Songs for a New World

John Christopher Adams

From the small-town roots of Fannin, Mississippi, to the grand stages of Europe and the Middle East, John Christopher Adams is a powerhouse performer who defies categorization. A true stylistic chameleon, John navigates opera, jazz, gospel, and musical theatre with an effortless versatility that has captivated audiences in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Israel, as well as American cultural hubs like Chicago, Houston, and Seattle.

His artistry is backed by elite technical training, holding advanced degrees in Vocal Performance and Opera from the prestigious University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (CCM) and Mississippi College. This world-class foundation allows him to deliver performances that are as vocally breathtaking as they are emotionally resonant, whether he is soaring through an operatic aria or delivering a soulful jazz standard.

A rare blend of international talent and entrepreneurial leadership, John brings a sophisticated, charismatic presence to every stage he touches. When he isn’t performing under the spotlights, he remains a pillar of his community as the owner and operator of the John C. Adams State Farm Agency in Gadsden, Alabama.

Jennifer Bruton

Dr. Jennifer Bruton, a native of the Chicago area, holds degrees from the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Southern Mississippi. She has performed with various choirs, ensembles, as well as in a variety of musical theatre and opera productions. Jennifer has produced and conducted numerous operas, concerts, and musical theatre shows with community groups and universities, often taking the performances out to local schools as educational outreach. With degrees in Music Marketing, Vocal Performance, and Conducting, her versatility has her in demand as a voice teacher, performer, conductor, and consultant. She has performed with the San Antonio Symphony Chamber series, the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, and with the Yellow Rose Singers at the Festival of the Aegean in Greece. Married to the extremely talented Dr. Sam Bruton, together they perform jazz, musical theatre, and pop.

Jennifer recently moved back to Mississippi after serving as the Director of Choral Activities at Colorado State University Pueblo. While in Colorado, she frequently judged solo contests, conducted honor choirs, and performed with local theatre companies. Under her direction, the Colorado State University Pueblo Choirs made an appearance at the Colorado Music Educators Association convention. Jennifer’s former students perform on Broadway, work in professional theater companies, universities, and regional theaters. She is delighted to be back in Mississippi, serving as the Director of Choral Activities and Instructor of Music at MGCCC Harrison County campus. Jennifer and Sam have two dogs, two cats, and lots of fish. They share their home with Sam’s father, Roger. Their children are scattered coast to coast, making them very proud.

Peter Lake

Praised by the Houston Press for a "clarion tenor" reminiscent of the legendary Jan Peerce, Peter Lake is an internationally acclaimed crossover artist who commands both the operatic stage and the musical theatre spotlight. From headlining as B.F. Pinkerton in Pacific Opera Project’s groundbreaking Madama Butterfly to touring the Mediterranean as Old Deuteronomy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, Peter’s versatility is as vast as his vocal range.

His star continues to rise on the charts and the stage alike. In 2024, his debut full-length album, "Still Standing,"skyrocketed into the Top Ten of Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart. His recent seasons have been marked by high-profile debuts, including the rare Puccini gem Le Villi with Mobile Opera and a featured Broadway Pops appearance with Opera Idaho and the Boise Philharmonic.

A favorite of the Southern stage, Peter is thrilled to return to Opera Mississippi for their production of Songs for a New World. His celebrated history with the company includes his hit original cabarets Old Blue Eyes and Be My Love, where he channeled the timeless magic of Frank Sinatra and Mario Lanza. Whether delivering a soaring aria or a Broadway showstopper, Peter Lake brings a world-class, chart-topping energy to every performance.

Sarah Stembel

A New Orleans native with a voice described as both luminous and versatile, lyric soprano Sarah Stembel has quickly become a standout performer across the United States. Her 2024/2025 season highlights her incredible range, featuring a charming Papagena in Die Zauberflöte with Opera Mississippi and the Natchez Festival of Music, as well as powerful performances in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and Suor Angelica with Opera Idaho.

Beyond the opera stage, Sarah is an accomplished concert soloist, recently headlining Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. Her professional journey includes prestigious residencies as an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera and a Resident Artist with Dayton Opera, along with appearances in diverse productions ranging from Lucia di Lammermoor to The Pirates of Penzance.

Sarah’s artistry is rooted in elite training, holding a Master of Music in Opera Performance from the Maryland Opera Studio and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. With a reputation for vocal elegance and dramatic depth, Sarah continues to captivate audiences from the Gulf South to the national stage.