Rita Schien, soprano, is excited to return for another season with The Bach Society as a Young Artist. She is currently pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she studies with Dr. Leslie Allnatt. At UMSL, Rita performs with the University Singers and Vocal Point, and she is actively involved in the Opera Theatre Program. In 2023, she won the Young Artist Concerto Competition at UMSL and earned second place in the Crescendo Program with Union Avenue Opera. Rita was also honored with the prestigious Presser Scholarship Award from UMSL’s Music Department in May 2024. Beyond classical music, Rita is deeply engaged with the St. Louis Barbershop Community, serving as a section leader for The Recruits Chorus and for the Acappellooza Summer and Fall Festivals. She is thankful for the opportunities The Bach Society has provided to further her musical growth.
Calista Goldwasser, mezzo-soprano, joins The Bach Society of Saint Louis as a Young Artist for its 84th season. She holds a Master of Music from Webster University, and a Bachelor of Music from DePauw University. This past year, Calista made debuts in the opera choruses of both Winter Opera of Saint Louis (Don Giovanni, Naughty Marietta) and Union Avenue Opera (Carmen) in addition to performing and stage directing with Webster’s Opera Studio. This year, you can find her in the chorus of Anna Bolena with Winter Opera. Though opera is her primary passion, she also loves art song, and early music, particularly from the French impressionist and baroque movements. In addition to performing, Calista teaches voice lessons with Patterson Performing Arts and is the primary instructor for The Bach Society’s own “Finding your Voice” outreach program. Calista looks forward to strengthening her relationship with The Bach Society both as a Young Artist and educator.
Kelly Beekman, mezzo-soprano, is a St. Louis native and a recent graduate from Webster University. She is honored to have been selected by The St. Louis Bach Society to be a part of their young artist program for her second consecutive season. She has devoted her life to music and performance, dazzling audiences with her captivating stage presence and astounding voice in many genres, including classical, jazz, musical theater, and contemporary pop and rock. She was a recipient of the Christine Brewer Annual Scholarship in Vocal Music Performance. She received departmental honors for her tireless dedication to her craft and her outstanding performances in opera and jazz. She has performed with Union Avenue Opera in the chorus for Eugene Onegin (2022) and Carmen (2024). She was also in the chorus for Manon Lescaut and Naughty Marietta with Winter Opera St. Louis (2024). Upcoming roles include chorus for Winter Opera St. Louis’s H.M.S. Pinafore and Anna Bolena.
Jack McFarling, baritone, is a recent graduate from Truman State University, and is excited to begin his first season as a Young Artist for The Bach Society. After two seasons in the group, he decided to take on a new challenge and pursue this opportunity. Born and raised in St. Louis, Jack has had an interest in music throughout his life. He pursued computer science as well as general music at a collegiate level and has cherished the experience. He was awarded the Vocal Music Service Scholarship, rewarding his hard work and elevating him as a leader in multiple choirs at Truman State. He has received many other awards and honors in the music department, including a feature as a vocal soloist for the December 2021 Inauguration Ceremony. In addition to pursuing music with The Bach Society, Jack jumps at any opportunity to share with the world the music that has enriched his life so greatly.