can-tor 1530–40; < L: singer, equiv. to can(ere) to sing + -tor -tor

An official whose duty is to lead the singing in a cathedral or in a collegiate or parish church; a precentor.

Rev. Paul Blankinship and Soprano Stacy Stephens

Stacy Stephens

The Cradle of Prayer series has become a labor of love for Ms. Stephens.  Raised as a Methodist, later attending North Phoenix Baptist, and the American Church in London, in Savannah, Georgia she embraced the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at St. John’s Church.  Morning prayer is now part of her everyday routine and actively molds and forms her life in every way.

In 2002 she made her orchestral debut with the Savannah Symphony singing “Mein Herr Marquis” from Die Fledermaus and ‘Vilja” from The Merry Widow.  Later in 2002 she appeared in the symphony’s Christmas concert with her passionate “O Holy Night”. In 2004 she performed “Casta Diva” from Norma and “The Easter Hymn” from Cavalleria Rusticana with symphony and chorus.  She continues to study with Doris Yarrick-Cross at Yale University.  In July 2009,  Ms. Stephens joined  The Asheville Lyric Opera recital series singing “The Mad Scene” from Donizetti’s Anna Bolena and “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Gianni Schicchi.   She debuted with the Brevard Philharmonic in September, 2009 with music from My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music.

Since 2000 Ms. Stephens has developed a wonderful association with Youth Opera International. She has performed up to eight operas in a year coast to coast.