The two featured soloists in Sunday’s Masterworks performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s “Dixit Dominus” at Bluffton University are returning to their roots.

The concert is at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, in Yoder Recital Hall. Dr. Mark J. Suderman, Bluffton professor of music, will conduct the performance. Admission is free, however, a free-will offering will be taken.

Sarah Diller
Sarah Diller attended Bluffton High School and graduated from Bluffton University in 2011. Upon graduation, she attended Wichita State University and obtained a master’s degree in opera performance.
 
Diller is a soprano who currently teaches voice and piano lessons at Piano Power in Chicago. She has performed with the Ohio Light Opera, the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company and the Wichita Salon Series.
 
“It really is so special to do this. Bluffton is such a great community to grow up in. It is so fun when I come home and can experience what I’m doing with my life with the people who helped get me there,” said Diller.

Stephanie Schoenhofer 
Stephanie Schoenhofer grew up in Lima and is a graduate of Lima Central Catholic. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music in 2011 and a graduate degree in vocal performance from the University of Michigan in 2013. 

This will be the second time Schoenhofer has performed at Bluffton.  She was a  2014 "Messiah" soloist. 
 
Schoenhofer is a mezzo-soprano and is also pursuing her musical passions in Chicago. She will perform in “Suor Angelica” in Chicago and will return to Cincinnati to perform in April.
 
“I’m already feeling that wonderful sense of coming home. I really appreciate what these people (former vocal instructors, family and friends) have done for me. It’s like, it really paid off. Thank you for supporting me and giving me my start,” said Schoenhofer.
 
Both chose to move to Chicago because of the wide range of opportunities for vocalists.
 
“Many performers set up shot in Chicago. It’s a good hub, logistically. You have access to the major cities and a lot of companies come through Chicago to do auditions,” said Schoenhofer. 
 
Along with Diller and Schoenhofer, the next generation of rising talent from Ohio will be featured during the program. Outstanding high school students, who are part of the Performing Scholars Competition sponsored by the Bluffton University Music Department, will perform.