Introducing wonderful singers of IOC Spring 2026 Gala

Timothy Simon is a captivating Tenor whose voice resonates with precision, nuance, and emotion. Based in Los Angeles, born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, his musical journey has included performances with esteemed programs such as Arizona Opera, Tonality, and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, as well as in school productions at the University of Arizona and California State University, Northridge.

Timothy Simon is a captivating Tenor whose voice resonates with precision, nuance, and emotion. Based in Los Angeles, born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, his musical journey has included performances with esteemed programs such as Arizona Opera, Tonality, and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, as well as in school productions at the University of Arizona and California State University, Northridge.

Timothy holds a Master of Music in Voice from CSUN and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Arizona. Significant roles include Lord Percy in Anna Bolena by Donizetti (Independent Opera Company), Le Remendado (cover) in Carmen by Bizet (Arizona Opera), Tamino in Die Zauberflöte by Mozart (CSUN), Chevalier de la Force in Dialogues des Carmélites and Don Juan in The Stone Guest (Independent Opera Company). Timothy sees music as a way to express emotions and ideas that words cannot fully capture. Through melody and sound, he communicates deeper feelings that go beyond ordinary conversation. At the same time, the relationships he builds with colleagues and friends play an important role in his creative life. Their support, collaboration, and shared experiences give him both comfort and inspiration as a musician.

Jessica Berns-Garner, Dramatic Coloratura Soprano, is an up-and-coming performer in the Los Angeles area, known for her warm, rich timbre and powerful instrument.  Her operatic roles have included Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Frasquita (Carmen), La Ciesca (Gianni Schicchi), Fortuna (L’incoronazione di Poppea), both First and Second Lady and also Papagena (Die Zauberflöte), First Witch (Macbeth), and multiple roles in Suor Angelica including Dolcina, Nursing Sister, and First Touriere.  Additionally, she has covered the title role in Anna Bolena, Blanche (Dialogues des Carmelites), Gilda (Rigoletto), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Juliette (Roméo et Juliette), die Königin der Nacht (Die Zauberflöte), Adele (Die Fledermaus) and Genovieffa (Suor Angelica).  Operetta roles Ms. Berns-Garner has sung include Gianetta (The Gondoliers), Constance (The Sorcerer), Phoebe (The Yeoman of the Guard), Countess Stasi (The Gipsy Princess), and Sylviane (The Merry Widow).  In addition to her operatic work, Ms. Berns-Garner is also an accomplished concert soloist, having performed as a soloist in the Rutter Requiem, The Messiah, Handel’s Foundling Hospital Anthem, The Creation, and the Vivaldi Gloria.  Ms. Berns-Garner holds a Master of Music degree in Vocal Arts Performance from California State University, Northridge, which she received in 2013, and continues to study voice with Jessica Tivens-Schneiderman.  

David Ingram, Baritone, is an American singer known for his warm tone and strong stage presence.

He has performed leading and supporting roles with companies such as Arizona Opera, Independent Opera Company, Lawrence Opera Theater, and CSUN Opera. His memorable roles include Il Conte (Le Nozze di Figaro), Papageno (Die Zauberflöte), Escamillo (Carmen), Belcore (L’elisir d’amore), and Marcello (La Bohème).

In addition to opera, David has appeared as a soloist in major oratorio works including Faure’s

Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, and Mozart’s Requiem. He has sung with ensembles such as the

Arizona Opera Chorus, Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and sang with the Tucson Arizona

Boys Chorus since he was 9 years old. David is a scholar of gregorian chant and earned his Master of Music in Vocal Performance from California State University, Northridge, and his Bachelor of Music from the University of Arizona.

He currently resides in Los Angeles, continuing to perform across the West Coast.

Niko Murakami is a Japanese-American soprano. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music -

Vocal Performance from California State University Long Beach and earned her Master’s

degree in Vocal Performance at California State University Northridge. Ms. Murakami’s credited roles in opera include Rose Maurrant in Street Scene, The Princess in L’enfant et les Sortiléges, and Sister Mathilde in Dialogues of the Carmelites. She has collaborated with organizations like Pacific Opera Project (Superflute, Iolanta, Elixir of Love,

Madama Butterfly), Independent Opera (Love for Three Oranges, Daphne), and Los Angeles Opera Connects (On Gold Mountain). She has also performed as a guest soloist hosted by the Japanese Consulate of Los Angeles.

Her work includes singing as the soprano soloist for a Japanese rendition of Handel’s The

Messiah with The Japanese Messiah Project. She recently sang in Vibra Voce’s Voices of Asia

concert at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre. Niko studies classical voice with Shigemi Matsumoto.

Savi Labensart Levy

From starring in her highly acclaimed cabaret show produced by Grammy-

nominated producer Brad Benedict, to backing up Tiger Army on NBC's

Last Call with Carson Daly, to singing with LA's most famous orchestras, to

playing with her jazz band “Savi & the Hot Toddies” all around Southern

California, Savi consistently wows audiences with her vocal prowess and

musical skill. Her variety of talents has made her a desired presence in the

music studio, on tour, and performing on a plethora of stages, including the

Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Alex Theater, Royce Hall, Phoenix Symphony

Hall, Capital Studios, the Wiltern Theater, the Troubador, and the Fonda

Theater. Performing highlights also include appearances with the LA

Symphonic Winds, LA Chamber Orchestra, Laguna Beach Chamber

Singers, Nick Mancini, the Benny Brydern Quartet, Dave Stucky & the Hot

House Gang, Circe Link & Christian Nesmith, and a vocal appearance on

the FX series Justified. Savi’s opera roles include Gilda in Rigoletto for Casa

Italiana Opera, Annina in La Traviata for the Redlands Bowl Summer

Music Festival, and Masha in The Queen of Spades and Smeraldina in The

Love for Three Oranges for Independent Opera Co. Savi graduated with her

Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Cal State Northridge.

You can find recordings of her original music on all streaming platforms by

searching Savi & the Hot Toddies.