Sakiko Kanamori Prize Recipient 2008

Isaac Droscha, Bass-Baritone

Isaac was brought up on a small farm in Mason, Michigan. He sang in his local church choir and played trombone in the Mason High School band. But he had no formal musical training before he entered Hope.

Once at Hope, however, he quickly made his mark as a vocal soloist and actor. He studied voice with Linda Dykstra and was a member of Chapel Choir. He sang in Mozart's Magic Flute at the Opera Workshop and starred in Hope Theater productions. He received scholarships and awards for both voice and theater, and was twice a finalist in the Grand Rapids Opera Competition. He also played trombone in the Hope College Jazz Band, the Wind Symphony, and the Orchestra.

After graduation from Hope, Isaac joined the ensemble of the Michigan Opera Theater in Detroit. He writes that his year there was a "tremendous experience" in which he was able to oberve the level of talent in a repertoire company, the hard work required, and also the business side of opera.

In the fall of 2009, Isaac entered the Master of Music program at the University of Northern Iowa, where he studies voice with John Hines. His long-term goal continues to be a career in opera performance.

Updated: January 2010