More about artist Jill Phillips
Dr. Jill Phillips, mezzo-soprano, is an assistant professor of music in voice at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, where she teaches applied voice lessons, directs the spring opera production, and teaches courses such as vocal pedagogy and lyric diction. For the past three summers, Dr. Phillips has taught on the voice faculty at the nationally known Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival.
In addition to teaching, she remains an active performer. She has performed as the alto soloist in “Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony” with the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra and sang solo excerpts from Handel’s Messiah with the Truman State University Symphony Orchestra, Truman State University Choirs, and the Kirksville High School Choirs. Additionally, Dr. Phillips has performed as a soloist in Mozart’s Requiem and Verdi’s Requiem. She was also the alto soloist in J. S. Bach's´ “Mass in B minor” at Cincinnati’s Christ Church Cathedral and has performed as a soloist with the Bach Ensemble of St. Thomas in Terrace Park, Ohio, and with the Peoria Bach Festival.
Dr. Phillips earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, a master’s degree in voice and a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Dr. Phillips was a Studio Artist at Wolf Trap Opera in Vienna, Virginia, and was a Young Artist at Opera Saratoga in Saratoga Springs, New York. She covered the roles of Dido in Purcell's “Dido and Aeneas” and Cenerentola in “La Cenerentola” while she was at Opera Saratoga. Dr. Phillips was also an Apprentice Artist with Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) and made her mainstage debut at DMMO as the Zweite Mägd in the company's production of “Elektra.” Additionally, she has sung with Kentucky Opera and Dayton Opera.
More about artist Luke Carlson
The music of composer and conductor Luke Carlson (b. 1983) has been described as “yielding fascinating timbres” (Washington Classical Review), “magical” and “otherworldly” (Philadelphia Inquirer), and “personal and strong” (The New York Times). Carlson draws equal inspiration from classical traditions and modern aesthetics, crafting vibrant, profound music that engages with the continuing story of tonality. He is the recipient of the Aspen Music Festival’s Jacob Druckman Prize, a MacDowell Fellowship, a Copland House Fellowship, and two nominations from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Carlson holds degrees from the University of Oregon (BM), Rice University (MM), and the University of Pennsylvania (Ph.D.). He is an associate professor of music at College of the Ozarks.
More about Victor Márquez-Barrios
Victor E. Marquez-Barrios, a Venezuelan composer and guitarist, holds an extended catalog of works that includes compositions for a variety of solo instruments, numerous chamber ensembles, mixed choir, electronics, symphonic band, and symphony orchestra. His music has been performed, published, and recorded by important soloists and ensembles from Latin America (Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, enCayapa Ensemble), the U.S. (H2 Quartet, Oberlin Orchestra), and Europe (Proxima Centauri, Guitar Duo Montes-Kircher). Works by Marquez-Barrios have received performances at numerous international music festivals such as the Latin American Music Festival (Venezuela), XVII Festival of Contemporary Music of Havana (Cuba), 20eme Festival Internacional de la Clarinette (Martinique), Hollywood Fringe Festival (U.S.A.), the World Saxophone Congress (2012 and 2015 editions), and ClarinetFest (2018 and 2024 editions), among others.
Since 2015 and in parallel to his active career as a composer and guest lecturer, Marquez-Barrios teaches music theory and composition as part of the faculty at Truman State University. More information is available at www.marquezbarrios.com.
More about Ruoyang Xiang
A native of Anqing (Anhui, China), pianist Ruoyang Xiang is a versatile soloist, chamber musician, and educator who currently serves as the Coordinator of Collaborative Piano at Truman State University. Renowned for her compelling performances and advocacy for diverse repertoire, she has earned top prizes in numerous prestigious competitions, including the 2026 NOLA Chamberfest Competition, the 2025 Plowman Chamber Music Competition, the 2024 MTNA National Chamber Music Competition, the 2022 NSAL Instrumental Music Competition, and the Wideman International Piano Competition.
A dedicated performer of contemporary music and inclusive programming, Dr. Xiang frequently curates creative recitals that elevate historically underrepresented and living voices. Her recent projects include celebrated programs for Black History Month featuring works by Florence Price, Tania León, and Margaret Bonds. As a founding member of the Vinola Trio—alongside clarinetist Li-Jie Yu and violinist Laurel Gagnon—she has conceptualized innovative thematic initiatives, including concert programs exclusively highlighting all-Asian and all-female composers. Deeply invested in creative partnerships, her artistic vision has inspired several composers to dedicate new works to her and her ensembles, including Ben Rieke’s Onival, Daniel Cui’s Mechanicable, and Victor Marquez’s Born to Move.
Dr. Xiang maintains an active and varied performing schedule across the United States. Recent highlights include a Midwest chamber music tour with saxophonist Xin Gao, with performances at South Dakota State University, the University of Nebraska–Omaha, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her upcoming engagements include a performance for the Music Club of Women in Chicago and a performance with the Vinola Trio on the prestigious Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts series.
Dr. Xiang holds a Bachelor of Music from the Boston Conservatory, where she studied with Jonathan Bass, as well as a Master of Music and a Doctor of Music from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she was a student of Menahem Pressler.