Our Team

Latin GRAMMY-nominated composer/pianist Martin Bejerano has performed and recorded with a multitude of jazz icons over 20 years, including at prestigious jazz festivals, clubs, and concert halls globally. He can be heard on 25+ recordings, including his latest Latin GRAMMY-nominated album, #CubanAmerican. In addition to collaborating with Tony-winning orchestrator/musical director/arranger Alex Lacamoire on various projects, he's earned grants and commissions from organizations like Bacardi, Chamber Music America, and the University of Miami, where he's a tenured professor and serves as Artistic Director for the Dranoff Internat’l 2 Piano Foundation.

Crystal Manich, a trailblazing Puerto Rican director, has led 85+ productions worldwide, spanning opera, plays, and musical theatre. She's acclaimed for directing The Copper Queen, a gripping Western cinematic thriller for Arizona Opera, earning her Best First Time Female Filmmaker at the 2021 Toronto International Women Film Festival. Her dynamic live-streamed performance of Catán’s La Hija de Rappaccini at the Field Museum garnered a 2021 Chicago Emmy Award nomination. As the former Artistic Director for Cirque du Soleil’s internationally touring show "Crystal", she continues to captivate audiences globally. 

George Birkadze, born in Tbilisi, Georgia, is a dynamic force in the world of dance. Trained at the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy, he's graced stages across Europe with the Bolshoi Ballet, Kremlin Ballet, and Corella Ballet de España. As a choreographer, his creations have dazzled audiences worldwide, from Europe to Southeast Asia and the United States. Notably, he's lent his talents to opera productions at the renowned Gran Teatro de Liceu and served as Assistant Choreographer to David McVicar. Alongside his dance career, Birkadze is also a martial arts expert, with black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kyokushin Karate, and Judo. Currently, he serves as Artistic Director of The Dallas Conservatory’s professional division, Classical Training Program.

Greg Jackson, renowned MMA coach and fight choreographer for film/television, is a pivotal figure in combat sports. With a keen eye for strategy and technique, he has molded numerous champions in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and beyond. His innovative approach to training has revolutionized the sport, emphasizing adaptability and mental fortitude as much as physical prowess. Beyond the octagon, Jackson's expertise in fight choreography has brought authenticity and excitement to on-screen battles in film and television (Warrior, starring Tom Hardy; Kingdom, starring Frank Grillo), earning him accolades in both the sports and entertainment worlds.

Alex Lacamoire is a Tony, Grammy, Emmy and Olivier Award-winning orchestrator, music director, arranger, and composer. Lacamoire most recently served as the Music Supervisor and Conductor for the Broadway revival of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd. Lacamoire's other credits as music director, arranger, and/or orchestrator include: The Wrong Man (Off-Broadway), Bring It On, 9 to 5 (Drama Desk and Grammy noms), Wicked, Bat Boy and Godspell (2001 National Tour). He also served as the Executive Music Producer for many films including The Greatest Showman, In The Heights, VIVO, Dear Evan Hansen, and Tick, Tick...Boom! Lacamoire is the winner of three Tony Awards for Best Orchestrations, four Grammy Awards (three for Best Musical Theater Album and one for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media), three Oliver Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Music, and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction on “Fosse/Verdon.” In 2019, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from his alma mater, Berklee College Of Music. He was also the recipient of a first-of-its-kind Kennedy Center Honors for his contribution to Hamilton. Lacamoire and the Hamilton creative team were honored as the “trailblazing creators of a transformative work that defies category” — a distinction never before awarded by the arts institution. In 2023, he was named an Official Yamaha Artist.

Joseph Specter, a seasoned leader in the opera industry, seamlessly blends his expertise in arts and corporate realms. Specter is currently the managing member of Triângulo Productions LLC, in addition to serving as President and General Director of Arizona Opera since 2016. Specter previously led Austin Opera as General Director and is the former Director of Institutional Relations of The Metropolitan Opera, overseeing corporate sponsorships and grants. A former investment services professional and operatic baritone, he holds an artist diploma from the Academy of Vocal Arts and is an honors graduate of the dual-degree program between Tufts University and New England Conservatory. Specter is also a martial artist with a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.