Meet the Festival's 2025 Vocal Fellows

They came from all corners of the United States. Thirty-three singers applied; fifteen advanced to the finals, and four were selected. The Festival proudly welcomes Kyuyim Lee, Isabel Yang, Opal Clyburn-Miller, and Matthew Dexter.

Kyuyim Lee, soprano 

Soprano Kyuyim Lee has performed with groups such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Diego Symphony, and Fort Worth Symphony. She has previously participated in Opera Bastide’s Young Artist Program and The Thirteen Vocal Fellowship Program, among others. Ms. Lee is currently a doctoral candidate in Vocal Performance at the University of North Texas. She received her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the California Institute of the Arts, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Master of Music degree in Musicology from Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

Isabel Yang, mezzo-soprano

Mezzo-soprano Isabel Yang is a junior at Northwestern University studying Voice and Opera with Pamela Hinchman. In 2023, she received the top prize at the Bellgrande International Music Competition. Most recently, she was a Young Artist at the SongFest summer festival and a finalist in the North Shore Choral Society Donald Chen Young Artist Competition. Notable performances include her roles in Northwestern University Opera productions of Mozart's The Magic Flute, Massenet's Cendrillon, and Haydn's L'isola Disabitata.

Opal Clyburn-Miller, tenor

Tenor Opal Clyburn-Miller enjoys a diverse career, performing music ranging from the Baroque era to works by contemporary composers. Most recent performances include roles with the Peabody Opera Theatre, Amherst Early Opera, and Opera Henriette. They have previously participated in the American Bach Soloists Academy, Bach Akademie Charlotte, and The Thirteen Vocal Fellowship Program. Clyburn-Miller is currently pursuing their Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. They have a Bachelor of Arts in Music from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Matthew Dexter, bass-baritone

Bass-baritone Matthew Dexter is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Yale University. Originally from McKinney, Texas, he received his Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas. While there, he performed roles with the University of North Texas Opera in The Bartered Bride, The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen and Lisa DeSpain's That Hellbound Train. Previously, he was a vocal fellow at Spoleto Festival USA. In 2024, he received both Third Prize and the Audience Favorite Award at the James Toland Vocal Arts competition.

The Festival fellowship program provides intensive career training to a diverse group of young artists, advancing our mission to shape a classical music world that reflects the richness of our broader community.