Leadership Team
Zachary Lenox
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Zachary Lenox has been described as “a broad, resonant baritone that is exquisitely controlled throughout his entire range.” He has performed leading roles throughout the Pacific Northwest, appearing with Portland Opera, Oregon Symphony, Eugene Opera, OrpheusPDX, Tacoma Opera, Opera Parallèle, Vashon Opera, OperaBend, Harmonia Seattle, Cascadia Chamber Opera, Opera in the Park Portland, Portland Chamber Orchestra, and Eugene Concert Choir. As OperaBend’s Executive Director, Mr. Lenox brings exceptional organizational leadership, a passion for the performing arts, and a focus on community enrichment. Working closely with OperaBend’s board, artists, and supporters, Zachary leads OperaBend’s strategic vision to advance the organization’s mission. Zachary is honored to join OperaBend at an exciting time in its growth, and looks forward to helping shape the company’s next chapter of artistic achievement and community impact. www.zacharylenox.com
Jocelyn Claire Thomas
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Jocelyn Claire Thomas is a celebrated soprano known for her “staggeringly brilliant…ethereal soprano” (The Source) and exceptional artistic versatility. A dynamic performer, educator, and arts leader, she has captivated audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest in more than 50 operatic roles with companies including Portland Opera, Eugene Opera, Tacoma Opera, Inland Northwest Opera, Opera Theater Oregon, Cascadia Chamber Opera, Brava Opera Theater, OrpheusPDX, Vashon Opera, Opera in the Park Portland, and of course, OperaBend. Some notable appearances include Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate with the Central Oregon Symphony, Soprano Soloist in Brahms’ Requiem with the Central Oregon Mastersingers, and with OperaBend “Nedda” in Pagliacci, “Donna Elvira” in Don Giovanni, and “Musetta” in La Boheme. As OperaBend’s Artistic Director, Jocelyn brings a commitment to artistic excellence, a passion for arts education and outreach, and innovative programming that expands access to classical music in Central Oregon. Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Ms. Thomas earned her B.M. from the Oberlin Conservatory and both a M.M. and Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory. www.jocelynclairethomas.com
Jason Stein
CO-FOUNDER & BOARD PRESIDENT
Jason Stein is the Co-Founder and Board President of OperaBend. A graduate of NYU with degrees in both acting and management, Stein combines his artistic flair and organizational expertise to bring opera to Central Oregon. Renowned for his tenor prowess, Stein has graced the stage in various iconic roles, showcasing his versatility and vocal finesse. His repertoire includes memorable performances as “Don Jose” in Carmen, “Eisenstein” in Die Fledermaus, and “Tamino” in The Magic Flute. Stein's talent has resonated across prestigious opera companies, as he has taken on principal roles with acclaimed institutions such as Emerald City Opera, Rogue Valley Opera, Obsidian Opera, Family Opera of New Jersey, and of course, OperaBend. Through his dedication and artistry, Jason Stein continues to contribute significantly to the vibrant and diverse world of opera.
Jacalyn Kreitzer
BOARD MEMBER & MUSICAL ADVISER
Jacalyn Kreitzer, an acclaimed mezzo-soprano, has graced prestigious opera houses and symphonies globally, including the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Théâtre du Chatelet, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Collaborating with luminaries like Zubin Mehta and Lorin Maazel, she has performed at Carnegie Hall and recorded with labels such as Chandos and Deutsche Grammophon. Founder of Cal Poly's Student Opera Theatre, Kreitzer received the College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Lecturer award in 2002. Recognized for her outstanding contributions to the performing arts by ARTS Obispo in 2015, she continues to be a driving force, also serving as an Opera America Panelist. Jackie retired to Bend in 2019 and her dedication to opera and the arts continues to inspire both on and off the stage.
Kelly Pence
BOARD MEMBER & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Kelly Pence has been a regular chorus member with OperaBend since her debut in 2017 during La Boheme. Kelly has been in choirs and musical theater since the age of five. She first stepped into a backstage position with OperaBend during the 2023 production of Pagliacci. She has sung with Cascade Chorale, her church choir, and just recently returned from France where she sang with forty other choir members from around the United States during D-Day celebrations. In her free time, she enjoys floating the river, spending time with friends, and reading and writing fan-fiction.
Mandy Coffee
BOARD MEMBER & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
Mandy has her masters degree in Music education with a proficiency in vocal performance. She has studied the body mapping method for the vocalist and the Kodaly philosophy. She has been a Music Educator for award winning school districts, a choral clinician for district honor choirs, and has worked with professional children's choirs for the past 20+ years. Mandy is passionate about the vision and community that choir and music education provide for families.
Samantha Winter
BOARD MEMBER & SECRETARY
Samantha Winter is thrilled to be a part of OperaBend. Originally from the east coast, Sam relocated to Bend with her husband, Andrew, in 2020 and has become a mainstay in the Central Oregon music scene. In addition to singing in numerous ensembles, cantoring for a local synagogue, and studying with the brilliant Jackie Kreitzer, Sam's recent solo highlights include “Annina” in Verdi’s La Traviata, soprano soloist in Handel's Messiah and in Fauré’s Requiem with the Central Oregon Mastersingers, "Hodel" in Fiddler on the Roof and "Angie" in The Prom with Cascade Theatrical Company. Sam holds undergraduate degrees in vocal performance and neuroscience from University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Drexel University. For her day job, Sam is a Senior Director of Product and Product Design at a brain-computer interface company.
RICK HARRELL
BOARD MEMBER
Rick Harrell is the Director of Heroes’ Voices, a service organization that brings the healing power of music to veterans. He is also Associate Director of the Orfeo Foundation, an Amsterdam based organization that promotes the careers of young opera professionals. Previously, he was the Director of the Juilliard Voice and Opera Programs, the Director of the San Francisco Opera Center, Artistic Advisor and Head of Faculty for the Training Program of the New National Theatre in Tokyo, Director of the Opera Program for the San Francisco Conservatory and faculty for the Opera Studio of the Netherlands.
Rick has been a stage director for more than 80 productionsfor companies In Europe, Asia, and North America. He annually adjudicates for international vocal competitions including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. He has been a stage director, voice teacher, and guest Master Class instructor at universities and training programs including Yale, Indiana University, Polish National Opera, Chautauqua Institution, Hawaii Opera Theatre, Loyola University, University of Richmond, Mannes School of Music, and the University of Florida.
Mr. Harrell performed as a baritone soloist with such companies as the La Scala, Vienna State Opera, Washington Opera, Baltimore Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Lincoln Center Theatre Company, Opera Omaha, New Jersey Symphony, Richmond Symphony and National Symphony. His recordings include the role of “Bernardo” on the album of West Side Story conducted by Leonard Bernstein.
Rich Doyle
BOARD MEMBER
Rich Doyle first performed actual roles in High School (1963). He became interested in opera and studied voice in the 1980s and performed in the Denver area in Pagliacci, Tosca, Naughty Marietta, and in Cabaret scenarios and vignettes from numerous operas and musicals in venues around Colorado. He sings Tenor, Baritone, and Bass-Baritone as needed, and plays mediocre guitar. Returning from a 20-year performing hiatus in 2011, he has appeared in a number of musicals, plays, and musical reviews with several groups on Whidbey Island, WA. Some recent roles include "Jacob/Potiphar" in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, "Scrooge" in Scrooge the Musical, Chorus in The Magic Flute, and "Frosch" and Chorus in Die Fledermaus. He is a Vietnam veteran and licensed commercial pilot. He is retired from decades of Electrical Engineering and software development.