SAMANTHA BARNES DANIEL 

Central Florida native soprano, Samantha Barnes Daniel performs actively as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the area. She earned her bachelor's degree in vocal performance from the University of Central Florida and her master's degree in opera and vocal performance from Northwestern University. She is a two-time National semi-finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and was a Sarah Tucker Grant Nominee in the Richard Tucker Foundation Competition. Ms. Barnes Daniel has performed with numerous organizations in the state and throughout the country such as Opera Orlando, The Orlando Philharmonic, Opera Tampa, Chautauqua Opera, Arizona Opera, The Illinois Philharmonic, The Villages Philharmonic, The Voices of Liberty and many others. Recent stage credits include the Mother in Hansel & Gretel, and Catherine of Aragon in Opera Orlando and Helena's award winning Orlando Fringe show, 6 of VIII, for which she also wrote the book. She also maintains a private voice studio in Central Florida and serves on the voice faculty at Rollins College. 

PASQUALE ESPOSITO

PASQUALE ESPOSITO was born and raised in Naples, Italy. He immigrated to the United States winning the Green Card Lottery in 1998. He pursued his passion for music by studying at San Jose State University receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree where he was a distinguished alumnus in 2009.

He is an international crossover recording artist, acclaimed for his pop-opera delivery of songs. Esposito released 9 albums and began touring internationally with his first musical revue: Naples … That’s Amore in 2005. Thereafter, he toured with his CD of Original Compositions: A Brand New Me (2009) and Il Tempo (2011).

Following the success of spreading his rich Italian culture through music, he embarked on writing and producing his 1st PBS Special: Pasquale Esposito Celebrates Enrico Caruso in 2015. The program was filmed in the historic Castello Giusso in Vico Equense on the Amalfi Coast. Esposito was accompanied by the Orchestra Santa Chiara conducted by Maestro Renato Serio. The docu-concert pays homage to Caruso by taking the audience on a musical journey in Italy highlighting the life, career and songs that made Caruso an international star. Maestro Placido Domingo collaborated in the program with an intimate interview. The PBS Special had over 220,000,000 potential viewers coupled with a current live touring version. A CD, DVD and Bluray are available of the Special.

Esposito had his successful debut at San Francisco Opera in June 2015 with the premiere of Marco Tutino’s Two Women (an opera adaptation of the 1960s film La Ciociara –with Sophia Loren whom he had the pleasure of sharing the stage with in her recent US Tour). The New York Times stated that Esposito sang with “airy charm” for his performance of Ragazzo del Popolo while the San Francisco Chronicle described Esposito as “a charismatic and dulcet-toned singer.”

In Spring 2018, Esposito released his 2nd Public TV Special on PBS Stations: Pasquale Esposito Celebrates Italian Piazzas. Esposito was accompanied by the Orchestra Talenti Napoletani conducted by Maestro Adriano Peninno. This docu-concert is a unique musical journey of culture, art, and tradition where Esposito dedicates a song to each of the beautiful piazzas (squares) performed in the prestigious Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples, Italy. A live concert version of the special followed with a robust 2018/2019 national tour.

In January 2020, Esposito filmed two new TV Specials in Naples, Italy at the historic Teatro Politeama. The first is a Christmas Special: Inthe Spirit of Christmas(Summer 2020 release) conducted by Maestro Adriano Peninno and the second is a Special titled: Il Tempo (Time) conducted by Maestro Ettore Gatta. Pasquale is accompanied in both special by the Orchestra Talenti Napoletani.The second special comprises of a collection of songs that have influenced Pasquale Esposito’s career and personal life over the years. It’s expected release is set for March 2021.

SEAN CHRISTOPHER STORK

SEAN CHRISTOPHER STORK, lyric baritone, has been an active performer with opera companies and symphonic orchestras around the country since graduating from Florida State University in 2007 with a degree in Vocal Performance. Praised for his beatific and mellifluous tone as well as his strong character-work and stage presence, he has made his unique mark on such roles as Major General Stanley in Pirates of Penzance, Procolo in Viva la Mama, and Marcello in La Boheme; and has soared in such masterworks as Charles Villier Stanford's Songs of the Fleet, Ralph Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem, and Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. He has been honored to take the stage with The St Augustine Community Orchestra and Chorus, Peach State Opera, Lakeland Opera, The Hudson Valley Orchestra and Chorale, and The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

A strong supporter of new music, Mr Stork has had the esteemed privilege to premiere several original works and characters such as Cox in Curtis Tucker's Penelope Ann's Revenge with First Coast Opera, Storyteller 6 in David Bracamonte's The Greatest Story with Gaylord Palms Resort, and the titular character in John Young's The Death of Ivan Ilyich with Opera Orlando. An active composer and arranger himself, he has been commissioned to write for groups such as the Space Coast Symphony, The Villages Philharmonic, and the Basilica Choir and Orchestra of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. Mr Stork has collaborated on a number of recordings with Ritz Studios, Timucua Arts, and four CDs with Stemik Music Productions. He is also owner and session recording artist with his own Stork Cappella Studios.

As comfortable with the great American songbook as with classical works, Sean has been an active and involved member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for over 15 years. In that capacity he has sung with award winning quartets and choruses, and has directed five chapter choruses. In 2017 he was awarded the prestigious Barbershopper of the Year award for his extensive work within the Sunshine District. He is most proud of his work as a vocal coach and as an adjudicator for numerous youth workshops across the state.

As an educator, Sean has assisted outreach programs geared towards aspiring young singers including music programs with The University of Florida, The University of North Florida, and Florida State University. He has also been active with the Young People's Concert produced by The Orlando Philharmonic and similar projects with Opera Tampa and the Harmony Foundation.