Grace City Opera Theatre ™

Claudia Ann Merrill

Founder and Artistic Director of the Grace City Opera Theatre, Claudia has  performed all over the United States and Europe singing Opera and performing as a Concert Artist. After making her debut at Carnegie Hall singing John Rutter’s Requiem with the New England Symphony, she then  went on to become the first African American Principal Soprano for the Las  Vegas City Opera. Claudia has performed several roles and has performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Michigan Opera Theatre,  Nevada Opera Theatre, Nevada Grand Opera and Arbor Opera Theatre. In  addition to her opera work, Claudia has performed as a solo artist in  Handel’s Messiah, Faure Requiem, Dubois’ Seven Last Words of Christ,  John Rutter’s Requiem, Mozart’s Magnificat, Vivaldi’s Gloria,  Mendelssohn’s Elijah, John Carter’s Cantata, Joseph Joubert’s Oh Glory and many others. 

Ms. Merrill is a graduate of Detroit Public Schools, University of Detroit  Mercy ,with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work Cum-Laude and Wayne State  University with Masters Degrees in Education and Health Sciences Magna  Cum Laude. In addition Claudia has studied with Michigan Opera Theatre before going on with post graduate studies in Music and Opera at Marygrove  College and University of Michigan. Her Private vocal studies with Betty  Lane, Anthony McGlaun and Shawn McDonald and Private Piano with Joy  Anne Amani brought about the skill set to teach others and become a world  class Artist. 

Ms. Merrill’s extensive background and education in the Fine Arts and as a  Health Professional, Educator ,Psychiatric Social Worker, Librettist,  Composer and Opera Singer makes her most qualified to do all that she  does. Understanding the human needs and educational needs of each person  as an individual only brings excellence and added depth to creating Master 

Works and educating others about the magnificent history of classical music  and its origins in African culture. Her unique understanding of how Music  is a Healer and does heal the Mind, Body, Soul and Spirit of all people, how  it unites people and allows them to dwell in serenity and peace is a clear  reflection of her extensive background and practice across the disciplines. Ms. Merrill founded Soprano Expressions in 2015 and The Grace City Opera  Theatre in 2016. The Grace City Opera Theatre is a 501c3 Non- Profit  organization committed to the preservation, education and performance of  the works of African American and African Descent Classical Composers  and Artists. The Opera Company and Soprano Expressions have performed  all across the United States and will continue to Perform throughout the  World, bringing this beautiful music to the masses. 

Ms. Merrill is a member of the Voice Foundation, the world’s oldest and  leading organization dedicated to the care of the voice, National Association  of Teachers of Singers, and The American Guild of Musical Artists. The 2019 Tribute to Marian Anderson concert marked the World Premiere  of the Opera “Witness” written and composed by Ms. Merrill. In October 2023, Ms. Merrill made History in the state of Nevada by  opening the first ever African American Founded Opera Company and the  first African American Opera Company to be led by a Woman in the state. Though the Opera Theatre’s beginnings were in Farmington, Mi Ms. Merrill  still made history as the first African American Opera Company in years, with a focus on the Master Works of African American and African Descent  Classical Composers. As a Composer herself, Ms. Merrill continues to  compose Prophetic Opera and Social Justice Opera. 

As the Artistic Director of Grace City Opera Theatre, Ms. Merrill has been  successful in raising over five hundred thousand dollars through in-kind  donations and has received an initial grant from the Clark County Library  District. 

In 2025 Ms. Merrill continued the work of her Mentor Betty Lane as she  took the Helm of Vocal Pathways. Vocal Pathways was founded by Betty  Lane and vested in the health of the voice. As a singing voice specialist her  work centered on the repair of damaged voices, proper use and care of the  voice, and preservation of the voice and body. Ms. Merrill will continue this  work through the Vocal Pathways voice studio. 

Having voice students currently learning to use their voices to the fullest and  the opportunity to perform with Grace City Opera Theatre. Ms. Merrill is now partnered with, the City of North Las Vegas and will  bring Grace City Opera Theatre’s educational component to the Dolores  Huerta Resource Center with our Opera Roots program and Create An  Opera. Our partnership with City of Las Vegas will open the door for  Performances themed at presenting Master works of African American and  African Descent Classical Composers with a focus on African American  Women Composers and special tributes to African American Opera Greats. 

Our partnership with the Las Vegas Clark County Library District, allows us  to bring full Operas composed by African American and African Descent  Classical Composers as well as Oratorio and Concert pieces. This not only  addresses our Opera Roots programs where we also feature our talented  youth Artists but encompasses our Music As A Healer programs and our  Aspiring Artist programs. Our partnership with The Martin Luther King  Jr. Senior Center has allowed us to perform and host interactive sessions  with the members and opportunities to join us in performance as well. Our  partnership with The Nevada Ballet Theatre opens the doors for expansion  and presenting more of the master works of little known African American  and African Descent Classical Composers and to bring forth more of this  rich history in classical music, making it accessible and without barriers. 

Adrienne Garcia Mondeau – Music Director

Adrienne Garcia Mondeau comes from a musical family and is a third generation musician/ music teacher on her maternal side and comes from musicians and vocalists from her paternal side, as well. The Garcia family Ancestry is noted to be from very famous vocal teachers from Spain going back to the 19th Century. Adrienne was first taught piano by her mother, who was a concert pianist and also played professionally with many famous and popular music groups of the past. Wanda Garcia accompanied artists like Lily Pons, Gabriel Cansino and Ruggiero Raimondi, as well as Hollywood singers, comedians and artists from the 1930’s through the 1980’s.  Both Wanda and Adrienne are written up in the Who’s Who in Entertainment from 1992 to 1998 and recently.

Ruben Garcia was in the U.S. Navy Band during World War 2.  He and his brothers played Latin music in many famous films from the 1930’s to the 1960’s.  Ruben played music  in films with Ronald Coleman, Gilbert Roland and John Wayne.  Ruben played acoustic and electric bass and guitar.  He played with the Los Angeles Symphony,  Tipica and many orchestras.  Also, Adrienne’s Aunt “Aida Rubi” was a singing star in Cuba with the Ziegfield Follies. 

Adrienne started singing and playing piano at a very young age.  She was in her elementary school orchestra, the Junior Symphony in Las Vegas and sang in school and church choirs, growing up.  In high school, Adrienne won the highest grade of the Nevada piano awards; she also studied classical voice and performed many recitals and began a professional career, early.  She received a scholarship to study music at UNLV. 

After a year, she left college and got married.  She left to live in Japan with her Air Force husband who was also a drummer.  After 4 years  in the Air Force, Adrienne helped her husband form a jazz/rock band and they traveled and played around the United States for seven years.  When the marriage ended, Adrienne went back to college, studied music, theater and film.  She studied with many professional musicians and vocalists as well as her academic training at UNLV. 

Adrienne’s resume includes playing piano and singing with the Nevada Opera Theater for 30 years.  Some of the operas and musicals included:  La Boheme, La Traviata, Madama Butterfly, Man of La Mancha, Camelot, the yearly Veteran’s celebration for the Governor during Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day events. Adrienne also played and performed in many productions put on at Spring Mountain Ranch such as: Sweet Charity, Finian’s Rainbow and Fiddler On The Roof. When she was with the Nevada Musical Theater Guild, they put on: South Pacific, Oklahoma and Most Happy Fella, among other productions.  One of their productions was the professional “Here’s Entertainment” at the Bourbon Street Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in the 1980’s.

Adrienne also used to model, work as an actress and still does some film work occasionally. 
Adrienne still sings with the Southern Nevada Musical Arts group which perform Master Composers Choral Concerts and sings behind Andrea Bocelli when he performs at the MGM Grand.

Adrienne also sings with the Myron Heaton Chorale year round.  She has traveled with them to Europe to sing at the Great Cathedrals.  She has sung at the famous Salzburg Music Festival, Notre Dame in Paris and the Vatican in Rome.
Adrienne also has her own choir and has been organist/pianist/keyboardist at Henderson Presbyterian Church for 41 years.  She has taken her choir twice to sing at Carnegie Hall with world famous composer/conductor John Rutter.
Adrienne is a member of the Music Teachers National Association;  the Las Vegas Music Teachers Association;  the Social Register; and is Secretary of the Nevada Local SAGAFTRA Union. Recently, Adrienne became musical director of the Grace City Opera Company. 

Adrienne teaches piano and voice at home and online. Her students usually stay with her for many years.

Emily May – Program Director

Emily May serves as the Program Manager for The Grace City Opera Theatre. Since beginning her volunteer work with the organization in 2019, she has seamlessly combined her passions for education and performance. Emily believes that music is a powerful educational tool—one that fosters creativity, emotional strength, and a deeper connection to the human experience.

Her formal training began in 2015 at the Chotard School of Music, where she studied under Ann Chotard and developed a strong foundation in opera. She went on to attend the University of Central Arkansas, studying under Robert Holden, and earned a degree in Music Education in 2018. During her academic career, Emily performed in numerous operatic productions, including Le Nozze di Figaro, Hansel und Gretel, Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Suor Angelica. She has also appeared with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and the Conway Symphony Orchestra.

Following graduation, Emily applied her skills in a new context as an ESL instructor with VIPKID, where she taught English to more than 2,000 students. This role allowed her to further explore the intersection of language, music, and education.

Emily began volunteering with The Grace City Opera Theatre in 2019, initially serving as Volunteer Manager. Over the years, her responsibilities expanded significantly. Today, she holds multiple roles within the organization, including Program Manager, Website Editor, YouTube Manager, Video Editor, and Board Member. Her approach is hands-on and solution-oriented—always ready to step in wherever needed.

A quote that encapsulates Emily’s work ethic: “If there is a will, there is a way—and I will find a way.”

Jonnet Solomon

Jonnet Solomon is the Executive Director and a founding member of the National Opera House, a nonprofit organization working to restore and maintain a historic home in Pittsburgh. While exploring the city in 2000, Ms. Solomon discovered a historical landmark plaque in front of a Queen Anne Mansion. Later that year, she and her friend Ms. Miriam White purchased the abandoned house in Homewood with dreams of preservation. The home, once owned by William “Woogie” Harris, hosted guests such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Count Bassie and Roberto Clemente. It was a safe place in Pittsburgh where visiting artists and athletes could find room and board, performance and rental space. Mary Cardwell Dawson would rent the space for what would become the first black opera company in America. The drive to uncover, share, educate and preserve this rich history and legacy inspired Ms. Solomon and Ms. White to lead the campaign to preserve the house and reconnect its history to the community through programming and events. Through preservation, the stories of hidden historical figures and places will now hold a space in history and light a path for inspiration and motivation.

Michelle Smart

Michelle’s roots have been planted in Detroit since she was a young girl. Growing up in Detroit’s Northend neighborhood, she has always had a desire to give back to the community in which she lived.

Five years ago, Michelle founded Bags to Butterflies, a Detroit-based social enterprise that empowers formerly incarcerated women with transitional employment, resources and a wonderful caring network to assist the ladies on their journey to success immediately upon their return to the community from incarceration. 

The concept of empowering women returning home from prison began in 2014 when the daughter of a close friend was incarcerated. As a result, Bags to Butterflies became the impetus for offering formerly incarcerated women resources to help them better their lives.

The organization is creating jobs in Detroit using a very common women’s accessory: a handbag.  The handmade handbags are manufactured using repurposed wood. The hands-on approach for the handbag production is used to demonstrate how something (or someone) deemed as having no value can be transformed into something new and beautiful.  The ladies are shown how that same transformation can take place in their lives.

Michelle is also a stained and fused glass artist. In 2007, she was commissioned by the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to design the 2007 Legacy Awards. She was the first African American to have such an honor. The prestigious awards were present to 14 local individuals and businesses including Chrysler LLC, Kellogg and Comerica Bank.

Michelle’s professional career spanned over 20 years in Corporate Communications at Ford Motor Company where she communicated the company’s business objectives to hourly and salaried employees through strategic internal channels.

Shawn C. Thorpe

Mr. Shawn C. Thorpe is a multi-million dollar fund developer that has raised $45.7 million dollars with 27 years of “career experience” valued at 1.2 million in arts, education, partnerships/mergers and fund development. He has served as a senior administrator, international arts executive, tenor soloist and music director. Several of his roles reported directly to the Superintendent/CEO and one position required that he hold a New Jersey State District Superintendent Certificate (CE).

He is known nationally as a political strategist with an ability to bring national recognition to school divisions and communities around excellence. Creativity, passion-teaching the whole child, Faith oriented, legacy matters and multifaceted are the core values that drive his daily work. Equity, emotional intelligence, social emotional learning, community pride, financial stewardship, high employee retention rates and authentic relationships are the cornerstone of his leadership style.

His career advancement includes seven promotions that increased his career starting salary by 503%; negotiated five budget cuts and two reorganizations, designed and secured new positions that allowed him to maintain 85% of his highest career salary.

The $45.7 million dollars raised supported programs for over 150,000 students and 100,000 community members in seven states in collaboration with 231 local and international partners like Prudential Financial, The Dodge Foundation, Victoria Foundation, The Turrell Fund, Newark Symphony Hall, Sony Music, Alvin Ailey, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Sphinx Organization, Carnegie Hall, Harvard University, George Mason University, Randolph College, Montclair State University, Kean University, Rutgers University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Norfolk University, Hampton University, Virginia Union University, Howard University and Elizabeth City University.

He has partnered with chief executives of companies with salaries ranging from $695,000-$1.2 million that reported $150 million to $54 billion in revenue for 1000 community/school board and city council priorities projects; worked in collaboration with 600 chief executives of public schools systems with a $250,000 to $900,000 dollar operating budget serving over 40,000 students and worked with elected officials, federal agency executives and community executives that served a constituency of 20.344 million citizens with a $89.23 billion dollar combined budget.

Mark Merrill

Mark Merrill is a Native of Detroit, Mi and graduate of Detroit Public Schools has always been involved in his community through advocacy for underserved persons and those who have been marginalized because of disability or other factors.

Mark is now retired and current writing his memoir on his life and how music changed his life then and now. Mark has had a diverse career in the funeral business as an associate Funeral Director, working with families during bereavement and the process of making final closure to loved ones. Mark has always found that he comforted his families by leading them to listen to healing Music to soothe some of the pain. As a result he received many accolades from the Funeral Director, as Families complimented Mark’s efforts going over and above to make the time of their bereavement as comforting as possible. He also worked as a teaching assistant at the Vocational and High School level Helping student with reading diffuclties.

Within his community Mark has played an active role as an advocate for persons with Spina Bifida, he served as a Board Member for Spina Bifida Association in Detroit, Mi and for the Spina Bifida Association of Southern Nevada. Mark was also a Poster Child for the March of Dimes, as well as working with the Easter Seals Organization of Michigan.

Mark’s love for Music especially classical music has been near and dear to his heart since he was a child. Mark enjoys singing and sees music as healer for him as he moves forward continuing to advocate for those persons who underserved.

This past year, December 2024 , Mark organized a Christmas which was presented by the Grace City Opera Theatre’s Principal Artist, Claudia Merrill. The Concert was well received and it ended in a sing- a- long with all of the residents. All enjoyed the music and asked if there could be another one. The Concert was performed at the Mt. Olympus Rehabilitation Center in Salt Lake City, UT. Mark had been residing there after undergoing a lifesaving surgery. While recovering there Mark also got involved with the Resident Council and took on the position of President and began working diligently advocating for the needs of those who were long time residents.

Mark’s work has proved to very effective and many changes have occurred since he took this position. Although Mark will be returning to his home soon in Henderson, NV, he has left an indelible Mark on the Residents and staff of Mt. Olympus, by using Music and just his comforting words to help other heal and bring to hope where it may have been lost.

Since serving on the Board of Directors of the Grace City Opera Theatre, Mark has offered a variety of performance opportunities and promotes the company everywhere he can.

Serving on the Board of Directors of the Grace City Opera Theatre has been a joy to me because I love Music and I support the work the company is doing because they bring joy and healing and serenity through the music they perform. I especially like that they interact with their audiences and bring the rich and beautiful history of classical music to the world without barriers. I will continue to support the work of the Opera Company because I know that what the Opera Company is needed and it truly heals.

Mark Merrill

Rhonda Reynolds-Williams is a native of Detroit, Michigan. Having attended Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior High School and being a member of its Dance Workshop and represented the school on the Detroit All City Dance Company. She received her teaching degree from Florida A&M University (FAMU) located in Tallahassee, Florida where she was also the Dance Mistress and member of the Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theater. Her love of the arts began when her parents took her to musicals and plays as a young child. One of her fondest memories is seeing the productions of “The Wiz” and “Porgy and Bess”. She began dancing at the age of 5 and choreographing at the age of 12 and has won numerous state and national dance titles.

Rhonda is a passionate and versatile dancer with a rich background in various dance forms, ranging from contemporary to hip hop, jazz, and ballet She is a teacher by trade but loves to share her gift of dance by choreographing at various dance studios, schools, and churches around Metro Detroit. She believes there is value in arts education. Rhonda loves incorporating movement and music in her classroom to help youth with decision making, creativity, being open-minded, and the development of motor and social skills etc. Rhonda sits on the Board of Directors for the Grace City Opera in her continued effort to support the arts.

Some of her other outreach efforts are
-Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® Pi Tau Omega Chapter, Vice President and Program Chairman
-National Congress of Black Women,Member at Large
-Pearls of Service Foundation, Incorporated, Board of Directors
-Florida A & M University National Alumni Association
-Florida A&M University Michigan Alumni Chapter
-First Baptist Church of Detroit, Praise Dance Ministry Leader, Connections Chairman

This is just a mere glimpse of the many things Rhonda is involved with. She believes in letting the Lord use her in everything she does, from dancing, teaching, and giving back to the community.

A quote that best describes the movement of dance is “To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak”. Rhonda encourages all to “listen” to what the dance has to say.