The Houston Ebony Opera Guild proudly introduces Giancarlo Holland, Briona Robinson, Makayah Amelia Bernal, and Lucila Zavala, the four young artists participating in this year’s Mary Marks Guillory Masterclass and Recital.

Join us for two free afternoons celebrating vocal artistry on September 26–27, 2026, at 3:00 PM each day, at Faith Bellaire Church. The weekend features acclaimed baritone Norman Garrett, collaborative pianist Bethany Self, and our featured young artists.

Saturday’s public masterclass invites audience members to observe as Mr. Garrett coaches the four selected singers, offering a firsthand look at the work behind a performance. Sunday’s recital, “An Evening of Artistry,” brings the weekend’s celebration to the concert stage.

From university opera productions to international stages, these singers bring varied experiences and a shared dedication to their craft. Get to know them below.

Giancarlo Holland, Bass-Baritone

Giancarlo Holland is a bass-baritone from Brooklyn, New York. He is in the first year of his master’s degree at the University of Houston, where he studies with award-winning baritone Daniel Belcher.

In summer 2026, Holland performed the title role in Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Teatro Superga in Italy. He is scheduled to perform Peter, the father, in Hänsel und Gretel at the University of Houston in spring 2027.

Briona Robinson, Mezzo-Soprano

Briona Robinson is a mezzo-soprano from North Charleston, South Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of South Carolina and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Houston, where she studies with Cynthia Clayton.

Robinson’s recent appearances with Moores Opera include Aunt Sue in Carlisle Floyd’s Slow Dusk, Third Lady in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and Missus Hepworth in the world premiere of Tom Cipullo’s Hobson’s Choice.

She will next perform the role of Filotete in Oreste, a collaborative production between Moores Opera and Ars Lyrica.

Makayah Amelia Bernal, Soprano

Makayah Amelia Bernal is a 21-year-old soprano from Boise, Idaho. She recently graduated from the University of Oregon’s School of Music and Dance with a Bachelor of Arts in Music History and Culture. In August 2026, she began her master’s studies in performance at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, where she studies with Professor Cynthia Clayton.

Bernal began studying operatic singing in 2023 with Dr. Karen Esquivel at the University of Oregon. In 2025, she performed La Fée in the university’s production of Jules Massenet’s Cendrillon. That same year, she won first place in the University of Oregon’s Opera Scholarship Competition and third place in the Portland Opera Guild’s inaugural Young Voices Northwest Competition.

In summer 2026, Bernal covered the Queen of the Night and performed the Second Spirit in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with Tokyo Opera Studio. She will appear as the Sandman in the Moores School of Music’s production of Hänsel und Gretel in February 2027.

Lucila Zavala, Soprano

Puerto Rican soprano Lucila Zavala recently earned her Master of Music from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where she studied on a full scholarship. She is a National Semifinalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and a recipient of the Metropolitan Opera Education Fund Grant.

Zavala made her European debut in 2025 in the title role of Handel’s Alcina at the Trentino Music Festival. She has trained with Houston Grand Opera’s Young Artist Vocal Academy and was a semifinalist in the 2025 Premiere Opera Foundation International Opera Competition.

In summer 2026, she joined the Opéra des Landes Académie in France. This winter, she will make her role debut as Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with Music On Site in Wichita, Kansas.

Join Us for a Free Weekend of Music

Public Masterclass with Norman Garrett
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Listen, learn, and observe as our four featured singers work with Mr. Garrett.

“An Evening of Artistry” Recital
Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Featuring Norman Garrett, collaborative pianist Bethany Self, and our featured young artists.

Faith Bellaire Church
4600 Bellaire Blvd
Bellaire, TX 77401

Both events are free and open to the public. Singers, students, educators, choir members, and music lovers of all backgrounds are warmly invited. No musical training or prior affiliation with HEOG is required to attend.

Come for one or both afternoons, bring a friend, and help us celebrate these young artists.

For additional information about the upcoming event, please visit us at our website The Mary Marks Guillory Guest Artist Recital Series (Showcase) – Houston Ebony Opera.