The Adams Vocal Masterclass first took place in July, 1985. For the next several summers, the Masterclass consisted of two or three coaching sessions held either in the fellowship hall of Church of the Wayfarer or in the downstairs room at Sunset Center. The participants were chosen either by local audition or casually selected from the Festival Chorale or Chorus during pre-Festival rehearsals. An informal concert or recital with piano sometimes took place, in various locations.
David Gordon was invited to lead the program in 1990, and over the next two years, he expanded and redesigned the program to create more impact within the Festival and beyond. Beattie succeeds David Gordon, who has led the program since 1990. Beattie previously served as music director for the Masterclass Showcase Concert. He has performed with the Festival for 10 years. Now, each winter we receive applications from around the world, and through this open audition process, we choose our four participants, many of whom go on to successful and prolific singing careers.
Here (in reverse chronological order) is a list of all participants in the Adams Masterclass since the first in-house sessions in 1985.
*Indicates a singer who has appeared in subsequent Festivals as a Chorale Member or Soloist
2023
Christopher Talbot, bass-baritone
2022
Kristen Dubenion-Smith, mezzo-soprano
Ryne Cherry, baritone
2019
2018
Luthien Brackett, mezzo-soprano*
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
Brandon Hynum, tenor
2012
Angela Young-Smucker, mezzo-soprano
2011
Lawrence Jones, tenor
2010
Rebecca Mariman, soprano*
2009
Colleen Hughes, soprano*
Scott Dispensa, baritone
2008
Joshua Copeland, baritone
2007
Angela Cadelago, soprano
Katherine Growdon, mezzo-soprano
Dana Wilson, tenor
Nikolas Nackley, baritone
2006
Jonas Laughlin, countertenor
Scott Mello, tenor*
Mischa Bouvier, baritone
2005
Sonia Gariaeff, mezzo-soprano
Brigham Timpson, tenor
2004
Daniel Bubeck, countertenor
Nathan Davis, tenor
2003
Christina Jahn, soprano
Elspeth Franks, mezzo-soprano*
Daniel Hutchings, tenor*
David Farwig, baritone
2002
Jenni Samuelson, soprano
Elspeth Franks, mezzo-soprano*
Ryan Turner, tenor*
Brian Ming Chu, baritone
2001
Elizabeth Weigle, soprano
Stephanie Prewitt, mezzo-soprano
Stephen Ng, tenor*
Christopher Burchett, baritone
2000
Kirsten Blase, soprano*
Kirsten Sollek, mezzo-soprano
Bryce Westervelt, tenor
Tyler Oliphant, baritone
1999
Margaret Bragle, mezzo-soprano*
Sean Fallon, tenor*
Aram Barsamian, baritone
1998
Jennifer Ellis Kampani, soprano
Marc Molomot, tenor
Jeffrey Fields, baritone*
1997
Emily Eyre, mezzo-soprano
Michiel Schrey, baritone
Sean Watson, baritone
1996
Twyla Whittaker, soprano*
Matthew White, countertenor*
Robert McPherson, tenor
David Paul Meyer, baritone
1995
Eve Maisonpierre, mezzo-soprano
1994
Wanda Procyshyn, mezzo-soprano
1993
Jean Danton, soprano
John Tute, tenor
Donald Wilkinson, baritone*
1992
Mia Kim, soprano
Priscilla Peebles, mezzo-soprano
Benjamin Reckdahl, tenor
1990 and 1991
Other participants' names unknown
1989
Linda Higson, soprano
Grace Ward, mezzo-soprano
Lynn Gardow, soprano
1988
Catherine Eberle, mezzo-soprano
Jody Druff, mezzo-soprano
1987
Participants' names unknown
1986
Debra Patchell, soprano
Debbie Cree, mezzo-soprano
William Davis, tenor
1985
First Adams Vocal Master Class
Participants chosen from the Festival Chorale. Names unknown.
1984
The Adams Master Class Endowment Fund is created by friends and family of Virginia Best Adams to honor her on her 80th birthday.
1959
Ansel and Virginia Adams move to Carmel, California. Both are avid musicians and music lovers, and they become loyal patrons of the Carmel Bach Festival.
1935
The Carmel Bach Festival is established and gives its first weekend of concerts.