Maria Jo Phelps, mezzo-soprano, is currently a graduate student at Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music studying with Karen Driscoll. Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alabama under the guidance of Dr. Susan Williams. Recent performances include the roles of Endimione and La Natura in Cavalli’s La Calisto with Montclair State University’s Cali Opera Program as well as Bradamante in Handel’s Alcina and Tessa in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers with the University of Alabama Opera Theatre. Maria Jo is the 2025 Birmingham, AL Chapter Winner of The National Society of Arts and Letters Martorella Scholarship in Classical Voice Competition and recently was a 2025 participant in the Respiro Opera, NYC program and the 2025 Castleton Festival.