Board of Directors
KATE NORIGIAN-has a Bachelor’s Degree in Voice Performance from Rhode Island College and has participated in several summer training programs including the Crittenden Program in Boston, MA, the V.O.I.C.Experience Program in Tampa, FL with Sherrill Milnes and Friends as well as at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome under the tutelage of famed Italian soprano, Renata Scotto.Kate’s roles have included Nedda from I Pagliacci with Opera Providence, the World Premiere of William Sprague and His Women, (a new work by composer Geoffrey Gibbs), in which she performed the title role of Kate Chase Sprague. Kate’s other roles include Mrs. Gobineau from The Medium with Corsara Artists in Peabody, MA, Pamina from The Magic Flute with Encore Opera, Cathleen from Riders to the Sea with Contemporary Theater in Wakefield, RI and has covered both the roles of both Carmen and Micaëla from Carmen with Commonwealth Lyric Theater in Newton, MA. Kate’s voice instructors include Maria Spacagna, Margaret Lattimore, and Lori Phillips. Kate’s voice has been described by Grammy nominated mezzo-soprano Margaret Lattimore as sounding, “Old school and throwback”, and similarly was described as “Sounding like a Golden Age singer” by the Internationally acclaimed bass-baritone, John Relyea.
Kate’s awards have included Second Place in the Annamaria Saritelli- Di Panni Bel Canto Competition, a Finalist in the Talents of the World Competition in Newton, MA, a Finalist in the recent Music International Grand Prix Competition as well as Second Prize in the MCO International Competition organized by Opus Artis Paris.
YOHJI CANTAR DAQUIO – arrived in America from the Philippines in 2013. Singing has defined her life since she was a toddler. She has had roles in operas and sung in many voice recitals and competitions. This year, she won first place for the Euterpe Music Awards in Berlin, Germany. On May, She will perform in the ensemble with OnSite Opera for their production of "Il Tabarro" by Puccini at South Street Seaport Museum in New York. She debuted as The Queen of the Night from “Der Zauberflöte” by Mozart with Mannes Opera. She was also invited to sing a concert for Polish Artist, Janusz Kapusta, and received a standing ovation and review from Poland Daily News.
In 2022, she has won first prize for the Century Opera Aria competition. After the competition, she received raving reviews from Voce Di Meche stating “It takes a gifted singer to make it interesting. She succeeded. We were floored.” She performed with OnSite Opera for their production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Menotti. Ms. Daquio presented a recital "Music in the Garden: Encore Concert" in partnership with Mile of History Association and Providence Preservation Society. This Summer, she was a young artist for the Classic Lyric Arts in Italy singing opera scenes as the title role in "Linda di Chamonix" by Donizetti and Vivetta in "L'Arlesiana" by Cilea. In April she won first prize at the Lucine Amara Art Song Competition in New York City. Ms. Daquio was recently a soprano soloist with Encore Opera, previously known as Opera Providence. In 2017 and 2018, she sang in the Sergio Franchi Memorial Concert with the American Ballet Orchestra alongside Latonia Moore, James Valenti, and others. In 2016, she debuted at Carnegie Hall with HAZAMIR. She is now finishing her Master’s degree at Mannes School of Music under the tutelage of Mr. Arthur Levy.
Ms. Daquio is also a proud Schmidt Young Artist and to be in the board of directors for an up-and-coming opera company called "Aria Opera Company" in the New England Region.
JONATHAN D’AMICO- was born, raised, and educated in Rhode Island. Early interests in music prompted Jonathan to study clarinet with Chester Brezniak, (co-founder) Cambridge Chamber Players. Jonathan graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor of Science degree in music education. During this time, Jonathan studied clarinet with Ian Greitzer, conducting (Edward Markward), and composition (Barbara Kolb). Following college, D’Amico taught at all levels and performed with a number of RI ensembles including the RI Wind Ensemble, Warwick Symphony, and was a founding member of “The Licorice Sticks”. In 2009, D’Amico received critical acclaim from Motif Magazine for his musical direction of “West Side Story”, performed by RISE on Broadway.
In addition to his insatiable passion for music, D’Amico found a calling while working with children who have special healthcare needs. In 2020, while coordinating youth home-based treatment for a RI social services organization, Jonathan earned a Master’s degree in Healthcare Leadership Studies from Brown University. His work promoting vocational equality and inclusion for youths who have special healthcare needs was recognized by the Brown University, School of Professional Studies (2020 Nominee-Excellence in Profession). Currently, Jonathan directs The Eleanor Briggs School, an alternative therapeutic school serving students grades 1-12 who struggle in public school settings.
JOHN NORIGIAN- graduated with a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance in May of 2007 from the Cleveland Institute of Music upon finishing his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island. John has won numerous competitions including first prize in the Collegiate division of the RI MTNA piano competition in 2002 and 2004, respectively. He also won the University of RI Concerto competition in 2002. In 2008 he was a semi-finalist with his trio representing the Cleveland Institute of Music in the Plowman Competition in Columbia, MO.
John has worked with Opera Providence and Encore opera, including musical direction for L’elisir d’amore and I Palgliacci, and pianist for many concerts. Most recently, he was the musical director with the Contemporary Theater Company of Wakefield, RI, with The Voice of Gertrude Stein. John is currently on the Suzuki piano faculty at the RI Philharmonic Music School, and has also taught at the Suzuki School of Newton, MA. He was the former organist and music director of St. Catherine Church in Warwick, RI, and now holds the position of organist at Holy Apostle Church in Cranston, RI. He is an accompanist for the CCRI music department, and frequently performs as a collaborative pianist in various organizations and events throughout New England.