca Brejit
Joy...Camila Moreno

La ci darem la mano W.A. Mozart

from Don Giovanni

Zerlina...Sofya Vaziakova
Don Giovanni...Alejandro Garza

Saria possibile Gaetano Donizetti

from l’Elisir d’Amore

Gianetta...Alexandra Larios
Nemorino...Maximus Moran Valle
Treble Chors
 -Intermission-

Champagne J. Strauss
from Die Fledermaus

Orlofsky...Sofya Vaziakova
Eisenstein...Miguel Alicea
Adele...Ciara Martinez
Ensemble

I’m Just Ken Mark Ronson

from Barbie

Ken...Mathew Porras
Ken Ensemble
Agony Stephen Sondheim
from Into the Woods

Cinderella’s Prince...Benjamin Rosas

Rapunzel’s Prince...Bryan Corral

She’s in Love Alan Menken

from The Little Mermaid

Flounder...Bianca Brejit
Atina...Alex Katsaras
Adella...Ciara Martinez
Arista... Victoria Rosello
Aquata... Emma Maufroy
Allana ... Giselle Martinez
Andrina... Phoenix Aragon

Cinque...Dieci.. W.A. Mozart

from Le Nozze di Figaro

Figaro...Alan Izquierdo
Susanna...Victoria Rosello
One Day More Claude-Michel Schönberg
from Les Miserables

Jean val Jean...Maximus Moran Valle

Marius...Mason Lang
Cossette...Angelina Gomez
Eponine...Sophia Prudencia
Enjorlas...Carlos Rodriguez
Javiert...Alejandro Garza
Thenardier...Emma Maufroy
Thenardier...Eduardo Lacroix
Ensemble

We’ll Go Away Together Kurt Weill

from Street Scene

Rose...Ciara Martinez
Sam...Bryan Corral
Make Our Garden Grow Leonard Bernstein
from Candide

Candide...Bryan Corral
Cunegonde...Ciara Martinez
Ensemble

Brand New Day Charlie Smalls

from The Wiz

Ensemble
 Creative Team
Director...............................................................Laura Fernández

Music Director.........................................................Andrea DeVito

Choreographer....................................................Laura Fernández

Assistant Choreographer..........................................Nyla Thomas

Technical Assistant..........................................Joseph Fernandez

MMF Team
Michael Rossi, MMF Founder & Artistic Director
Angelica Perez, MMF Administrative Director
Laura Fernández, Youth Program Artistic Director
William Reaney, Youth Program Administrative Director
Andrea DeVito, Coach & Music Instructor
Rosa Briganti, Support Instructor
Joseph Fernandez, Entrepreneurship Instructor
Nyla Thomas, Diction Instructor & Youth Program Intern
Daniela Sosa, Youth Program Intern

We would like to extend a special thanks to the Children’s Trust & Youth Arts
Miami for their support in making this program a reality.
Meet the Cast
Phoenix Aaragon
Phoenix Aragon is sixteen-year-old passionate young artist, who’s acrylic
and oil paintings have been recognized with various awards. Although her
love for artistic expression began at a very young age, her curiosity for the
arts has recently expanded to include vocal performance, musical theater,
video editing, film/photography, and the study of various string
instruments. After taking on the lead role in her high school’s production of
In the Heights she was inspired to further polish her musical theater and
vocal training with her participation in the youth summer program at Miami
Music Festival. Phoenix believes that art expressed in different mediums is
the best way to serve the senses.

Miguel Alicea
Miguel Alicea is a 15-year-old Puerto-Rican tenor from Miami Florida. He
currently attends New World School of the Arts, where he studies classical
voice under Elise Quagliata. From a young age, Miguel found a love for
music and began playing the piano, which has helped him grow as a
musician. In 2024, he participated in the SATB Chorus in the Florida Vocal
Association All-State and received an Honorable Mention in the Junior III
category at the Florida Federated Music Club. Miguel has lived a life
revolving around music, which has shaped him into the artist he is today,
and he greatly aspires to grow even further in the future.

Bianca Brejit
Bianca Brejt is a sixteen year old Mexican-American Jew born in Miami,
FL. She is a soprano musical theater vocalist determined in honing her
skills and her art. Bianca first started theater at five years old and has had
a deep love for the stage since then. Her more notable roles include Kaitlin
in the feature film table read of Not My Anne Frank. She hopes to attend a
Conservatory for a BFA in musical theater. She also aspires to become a
playwright and write meaningful plays that reflect topics on humanity and
empathy. Currently entering her junior year of high school in New World
School of The Arts acting strand, she is eager to learn new things and
practice her craft.
Máximo Canino
Máximo A. Canino is a 16 year old Puerto Rican baritone. He started
taking piano lessons with pianist Amarylli Fridegotto at 7 years old in 2015
and has taken lessons weekly since then. He has learned a variety of
classical and contemporary pieces, such as Chopin’s “Ocean” Étude and
Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C# Minor. He started taking vocal lessons with
Manny Perez in spring of 2022. Since then, he has been learning and
practicing both piano and classical singing. He now hopes to study
engineering in college and someday become an engineer for a Formula
One team.

Bryan Corral *
Bryan Corral is an 18-year-old Cuban-American tenor from Miami, Florida.
Bryan has received recognition early on in his career from several notable
organizations. His most recent awards include First Place at the Schmidt
Vocal Competition in Chicago (2024) and YoungArts Classical Voice
Winner (2023). His most recent roles include Younger Brother in Heggie’s
Dead Man Walking (MMF) and Lucano in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di
Poppea (MMF). Bryan recently graduated from New World School of the
Arts and will continue pursuing vocal performance at The Juilliard School
in the fall. His experiences have shaped him into the artist he is today,
while also fueling his aspirations for continued growth in the future.

Maria Fernandez
Maria Karla Fernandez is a Soprano currently attending New World
School of the Arts in Miami, Florida. Very accomplished, she has received
recognition and awards not only at New World as Best Soprano, but also
has received 1st Place awards and Superior Ratings from the Florida
Federation of Music Clubs. She aspires to attend The Juilliard School in
New York City to continue her passion for Vocal Performance. The
opportunity to participate in the Miami Music Festival Youth Summer
Program has allowed her to grow within her profession, expand her
knowledge, and become an overall better artist and performer.
Frank Garcia
Frank Garcia is a Cuban-American student at Coral Reef Senior High
School, where he is studying engineering. Despite his primary focus on
engineering, he also has a strong interest in music and singing. He has
dedicated much of his time to appreciating and learning about music.
Recently, he has expanded his musical interests to include various genres
such as classical, jazz, rock, and opera. Frank frequently takes part in
school music events and performances. He firmly believes that his musical
pursuits enrich his life and complement his engineering studies by
fostering creativity and discipline. In addition, Frank aspires to combine his
passion for music and engineering to create innovative audio technology
in the future.

Alejandro Garza *
Alejandro Garza is a Mexican-American baritone who began his operatic
career in Miami, FL. His talent was discovered at the age of 16 by soprano
Gresiel Dominguez, the General Director of Voices of Miami. Following
this discovery, Alejandro received vocal lessons from the celebrated
soprano Laure de Mare, who played a crucial role in securing his
acceptance as a student of Manny Perez. Among his recent roles,
Alejandro performed as Inmate #2 in Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking.
Additionally, as part of the MMF Youth Program, he has portrayed
characters in scene work such as the title role of Don Giovanni, Uberto in
La Serva Padrona, and Papageno in Die Zauberflote.

Angelina Gomez
Angelina Gomez is a sixteen year old mezzo soprano who is studying
vocal performance in musical theatre and choir. She was raised in Miami
with Cuban parents. She started performing at a community theatre when
she was five years old, which led to her passion in music. She attends
Academy for Innovative Education Charter School, thriving in its award
winning music program and becoming the Thespian troupe’s first
president. She has showcased her talents in many settings, including
Carnegie hall. Her notable roles include Rose in Alice in Wonderland,
Attina in The Little Mermaid, and Pumbaa in Lion King. She wishes to
pursue a career in music education, inspired by her mentors who made
her a versatile and entertaining performer.
Alan Izquierdo
Alan Izquierdo is a Venezuelan-American baritone born and raised in
Miami, Florida. He recently graduated from Miami Arts Studio and will
attend the University of Miami—Frost School of Music for Vocal
Performance in the fall. He started classically training at the young age of
nine. Throughout the years, he has performed in many recitals, concerts,
and two operas. While at The Opera Atelier, Alan performed the Royal
Prince/King role in The Not-so-Little Prince and Colas in Bastien und
Bastienne. Alan has also performed with the Maverick Singers Choir all
over the country. These places include Carnegie Hall, Washington D.C.,
and Epcot Center at Disney World. He is an aspiring opera singer eager to
improve his musical craft.

Alex Katsaras
Alex Katsaras is an 18-year-old mezzo-soprano who was born in Miami,
Florida. Her passion for music began when her grandmother taught her
how to play the piano at age 7. Her love of theater came from her mother,
who introduced her to plays and musicals. She is a 2024 Miami Killian
Senior High graduate. She had the chance to participate in numerous
cabarets and plays and gained fundraising experience from KO Voice
Studio. Some of her roles include Mrs. Potts Beauty and the Beast Jr., Ms.
Norbury Mean Girls High-School Version, and Ms. Phelps Matilda Jr. She
wants to thank her family, mentors, and friends who have helped her on
her journey to become a professional performer.

Eduardo Lacroix
Eduardo Lacroix is a 16 year old Haitian-American raised in Miami Florida.
Eduardo’s love for singing led him to develop his skills as a tenor. He has
been actively involved in his school choir and has received formal training
in vocal music. His dedication and hard work have earned him a spot in
the prestigious New World School of the Arts choir, where he continues to
hone his vocal skills. Eduardo aims to improve his vocal technique,
expand his musical knowledge, and gain valuable performance
experience. He hopes to use his talent to inspire and uplift others, just as
music has inspired and uplifted him.
Mason Lang *
Mason Lang is a Jewish-American tenor hailing from Miami, Florida. He
has been described to "sing and dance up a storm" (Miami Herald). His
most recent roles include: Dead Man Walking as the older brother (Miami
Beach Classical Music Festival,) The Road of Promise (Orchestra Miami,)
The Little Sweep as Sammy (Miami Children's Choir,) and Mozart's The
Magic Flute (Orchestra Miami.) Urinetown the Musical (New World School
of the Arts,) School of Rock (LCA Company,) Mason has performed
concerts like: Fourth of July (Miami Beach Classical Music Festival,)
Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms (Florida International University
Choir,) Solo performer in the Air and Sea Show (Miami Beach Classical
Music Festival,) and Lead Singer (Temple Beth Am.)

Alexandra Larios *
Alexandra Larios is a 16-year-old Peruvian-American born and raised in
Miami, Florida. She is currently attending Miami’s #1 best rated art school,
New World School of the Arts. As part of her training process with MBCMF
she has earned the opportunity to participate in multiple masterclasses
with leading industry professionals, as well as gained a great amount of
performance experience. She has had professional coaching's and
received voice lessons from world-renowned teachers. Recent awards
include the Coral Gables Music Club Scholarship (2024), Second Place of
the National Association of Teachers of singing (2024), as well as Finalist
at Schmidt’s vocal arts Florida Regional (2023). Her most recent scene
works include Gianetta in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore (MBCMF), and
Queen of the night from Mozart’s Die Zauberflote (MBCMF).

Ciara Martinez *
Ciara Martinez is a 17-year-old Miami native and aspiring opera singer
dedicated to perfecting her craft. She studied classical singing at New
World School of the Arts and will be attending Northwestern University
starting this fall. Ciara's talent has earned her several competition wins
and scholarships. Her recent awards include being Semi-Finalist at the
Schmidt Vocal Arts National Competition (2024), Outstanding Female
Vocalist at the Florida Federated Music Clubs (2024), and Top Prize at the
International Grande Music Competition (2024). Her most recent scene
work include Rose in Street Scene (MBCMF), Adele in Die Fledermaus
(MBCMF), and Cunegode in Candide (MBCMF).
Giselle Martinez
Giselle Martinez is a Cuban-American mezzo-soprano vocalist from
Miami, FL. Giselle has had a passion for music from a young age, she
focused on piano for most of her early childhood. Now she contributes to
her high school’s music program as a vocalist in the band class and a
chorus member. Her commitment and dedication has earned her
placement in the All-State Choir, ACDA Honors Choir, Miami-Dade Honors
Choir, and various MPA Superior ratings in classical vocal solo
performances and small ensembles. Her vocal skills have also contributed
to her band earning a Gold Superior rating and 2nd place in the Stage
Band category at the Nashville Heritage Festival.

Emma Maufroy
Emma Maufroy is a French-American soprano from Miami Beach who has
loved performing since a young age. She has performed in shows at The
Actor’s Playhouse on Miracle Mile. Her roles include Jack from Into The
Woods, Kristine in A Chorus Line, Atina in The Little Mermaid, and Young
Fiona in Shrek. She has been pursuing her dream since she was 6 years
old by starting in theater. She participated in dance classes and became a
part of Gerard Ortega’s Vocal Studio in 2021. She aspires to be a
Broadway actress.

Maximus Moran Valle *

Maximus Arturo Moran Valle was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He
won Coral Gable’s Caroling Competition as a soloist in 2023. Maximus is a
student in the Young Artist Miami program at Miami Beach Classical Music
Festival (MMF). Maximus devoted time to his church where he sang,
played piano, cleaned, and taught. As a choral singer he has sung
Traditional Choral Music, Pop Acapella, Gospel, African American
Spirituals, Native American Spirituals, and Latin American Works. He also
sang John Rutter’s Requiem, David Forest’s Requiem, and Ariel
Ramirez’s Misa Criolla, and in Manhattan Concert Production’s Octavo
Series in 2023 at Carnegie Hall.
Camila “River” Moreno
Camila Moreno, a first generation Venezuelan immigrant with a musical
education ranging from rock drums to most recently, classical singing.
With a passion for music spanning her whole life, she’s been training since
she was 10 years old, and has been performing at multiple music
programs dedicated to group-focused performances. Camila has
developed a great appreciation for rock music through both listening and
playing. With her exposure to Opera, she’s lately been enjoying
performing and listening to a wider array of music. With this enhanced
experience in collaborative performance, Camila’s passion for all
disciplines of music has deepened greatly. She hopes to further her
passion for music with more training in classical vocal performance in the
near future.

Matthew Porras
Mathew Porras is a 17 year old Cuban American raised in Miami, Florida
and a student at Miami Senior High School. His welcoming, energetic
personality and tenacity to keep doing his best is what pushed him to the
MMF Youth Program. In his 3 years, he’s become Miami Senior High’s
first student director, leading the Advanced Theatre class for Miami High’s
Black History Month show, He’s performed with the MDCPS Honors Choir
this year, and will gain the title of Faculty/Staff Editor for Miami Senior
High’s Yearbook. Mathew has performed as “Sonny” for their production of
“In The Heights” and Aaron Samuels in their production of “Mean Girls”.
Mathew’s goals are to become a successful actor and screenwriter.

Isabelle Prats
Isabelle Prats, a Puerto Rican-American soprano, discovered her passion
for music early on, later diving into opera, musical theater, and piano.
Currently a sophomore at New World School of the Arts, she has
cultivated her talent through voice and piano lessons, musicals, choral
ensembles, and the Miami Music Festival Youth Summer Program. These
experiences have fueled her ambition to pursue a career as a vocalist,
aiming to captivate audiences with her versatile voice in both opera and
musical theater. Isabelle's dedication to music reflects her commitment to
exploring and expanding her vocal abilities across various genres and
stages.
Sophia Prudencia
Sophia Prudencia is a sixteen-year-old alto from Miami beach, Florida
that enjoys classical and contemporary music. Coming from a Curaçaoan
Serbian home, Sophia was always surrounded by music. She started
singing at six, her passion for music was ignited by the NPR world of
opera and the Disney phenomenon “Frozen”. She grew up listening and
imitating singers like Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Whitney
Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Destiny’s Child. In high school, she joined
the school choir and scored an “excellent” at MPAs. She aspired to be
more involved in her school’s community and culture, so she decided to
join her BSU. Proud of who she was, Sophia performed in her school’s
black history month exposition.

Carlos Rodriguez
Carlos Rodriguez is a Tenor currently attending New World School of The
Arts in Miami, Florida. Born in Venezuela, he came to the United States at
the age of 6 and found his passion for singing in 2018. He has won
several awards such as; 1st place in Florida Federation Music Club and
Most Improved Sophomore at New World School of The Arts. He aspires
to attend Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio to continue his dedication to vocal
performance and remains deeply committed to achieving this goal. The
opportunity to be a part of Miami Music Festival has expanded his
knowledge within his profession and enabled to further-pursue his dream
of being an opera singer.

Benjamin Rosas
Benjamin Rosas is a passionate musical theater performer..In middle
school, under the guidance of his teacher Ms. Rizzo, he performed in
several productions, playing Emmett in Legally Blonde and Troy in High
School Musical.He also participated in the summer program Rising Stars,
where he portrayed the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. In high school,
Ben competed at district and state levels for thespians, and took on the
role of Marius in Les Misérables. His dedication led him to attend the NYU
Tisch Summer program. Ben is passionate about performing for his
community, he recently sang at the downtown concert series hosted by
vocal coach, Gerard Ortega. Ben is thrilled for this opportunity and looks
forward to continuing his journey in the arts.
 Victoria Rosello
Victoria Rosello, a classical soprano born and raised in Miami, Florida, is
currently a music student at New World School of the Arts. Her passion for
singing began at a young age, and she has pursued it with dedication ever
since. With a solid foundation in music theory, Victoria actively participates
in her school’s choir. She has also performed in the opera Hansel and
Gretel with her school. Her determination and inspiration drive her to
continually improve and deepen her knowledge in music education,
making her a promising talent in the world of classical music.

Laura Suarez
Laura Maria Suarez is a soprano currently attending New World School of
the Arts in Miami, Florida. Very accomplished, she has received
recognition and awards at 16. She not only received recognition from New
World for her Music Theory work, but also has received 1st Place awards
and Superior Ratings from the Florida Federation of Music Clubs, and
placed as a finalist and the most promising sophomore at Schmidt Vocal
Competition. She yearns to continue her passion for Vocal Performance at
a major music conservatory. Participating in Miami Music Festival’s Youth
Summer Program has given her the opportunity to grow within her
profession and become a better artist and performer.

Sofya Vaziakova
Sofya Vaziakova, a Belarusian soprano, possesses extensive experience
in musical education as both a singer and pianist. She received eight
years of training in Belarus before relocating to the United States to
continue her studies, endowing her with a profound comprehension of
music. Throughout her career, she has garnered experience as a soloist
with a choir and participates in the prestigious Miami Music Festival Youth
Program, dedicating herself to the in-depth exploration of various
performance modalities. Inspired by diverse composers, her aspiration is
to become a professional pianist, captivating audiences through solo
recitals and composing original works.

* Denotes students who are part of the MMF year-long “YAM” program