Opera Re-Imagined
“Holiday Special” at Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center
Start your New Year Celebrations early!
On the Saturday before 2025, Laguna Tenor, Rick Weber and composer accompanist Lyena Atonyicq will welcome Soprano, Caroline Nelms back to our stage for an unforgettable medley of Verdi’s “La Traviata” and more of your favorite sounds. Pianist, Mateo Weber will open the night with classical pieces in an evening that is sure to delight music lovers of all ages.
LYENA ATONYICQ stands as a beacon of artistic excellence within the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center. An award-winning concert pianist and music coach, Lyena has performed across the USA and Europe, garnering rave reviews and fans of her fluid and graceful style. Born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine, Lyena holds masters degrees in piano performance from the Tchaikovsky Music Conservatory and Rowan University, plus a double master’s degree in opera coaching and chamber music from Temple University in Philadelphia. With credits in various opera theaters, ballet companies and Broadway, the LBCAC is so proud to have Lyena as our resident piano teacher.
CAROLINE NELMS is a versatile singer with a Master of Music degree from UCLA and a BA from Pepperdine. She is a frequent soloist with the San Diego City Ballet, Center Chorale, Pacific Coast Chorale, Southern California Philharmonic, Temecula Valley and Coachella Valley Symphonies and has performed with the Guild Opera, Los Angeles, Theatre Royale Tours, Pacific Lyric Association and Lyric Opera of Orange County.
MATEO WEBER is a regular performer at the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center sharing his love of piano. In this, his first full opening act, Mateo will take the audience on a journey through lush harmonies, technical brilliance and emotional depth. Currently a Junior at Dana Hills High School, Mateo holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an avid surfer.
RICK WEBER is on a mission to bring his love of opera to the masses. As the extraordinary “Laguna Tenor”, Rick’s voice embodies a fusion of classical training and boundless inspiration from the legendary tenors of our time. With over 30 captivating performances in musicals and operas under his belt, Rick’s residency at the LBCAC is a testament to his artistry, culminating in the mesmerizing showcase,”Opera Re-Imagined”.