CARMEN
DetailsCarmen (Bizet)
Friday, August 7, 2026 — 7:30 PM
Sunday, August 9, 2026 — 2:00 PM
Ganz Hall
Roosevelt University
430 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
SynopsisIn a square in Seville, all sorts of people mingle – soldiers, street urchins, and cigarette factory girls. Among them, Micaëla is looking for Don José. During the cigarette girls’ break, most of the soldiers’ eyes wander to the seductive Carmen as she sings her famous habanera – José, however, ignores her. She throws him a flower and he waits until everyone has left to pick it up.
Micaëla finds José and they nearly plan to return home and get married to fulfill his mother’s wishes. However, they’re interrupted by commotion in the factory; Carmen has drawn a knife on another woman. José is tasked with holding her in custody while a warrant is prepared, but instead, Carmen seduces him, causing her escape and his own arrest.
A few months later, Carmen is happy to learn that José has been released, but the bullfighter Escamillo, introduced by the famous Toreador song, also has his eyes on the beautiful Carmen. José realizes that Carmen’s pull is stronger than his military duty and officially abandons his post. However, their love is too intense to last, and they are pursued by Micaëla, who wants what’s best for José, and Escamillo, who wants Carmen for himself. Carmen also receives an ominous indication that her future holds only death.
Carmen, bored of José, goes off with Escamillo and even joins him at his next bullfight, where José decides to confront Carmen one last time in an attempt to tame her wild love. However, he was warned when he heard the words of her habanera: “If you love me, beware!” The tragic pair are both driven by their worst impulses in the opera’s dramatic conclusion.
Bizet’s Carmen, one of the most popular operas of all time, was not well received at first due to its scandalous subject matter. Bizet died before he could see it become an incredible success. Today, its iconic melodies, crafted from Bizet’s lifelong interest in Spanish music, are among the most widely recognized opera tunes outside of the opera house.
Cast
Amanda Ferreira
Amanda Ferreira, mezzo-soprano from Brazil, has performed extensively as a soloist on stages in Brazil, Europe, and the United States, and has participated in numerous festivals across these regions. Most recently, she toured France and Spain performing arias from Carmen with the University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra.
Throughout her career, she has performed roles such as Ramiro in La finta giardiniera, Third Lady in The Magic Flute, the Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas, and Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro, as well as scenes from Carmen, among others. She has also distinguished herself as a soloist in cantatas, oratorios, and requiems, and recently performed as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah.
Amanda is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Voice Performance at the University of Georgia. She earned her Master’s degree in Voice Performance from the University of Wyoming in 2024. Prior to that, she completed the Lyric Singing Course at the São Paulo Municipal School of Music in 2022, one of the most respected musical institutions in South America. In 2019, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance from Alcântara Machado Arts College in São Paulo.
In addition to her solo work, Amanda has extensive experience as a choral singer, contributing to major choirs and performing significant choral repertoire.
Carmen
Yiyang Zhang
Yiyang Zhang, mezzo-soprano (Guangdong, China), is a first-year master student at the Mannes School of Music, studying under the tutelage of Jennifer Zetlan. Her upcoming engagements include the title role in Bizet’s Carmen with Chicago Summer Opera. With the Focus Opera Young Artist Program, her recent stage credits include Dorabella in Così fan tutte (2024), Maddalena in Rigoletto (2025), and covering Nicklausse in Les contes d'Hoffmann (2025).
On the competition circuit, she was a finalist in the Chinese division of the 60th "Voci Verdiane" International Competition and was awarded Second Prize at the 2024 Birmingham International Music Festival (Professional Group). She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Xinghai Conservatory of Music. During her undergraduate studies, Zhang participated in diverse operatic productions and gala concerts, developing a strong foundation in stage performance as she continues her advanced training in the United States.
Carmen
Carmen CoverFanny Andersson
Daisy Dalit Sigal
Daisy Dalit Sigal is a young Canadian soprano from Montreal. She is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in Classical Vocal Performance at the Manhattan School of Music, where she was awarded the Presidential Scholarship, under the guidance of Cynthia Hoffmann. Throughout her artistic journey, she has interpreted various pieces ranging from musical theatre to operatic repertoire. After winning First Prize in the "American Protégé International Vocal Competition" in 2018, she was inspired by the idea of pursuing a career in opera. In June 2023, she was named a Future Star by the Fondation de la Place des Arts and was invited to perform as a soloist in the 12th annual edition of the "Future Star’s Grand Premiere" gala on the biggest stage of Place des Arts in Montreal. In January 2023, Daisy appeared as Une Bête in her school’s concert production of Maurice Ravel’s "L’Enfant et les sortilèges". She had her official role debut as the Sorella Infermiera in Puccini’s "Suor Angelica" on the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheatre stage and performed the roles of Sutton/Marine/Mrs. Foster in Kurt Weill’s "Lady in the Dark" in the summer of that year. In the summer of 2024, Dalit Sigal appeared again on the CHQ Amphitheatre stage as Maria in Nino Rota’s "I due timidi". In May 2025, she performed the title role of Princess Ida in Manhattan School of Music’s Undergraduate Opera Theatre's (UGOT) mainstage re-written production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s "Princess Ida: the Glow Up", and in July of the same year Daisy appeared as Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi with the Chicago Summer Opera. Daisy is thrilled to return to Chicago Summer Opera this July to perform Micaëla in Geroge Bizet’s "Carmen".
MicaelaHyunkyung Eo
MicaelaAshley Holguin
Micaela Cover
Kiara King
Kiára King is a lyric coloratura from Austell, Georgia. She is a recent graduate of Columbus State University where she obtained a Master’s of Music in Vocal Performance under the direction of Dr. Joshua May. She also holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Florida State University, earned May of 2023. Previous roles include Second Knaben in Mozart’s "Die Zauberflöte", Monica in Menotti’s "The Medium", Goldie B.Locks in John Davies’ "Goldie B. Locks and the Three Singing Bears", and cover for Suor Genovieffa in Puccini’s "Suor Angelica". Projected roles include Morgana in Handel’s "Alcina" and Olympia in John Davies' "Pinocchio".
Frasquita
Finley Hagan
Finley Hagan is an operatic soprano based in San Marcos, Texas. She recently received her Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from Texas State University where she studied under Daveda Karanas. While at Texas State, Finley performed as Amastre in Xerxes, Donna Eleonora in Prima la musica e poi la parole, Samuel in Pirates of Penzance, and Mrs. Gobineau in The Medium. Finley also studied with Chicago Summer Opera, where she performed as Armida in Rinaldo. She has received awards from the TEXOMA NATS and NATS- Southwest Texas Chapter competitions and was a member of the international professional music organization Sigma Alpha Iota.
Frasquita
Leilah Telon
A native of Los Angeles, CA, Soprano Leilah Telon is recognized for her vibrant stage presence and dedication to her craft. Ms. Telon recently earned her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from California State University, Northridge in Spring 2025.
A winner of the 2025 CSUN Aria and Concerto Competition, Ms. Telon made her debut at the Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Los Angeles Master Chorale High School Honor Choir for its 28th anniversary. She has since performed across California and internationally in Europe, appearing at venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall, UCLA’s Freud Playhouse, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, and Bodrum Castle.
Her roles include Blanche in Dialogues of the Carmelites, Zweite Dame in Die Zauberflöte, Nadia in Marea Roja, and the Nurse Sister in Suor Angelica with Guild Opera Company, as well as Serpina in La Serva Padrona with the Vocal Academy of Opera in Bodrum. She has collaborated with LA Opera, Village Voices, Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and CSUN Opera.
Her honors include the Colburn Foundation Classical Music Scholarship, the Village Voices Scholarship, the Leona Hughes Heart and Hand Scholarship, and many more.
In addition to performing, Ms. Telon teaches approximately 70 students each week through private, one-on-one instruction at local music academies, working with students of all ages and expertise as well as fostering a strong foundation in vocal technique and artistry.
Frasquita Cover
Huizhong Jiang
Huizhong Jiang, mezzo-soprano, was born in Shanghai, China. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Professor Xuan Huang. She later received her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music under the guidance of Professor Ashley Putnam, where she performed the role of Dorabella in Mozart’s Così fan tutte and Dorothée in Massenet’s Cendrillon, both produced by the MSM Opera Theater.
Currently, she is pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in Vocal Performance at Michigan State University, studying with Professor Jane Bunnell. Huizhong is a winner of the Tuscany International Vocal Arts Festival. In the spring of last year, she performed as Tisbe in the MSU Opera Theater’s production of Rossini’s La Cenerentola. This season, she will also appear with MSU Opera Theater as Clarina in Rossini’s La cambiale di matrimonio and as the Mistress of Novices in Puccini’s Suor Angelica.
Mercédès
Emma Kristin Batchvarov
Emma Kristin is a young Belgian mezzo-soprano in training, currently pursuing her Bachelor degree in classical voice at Manhattan School of Music, in the studio of Mary Dunleavy. In 2023/2024 Emma Kristin completed the Pre-college of the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp and the Sweelinck Academy of Conservatorium Amsterdam.
In 2021 Emma Kristin was chosen as a participant of Anna Maria Chiuri’s Masterclass.
At 16 she performed the role of Papagena in Die Zauberflöte produced by TMF and Dutch National Opera & Ballet. In 2024 she won 1st prize at Val Tidone International Music Competition. In 2025 Emma performed the role of Meg in Adamo’s Little Women , presented by Trentino Music Festival Opera Studio, directed by Robin Blauers and conducted by J. David Jackson.
Mercédès
Jung Bae Kim
Jung Bae Kim is a Korean tenor currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Opera Performance at the Butler School of Music. He received his Bachelor of Music from Chugye University for the Arts, his Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music, and completed Professional Studies at Mannes School of Music.
His operatic roles include Tamino and Monostatos in Die Zauberflöte, Prince Charming in Cendrillon, and Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi. He has also appeared as the tenor soloist in Messiah.
Don José
Logan Williams
From community singing groups and state choirs to world premiere operas and masterworks, Tenor Logan Williams has rooted himself in the musical industry. Logan has a B.M.E. in Music Education from Wingate University, a M.M. for Vocal Performance at Carnegie Mellon University, and an AMS Certificate in Voice at Carnegie Mellon University.
Beyond the stage, Logan possesses a wide range of related musical skills as a Music Minister, Music Librarian, and Vocal Coach. In addition to world premiere operas, Logan has showcased his skills in mainstage operas as Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni, as Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, and Rodolfo in La Boheme.
Logan believes that experiences are key to success and without unique experiences to push someone to improve, they will be limited in their growth to potential greatness. Logan continues to explore the outlets presented to him in the operatic and classical genre. Logan actively engages in community outreach initiatives with groups in Pittsburgh, by sharing his passion for music with diverse audiences and inspiring the next generation of performers. His commitment to artistic excellence and holistic musical education sets him apart as a multifaceted talent in the industry.
Don José
Zachary Douglas
Zachary Douglas, tenor, is an emerging opera artist currently studying at Angelo State University, where he performs under the tutelage of Jessica Rosas-Posada. His artistry is rooted in expressive storytelling, disciplined vocal technique, and a commitment to emotional truth on stage. Zachary is honored to join the Chicago Summer Opera Program, where he looks forward to continuing his vocal and dramatic development through immersive training and performance.
Don José CoverBryan Lawrenz
Le Remendado
Yung Wang
Yung (Leo) Wang, a native of Kaohsiung, Taiwan (R.O.C.), received a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from National Sun Yat-sen University (Taiwan) and a Master of Music in Voice Performance from Illinois State University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice Performance at The Ohio State University, where he also serves as a graduate teaching assistant in the voice area, with a specialization in Singing Health.
As a singer and performer, Wang is actively seen in various operas, musicals, and concert works. A few highlights include Fabrizio in The Light in the Piazza, Peter Quint in Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of The Screw and Bastine in Mozart’s Bastien und Bastienne (OSU), Karl Franz in Sigmund Romberg’s Student Prince (Elite chorus), tenor solo in Handel’s Messiah with Tainan YMCA, Jean Valjean in Schönberg’s Les Misérables with NSYSU’s Department of English, Commissioner in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly with Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra, El Remendado in Bizet’s Carmen with MIOpera’s online production, Donald Hopewell in Moore’s opera Gallantry broadcasted by WGLT radio, leading roles in ISU opera productions of Virgil Thomson’s Capital Capitals and Samuel Barber’s A Hand of Bridge, tenor solo in Schubert’s Mass in G major, D.167, and in Theodore Dubois’s The Seven Last Words of Christ.
Le Remendado
Wenlong Zhang
Zhang Wenlong (baritone) holds a bachelor's degree from the China Conservatory of Music and a master's degree from Boston University (2019-2024). He has been deeply involved in the fields of opera and musicals, participating in many classic works such as "Jiang Jie", "The Marriage of Figaro", and "La Traviata", playing core roles like Count and Giorgio Germont.
Escamillo
Daniel Reese
Daniel is a bass-baritone from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned his undergrade degree in vocal performance from Duquesne University and currently studies with vocal coach, Susanna Lemberskaya. He has performed with the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Festival Opera. Notable performances include Bartolo in Le nozze di Figaro, Uberto in La serva padrona, and most recently Calchas in La belle Hélène performed with the Franco American Vocal Academy in Angers, France.
Escamillo
Xi Liu
XI (Jonas) Liu is a baritone from Macau currently pursuing his undergraduate degree at the Manhattan School of Music, where he studies with Joan Patenaude-Yarnell. His operatic and musical theatre roles include Scene in Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, Neville in The Secret Garden, and the Poet in Kismet. He has also appeared in numerous recitals and choral productions.
Last summer, he was invited to participate in the Castleton Festival Immersive Residency. He began his formal vocal training at Interlochen Arts Academy, majoring in Classical Voice under the guidance of Jeffrey Norris.
Beyond performance, Jonas is actively involved in leadership and cultural exchange. He has served as an International Student Liaison and Bilingual Language Partner, and led the Badminton Club at Interlochen. His interests also include tennis, skiing, swimming, fashion design, and percussion.
Le Dancaire
Ethan Miller
Ethan Miller, baritone, is a Missouri native who recently earned his Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from California State University, Northridge. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia and currently studies under Dr. Hugo Vera, having previously studied with Christina Ray.
Mr. Miller recently made his acting debut in the feature film Plump Jack as a Constable, with the film’s first official showing forthcoming. On the operatic stage, he has appeared in a range of dramatic and character-driven roles, including Lord Rochefort in Anna Bolena, Bartolo in Le nozze di Figaro, Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief, and Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
His additional credits and cover roles further reflect a growing dramatic baritone repertoire and include Don Carlos in The Stone Guest, Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola, Figaro & Le Conte in Le nozze di Figaro, Masetto in Don Giovanni, and Sam in Blue Monday.
Le Dancaire
Joshua Nieman
Joshua Nieman, bass, appears with Chicago Summer Opera as Zuniga in Bizet’s Carmen. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Iowa, where he studies under Dr. Jeremiah Sanders. His recent credits include Maître Jean in La Colombe (University of Iowa Opera Theatre). He appeared as a bass soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra. Musical theatre credits include Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical (Theatre Cedar Rapids), Beauty and the Beast (Wilson Regional Performing Arts Center), and Anastasia (City Circle Theatre Company). Joshua is grateful to his colleagues, mentors, and the Chicago Summer Opera for their support.
Zuniga
Christopher Pettersen
Christopher Pettersen is a second year masters student at the University of Illinois. He is a student of Professor Ricardo Hererra. With Lyric Theater at Illinois, he been seen as a soloist in Carnaval! and Under the Stars as well as in the off-stage chorus of Orfeo. Future engagements include his Graduate Recital as well as the role of Dashwood in Little Women with Lyric Theater and Zuniga in Carmen with Chicago Summer Opera. Other roles include Speaker/Second Armed Man in Magic Flute and Montresor in the world premiere of the one act version of Elysia Arntzen’s Cask of Amontillado. Favorite Partial Roles include Colline in La Boheme, Collatinus in The Rape of Lucretia, Figaro and Antonio in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Max/Chorus in Act 2 of Lauren Bernofsky’s The Mensch. He has had the honor of being a chorister with Opera Maine for 3 summers in productions of The Flying Dutchman, La Cenerentola, and Aida. As a choral artist, he has performed in such venues as Krannert’s Foelinger Great Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral. He holds bachelors degrees in flute and voice from the University of Southern Maine and Western Illinois University.
Zuniga
Koremitsu Adachi
Koremitsu (Kore) Adachi, a passionate interpreter of the operas of W. A. Mozart, is a baritone from Yokohama, Japan. With the guidance from his teacher William Burden, Kore continues to explore and refine the Mozart repertoire within a dynamic international environment.
His recent performances include Le Nozze di Figaro (Mozart), in which he appeared as Bartolo and covered the role of Figaro, and La finta giardiniera (Mozart) as Nardo. He has also been featured in several productions with Mannes Opera, including Don Giovanni (Mozart) as Masetto (cover) and Turandot (Busoni) as a member of the chorus.
This summer, Kore will expand his repertoire beyond Mozart into later operatic works, performing the role of Moralès in Carmen by Georges Bizet with the Chicago Summer Opera.
Moralès
Liao Hu
Liao Hu, a baritone from Beijing, China, is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he studies with Zachary Coates.
Recent operatic scene performances include Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro) and Lorenzo (I Capuleti e i Montecchi).
In the summer of 2025, he performed as a member of the Lieder Studio at the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) in Graz, Austria.
In the summer of 2026, he will appear as Moralès and Zuniga at the Varna International Music Academy, and as Moralès at Chicago Summer Opera.
MoralèsKiki Khan Flammang
Chorus