Bellissima Opera LLC was founded in 2006 to present the highest standards of classical singing catered to different kinds of audiences. We hope that everyone, especially those new to opera, will enjoy our concerts, while the veteran concert-goer will receive new insights into familiar pieces. We have also tried to create shows that many people can see, at a price they can afford, and in a setting which is intimate. And by doing so, we hope to reach new audiences and preserve this art form that is so dear to our hearts. You can contact us at csbellini@aol.com"csbellini@aol.com. ~Christine, Paul and Franco.

Lyric soprano Christine Steyer was recently awarded the Founders' Award at the IX Altamura/Caruso International Voice Competition and 1st place in the National Opera Association Competition. She has been highly praised for her superb artistry and her voice has been described as “an international-calibre voice of size and color used to reach an audience's emotional core.” She recently sang the Marschallin from Der Rosenkavalier with Sinfonia da Camera, the title role in Madama Butterfly with Battle Creek Symphony, Pamina in The Magic Flute and Frasquita in Carmen with Tulsa Opera, Abigail in The Crucible with Chamber Opera Chicago, and Violetta and Madame Butterfly in both Bellissima Opera's La Traviata and Madame Butterfly and the Brahms Requiem with the Galesburg Chorus. She has also performed roles with Lyric Opera of Chicago in Street Scene, Sweeney Todd, Cunning Little Vixen and Manon Lescaut. Christinesteyer.com

Native Italian Franco Martorana made his operatic debut as Alfredo in Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus with Lincoln Opera and then sang Camille in The Merry Widow and Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly. Shortly after, he sang Pinkerton again in Germany to glowing reviews. With Lyric Opera of Chicago, Mr. Martorana sang the Messenger in Aida and at the Opera Theatre of Humbach, Germany, the roles of Alfredo in La Traviata and Turiddu in Cavalleria Rusticana. He also recently sang the role of Pinkerton in Bellissima Opera’s Madama Butterfly and Alfredo in La Traviata. Mr. Martorana has made a specialty of the songs of Francesco Paulo Tosti. The renowned opera coach, Ubaldo Gardini, said that his interpretation of these songs was on a level with Bergonzi and Di Stefano. He also sings with the acclaimed “The Other 3 Tenors” which recently sang a tribute concert for superstar Connie Francis at the Taylor Street Italian Festival. FrancoMartorana.com

Bass-Baritone Paul Geiger has performed extensively throughout the United States. With Chicago Opera Theater he sang the title roles in Marriage of Figaro and Turk in Italy, Belcore in Elixir of Love and Mustafa in Italian Girl in Algiers and with Des Moines Metro Opera he sang Olin Blitch in Susannah, the Four Villains in The Tales of Hoffman and the title role in Sweeney Todd. Director Dr. Robert Larson said, “He has the uncanny ability to completely inhabit any character he plays.” Other career highlights include Jokanaan in Salome with Palm Beach Opera, and Hobson in Peter Grimes with Lyric Opera of Chicago and San Francisco Opera. He recently performed the role of Reverend Hale in The Crucible with Chamber Opera Chicago and the Doctor in Floyd Thompson’s Sredny Vashtar. Bellissima Opera audiences will also remember him as Germont in their recent production of La Traviata and Sharpless in their production of Madame Butterfly. He also just performed the roles of the Notary and Commissioner in Der Rosenkavalier.