Christopher and Anita Murray Opera Las Vegas Studio

Announcing Our 2025/2026 Artists

Opera Las Vegas established the Christopher and Anita Murray Opera Las Vegas Studio at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with the start of its 2024-2025 Twenty-sixth Anniversary season.

We are excited to announce our new Studio Artists for this season, soprano Claudia Affan, continuing her engagement from last season, and bass-baritone Aaron Oberlander. Congratulations to these two premiere artists and we look forward to their undoubtedly thrilling performances this season!

Claudia Affan

SOPRANO

Claudia Affan is an emerging soprano residing in Las Vegas. She holds her BM in vocal performance from Auburn University, where she studied with Dr. Matthew Hoch. She has an MM from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she continues her studies. Affan was a studio artist with Opera Las Vegas for their 2024-2025 season, and is pleased to return this season. Her operatic roles include Jenny Slade in Robert Ward’s Roman Fever, Sam in Emily Clements’s Letters to Lily, The Daughter in Michael Torke’s Strawberry Fields, Kitty Hart in Dead Man Walking, Clorinda in La Cenerentola, and Berta in Il barbiere di Siviglia. Her concert work includes Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Regina coeli, K. 108. Affan has received awards at the state, regional, and national level from NATS, the Vann Vocal Institute, MTNA, and Alabama Federation of Music Clubs. She studies voice with Dr. Linda Lister.

Aaron Oberlander

BASS-BARITONE

Aaron Oberlander is a bass-baritone who received his Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance with a focus in Pedagogy at the University of Houston. Recently he has performed works with Moores Opera Center, Mercury Early Music Chamber Ensemble, Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus, and Operativo Houston. Currently he plans to continue his graduate work at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to receive his Master of Music. Mr. Oberlander believes strongly in a personal connection to music and maintains that the art form should remain as free and unhindered as possible while still remaining fun for all ages. He has taught voices of all ages since 2018 in operatic, choral, musical theater, and more casual genres.

Artistic Director Jim Sohre lauds Christopher and Anita Murray, longtime OLV Trustees for their visionary support: “We are so grateful to the Murrays for underwriting this vital program, one that will not only greatly enhance our mission for making opera accessible to a diverse demographic, but will also serve as an important collaboration with the award-winning Opera and Voice program at UNLV.” Dr. Linda Lister, UNLV Opera Program Director will serve as liaison and advisor.

WITH OUR GRATITUDE TO

Chris & Anita Murray

FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT

We are most pleased that we could play a part in bringing this long dreamt of project into realization, knowing that it promises to be a fruitful collaboration that will enhance Opera Las Vegas programming, all the while supporting UNLV in providing important additional professional training opportunities for the stars of tomorrow.

— Chris & Anita Murray

Dr. Linda Lister, UNLV Opera Program Director, serves as liaison and advisor, adding: “This partnership between Opera Las Vegas and UNLV Opera brings exciting educational and artistic opportunities to our students and strengthens the community impact of both organizations. The initiative provides a valuable launching pad for UNLV Opera singers, facilitating their transition from pupil to professional.”

Claudia Affan and Christian Shelton made their debuts as the inaugural Studio Artists and gave thrilling performances at Opera Las Vegas’ season opener on 10 September, the mini-gala Opera Uncorked at Monzú Italian Oven + Bar. Joined by nationally known baritone Brian James Myer and collaborative pianist Deborah Gordillo, Opera Uncorked featured drinking songs and party scenes from opera and operetta, Broadway shows, and the pop music canon.

Throughout the season, the current Studio Artists appear singly and together in home hosted friend- and fund-raising events and thematic concerts. As part of their training as Studio Artists, they will receive professional vocal coaching, repertoire development, and high profile performance opportunities throughout the Valley at such renowned venues as Myron’s at The Smith Center.