Andrew Funk

With a voice that is described as rich, warm, and a “resonant force”, Andrew Funk has a successful singing career, performing with companies all over North America, including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Opera, Los Angeles Opera, and San Francisco Opera.  He appeared along with fellow Lyric Opera of Chicago Ryan Center graduate Alicia Berneche in the premiere of the Philip Glass opera Galileo Galilei, directed by Tony-award winning Mary Zimmerman.  Andrew has been a frequent guest artist at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, debuting in the world premiere of Amistad, and later appearing in La Gioconda, Tosca, Falstaff, Die Frau ohne Schatten, the Magic Flute, Roméo et Juliette, Salome, and Aida.  He has performed with many world-renowned conductors and directors, including Carmen in Santa Fe under Alan Gilbert, and Les Troyens at Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Zubin Mehta.

As a teacher, Andrew has had the opportunity to work with many kinds of singers, including Broadway, choral, jazz, and blues.  He strives with each student to find ease and flexibility within their voice, and to discover their own unique instrument.  His background as a successful performer as well as his extensive training gives Andrew a rare combination of skills that can help students of all levels, from beginning to advanced.

A Master's degree graduate of the Juilliard School, Andrew received his Bachelor’s degree from UCLA, and has a doctorate from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.

Andrew lives in Evanston, IL with his wife Amy, his son Max, and their dog Egg.

Alicia Berneche

Alicia Berneche has sung on stages around the globe, bringing to them a unique, beautifully produced sound, an extraordinary acting talent, and an exquisite musicality. Often specializing in contemporary works, she appeared on the stages of the Lyric Opera of Chicago as Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby, along with essaying Helen Niles in the new edition of Mourning Becomes Electra by Marvin David Levy, and appearing at The Goodman Theatre, The Barbican, and BAM in the world premiere of Philip Glass’ and Mary Zimmerman’s Galileo Galilei. She has also sung with celebrated conductors and ensembles, including Carmina Burana with the Minnesota Orchestra under Osmo Vänskä and Le nozze di Figaro under Zubin Mehta.

Her voice students have met with great success. Leah Crocetto won the José Iturbi Competition, the Met competition, was the American representative for the Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 2011, and a member of the Adler Fellowship. She now sings on the greatest opera stages across the world. Gregory Peebles is a member of the famed Chanticleer singers and anchors them in concerts across the world. Others perform across the country in opera and musical theatre.