No longer a well-kept secret for locals, the Jansen Art Center’s Concert Series continues to garner notoriety from discriminating concert enthusiasts with acclaimed musicians offering diverse entertainment in an unparalleled venue. Known for diverse vocals including opera arias, art song, music theater, and spirituals, soprano Ibidunni Ojikutu has a reputation for having a strong foundation and extensive studies in both traditional and contemporary repertoire. A recipient of the top award in the Seattle Opera Guild Training Grant Competition, Ms. Ojikutu is a teaching and freelance artist. Recent credits include the roles of Strawberry Woman and also Serena in Seattle Opera’s productions of Porgy and Bess; her Benaroya Hall debut with Showtunes Theater Company’s production of Finian's Rainbow; and, the role of Sally Hemings in Garrett Fisher’s new opera Monticello Wakes which had its debut at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Award-winning pianist Rebecca Jordan Mañalac, a native of Brier, WA, who began playing the piano at the age of five, earned her degree in piano performance from the University of Washington in Seattle and a master’s degree in piano performance from Loyola University New Orleans. Ms. Mañalac has performed in masterclasses with musicians such as Alexander Korsantia, Logan Skelton, Edmund Battersby, Nelita True, and the Eroica Trio. She has appeared as soloist with the Academy Chamber Orchestra, the University of Puget Sound Orchestra, and the Loyola Symphony Orchestra.
