Voices Raised for Vets

Athena Mertes, Soprano, is one of the Valley’s most celebrated sopranos, whose opera and concert credits include Marie (The Daughter of the Regiment), Mimi (La Bohème), Musetta (La Bohème), Despina (Cosi Fan Tutte), Gretel (Hansel and Gretel), Lucy (The Telephone), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Gianetta (L’Elisir d’Amore), Morgana (Alcina), Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), Abigail (The Crucible), Nella (Gianni Schicchi), Waldvogel (Siegfried) and soprano soloist in Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah, Brahms Requiem, Mozart Requiem, Beethoven's 9th and Honegger’s King David. She has performed as a guest soloist with the Burbank Philharmonic, Las Vegas Philharmonic, Henderson Symphony, Opera Las Vegas, Vegas City Opera, Lexington Opera Outreach and the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society. Some of her recent credits include Sylvia in the World Premiere of Behold the Man, Zelda in the West Coast Premiere of Ghosts of Gatsby and Alice B. Toklas in the West Coast premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon and Royce Vavrek’s 27, Lyse in the West Coast Premiere of Again and Again and Again with Opera Las Vegas and she portrayed Mimi in Vegas City Opera’s La BoDead and Madame de Tourvel in The Dangerous Liaisons.

She is also the Chorus Master of the Opera Las Vegas Youth Chorus and the Director of Choirs at Thurman White Academy of the Performing Arts where she has over 350  students. In 2020, she received the Teacher of the Year Award from Magnet Schools of America and is also a National Board-Certified Teacher. In March of 2024, her Choir was  featured at the American Choral Directors Association Regional Conference in Pasadena, California and in April of 2024, her contemporary a cappella group was featured at the National Magnet Schools of America Conference in New York City. In March of 2025, her Choir was featured at the American Choral Director’s National Conference in Dallas, TX. Athena frequently serves as a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician for local, state and regional events.

Ashley Stone received her Doctorate of Music in Vocal Performance from Indiana University where she studied with Costanza Cuccaro. During her time at IU, she taught studio and class voice as well as performing in Falstaff (Mistress Quickly), Candide (Old Lady), Suor Angelica (Principessa), Mark Adamo's Little Women (Meg). She received her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. While in Rochester, NY, she was in Eastman Opera Theater's Suor Angelica (Principesa) and was soloist with the Voices Choral Ensemble, the Gregory Kunde Choral, and the Eastman Chorale.  Ms. Stone has appeared with Opera Las Vegas in Voices Raised for Vets, Holiday on Broadway, Bravo Bernstein!, and The House Without a Christmas Tree.

Christian Shelton, Tenor is a student at UNLV. He is currently a senior at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he is majoring in Vocal Performance and studies with voice teacher Dr. Alfonse Anderson. He won 1st place at the National Classical Singer competition 2023 in the Classical University Divison. Christian also won 1st place for local NATS in 2023. He gained international attention with his powerhouse rendition of Andra Day’s "Rise Up" for the Indeed 2021 Super Bowl commercial. He has garnered the praise of many celebrities including, Sam Smith, Meghan Trainor, Lizzo, Billie Eilish, and Jennifer Hudson.

Baritone, Chase Orlando Gutierrez, a native of Las Vegas, is a talented and charismatic young artist whose expressive voice and engaging stage presence has earned him opportunities to perform across the globe. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he studied under Dr. Alfonse Anderson. Chase has appeared as Le Gouverneur in Le Comte Ory, Jupiter in Orpheus in the Underworld (English version), The Notary in Don Pasquale, The Jailer in Tosca, and Marchese D'Obigny in La Traviata. He has also participated in a variety of outreach performances throughout Las Vegas. In concert, Chase has performed internationally, performing with La Strada in Graz, as well as with American Spirituals ensembles in Austria, Spain, and Portugal.

Dr. Spencer Baker is a distinguished Las Vegas pianist, conductor and teacher.   Spencer has been a soloist with several regional orchestras. While most of Spencer's solo appearances have centered in the Southwest, new engagements have taken him to Dallas, Washington DC, Disneyland, Niagara Falls, Montreal, Italy and China. Dr. Baker is in his seventh season with the International Opera Performing Experience in Mercatello sul Metauro, Italy as Pianist/Apprentice Tier Director.

Dr. Baker is currently Assistant Professor of Music at the UNLV School of Music.  In addition, he is the Director of Music for Saint Timothy’s Episcopal church and frequent pianist for Opera Las Vegas and Opera On Tap, Las Vegas.

Dr. Baker recently served as guest conductor and pianist for Vegas City Opera’s production of Gianni Schicchi at Art Square Theater and The Face on the Barroom Floor at the Artisan.  He is a Liberace scholar and professional competition winner and on the State Board of the Nevada Music Teachers Association. Dr. Baker recently held an artist in residency position at Truman State University (Missouri) and maintains an active teaching studio and solo performing career. For more information, please visit his website at www.spencerbakerpiano.com

Alexia Hamilton is a lyric soprano known for her warm, expressive voice and brilliant high extension. She studies under the tutelage of Dr. Monica McCullough-Williams at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where she continues to refine her vocal technique and artistry. With a welcoming stage presence and an honest approach to performance, she brings depth and clarity to every role.

She has performed both in the U.S. and internationally, engaging audiences with repertoire ranging from traditional operas to contemporary works. A recent highlight includes her starring role in Lori Laitman’s The Three Feathers, where she was praised for her emotive singing and vivid character portrayal. This spring, she is excited to share with audiences her portrayal of Morgana in UNLV Opera’s production of Händel’s Alcina.

Known for her bright spirit and smiley, upbeat personality, Alexia Hamilton brings joy and enthusiasm to her work. She is committed to continued artistic growth and values opportunities that challenge her as both a singer and storyteller.