Local conservatory students to sing in Czechia

Later this month, two talented Music Conservatory of Sandpoint students will be traveling abroad to take part in the annual "Sumavske letni hudebni vecery" Summer Music Nights music festival in Prague, Czechia.

Cody Ontiveros, a countertenor and “rare voice,” has been a student at MCS since he was just eight years old. Now 20, he is MCS’s apprentice. Jubilant Duvall is a classically trained alto who has studied voice for the last six years and is set to major in vocal performance at the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho.

“Both singers are exceptional talents with unique voices who stand out with their level of dedication and love for singing and music altogether,” stated Karin Wedemeyer, an opera singer and executive director of MCS and Bel Canto opera. 

Jan Pellant, conductor for MCS’s Music Matters!, shared, “Jubilant and Cody were recommended to me by MCS to join this project as the very most promising ‘stars’ of the conservatory’s Honor’s program. I am personally impressed how fast they both are artistically moving forward.” 

This year’s concerts are scheduled for Saturday, May 31, at the Panna Marie Pomocna Chapel in the town of Kasperske Hory at 4 p.m., followed by a performance at the Synagogue in Hartmanice at 7 p.m. and one last concert June 1 in the same area. 

While in Czechia, as time permits, Duvall and Ontiveros will enjoy sightseeing and observing the culture of Prague, as well as interactions for possible music opportunities there in the future. 

“I would love them to also meet people involved in the arts while there,” Pellant said. “Czechia is, from my experience, one of the most busy places in the world — especially in classical music.” 

The conservatory is accepting donations to support the students’ travels. Donations can be made via MCS’s website, sandpointconservatory.org/givenow or by calling the office at 208-265-4444.

    Jubilant Duvall, alto vocalist.
  

    Cody Ontiveros, countertenor vocalist.