L’INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA
DetailsL’incoronazione di Poppea (Monteverdi)
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 — 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 8, 2026 — 12:00 PM
Ganz Hall
Roosevelt University
430 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
SynopsisThe opera opens with the goddesses of Virtue and Fortune debating who has the greatest power to sway humanity. The god of Love interrupts to argue his superiority by way of a story. Ottone arrives at the home of Poppea, his beloved; however, her villa is guarded by Emperor Nerone's soldiers. In his passionate entanglement with Poppea, Nerone is not only stepping out on the Empress Ottavia, but also neglecting his duties as emperor. However, their passion is strong and neither lover heeds the warnings of those around them, like Arnalta and Seneca, that their affair could backfire. In fact, Nerone has no interest in the political expediency of hiding his love. He wants to abandon Ottavia and marry Poppea instead, crowning her as the new empress.
Seneca is punished for questioning Nerone's plans; after several death omens, the emperor orders him to kill himself. His death is riotously celebrated by Nerone and the poet Lucano. Meanwhile, Ottone has contented himself with marrying Drusilla. He had previously desired to kill Poppea, but demurs; however, Ottavia orders Ottone to follow through with the murder. He dresses as Drusilla to disguise himself, but Love intervenes just as he is about to kill Poppea, preventing him from dealing a fatal blow.
As the opera races towards its conclusion, its moral complexity, particularly for a work composed in the early Baroque era, is noteworthy. Nerone and Poppea's courtly love follows the conventions of the time, but their behavior is far from admirable; however, they are rewarded at the opera's conclusion. Other characters possess both good and bad qualities, but their own desires are no match for the determined power of Nerone and the intensity of his and Poppea's love. Monteverdi's final opera, just decades after the birth of the art form, not only demonstrates his mastery of the genre but his awareness of the complex human condition.
Cast
Victoria Brodeur
Poppea
Rachel Ward
Rachel Ward, soprano, is an Artist Diploma student at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. She recently performed the roles of Morgana in Handel's Alcina, Mrs. Gobineau in Menotti's The Medium, and Despina in Mozart's Così fan tutte. She has received awards from SERNATS and the Atlanta Opera Competition. She was a featured young artist at the Festival of International Opera in Urbania, Italy, for two years where she made her debut in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, Verdi’s Falstaff and other operas. Ms. Ward has also been a member of the Schwob Opera Program, where she performed roles in Rusalka, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Hansel and Gretel. She has been a featured soloist in choral and concert works during her undergraduate and graduate studies. Ms. Ward is a student of Dr. Joshua May.
Poppea
Kayla Suter is a lyric soprano from Staten Island, New York. She recently earned her Master’s degree in Opera Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. She began her training at LaGuardia High School in Manhattan and continued at Liberty University, where she performed roles including Adele (Die Fledermaus), Despina (Così fan tutte), and Barbarina (Le nozze di Figaro).
Kayla furthered her studies in Italy with Opera Lucca, performing Suor Dolcina in Puccini’s Suor Angelica. She has since appeared with Opera on the James, Brian Clowdus Experiences, and the Butler Opera Center. Notable roles include Suor Dolcina and Lay Sister Two (Suor Angelica), Second Spirit (Cendrillon), Oronte (Alcina), Ofelia in the premiere of Downwind, and First Cercatrice (Suor Angelica).
Poppea CoverKayla Suter
Svetlana Kirpu
Svetlana Kirpu is a lyric soprano based in the United States. She holds a Bachelor’s degree with honors in Vocal Performance from the Krasnodar State Institute of Culture (2023) and graduated from the College of Arts with a specialization in vocal performance and music theory (2019).
Her operatic repertoire includes Mimi in La Bohème, Tatiana in Eugene Onegin, Iolanta and Laura in Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta, and Marguerite in Faust. In the U.S., she has performed with the Hawaii Opera Theatre in the chorus of Carmen and with the Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento in The Mikado. She also appeared as Polly Peachum in The Threepenny Opera with the Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento.
In community and regional opera, she portrayed Molly in The Emerald Isle with Lyric Theatre / The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of San Jose, and sang in the chorus of La Traviata with Festival Opera at the Hofmann Theatre at Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, California.
Ottavia/VirtueHannah Tatay
Ottavia/VirtueOttavia/Virtue CoverAshlyn Rock
Megan Dellenbaugh
Megan Dellenbaugh is a recent graduate of Kenyon College. Throughout her Kenyon career, she sang with the Kenyon College Chamber Singers and regularly performed at music department recitals. Megan won the Knox County Young Musician's Competition in fall 2025 and sang at the Knox County Symphony concert in January. Last summer, she performed in the International Lyric Academy's production of Falstaff (Chorus). She is very excited to join Chicago Summer Opera this year!
Drusilla - Choro di amori III & Pallade, Damigella, Fortuna, Choro di amori II Cover
Feier Meng
Feier Meng is a coloratura lyric soprano whose work bridges dramatic expression and musical refinement.
She has performed roles such as Nella in Gianni Schicchi, demonstrating a strong affinity for Italian opera and early repertoire.
She continues to shape her artistic identity through a diverse repertoire and a deep commitment to storytelling in opera.
Drusilla - Choro di amori IIIJoicy Pereira de Carvalho
Drusilla Cover - Choro di amori III Cover
Hailing from Seattle, Washington, promising young soprano Ava Kimmel is thrilled to be joining Chicago Summer Opera for the first time. Recent seasons have been filled with role debuts for Ms. Kimmel, including Don Ettore in Handel’s La Canterina, Venus in John Blow’s Venus and Adonis, Titania in Purcell’s The Fairy Queen, and Lola in Douglas Moore’s Gallantry. Other notable projects include Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice with Stony Brook Opera Chorus, and her participation in Stony Brook Opera’s annual opera scenes gala.
Ava’s recent concert engagements include singing Exsultate, Jubilate by W. A. Mozart with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, and singing with the Santa Barbara Symphony in their presentation of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Johannes Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem. With the Westmont Symphony Orchestra, she sang as the featured soprano soloist in Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Previously, Ms. Kimmel sang in concert with NATS and Seattle Opera in their Young Artists Concert, as well as in various personal recitals. Additional concert projects include singing Strauss’ Brentano Lieder and Boulanger’s Soir sur le Plaine with Westmont Chamber Ensemble in tandem with the Bellosguardo Foundation. In 2024, Ava competed in the PASF Santa Barbara Competition in the Adult Vocal division, winning first prize.
Amore/Valleto - Choro di amori IAva Kimmel
Mia Blanco is a classical voice student based in the NYC/NJ area who is pursuing her dream of becoming a performer. In May of this year, she graduated from the Manhattan School of Music with a Bachelor’s Degree in voice. Her operatic style leans toward Baroque and Classical, mainly with roles from the Handel and Mozart repertoire. She has gained experience working with coaches in the tri-state area and outside of the country, being involved in the International Vocal Artists Academy of Payerbach for two consecutive summers. Her professional Instagram page, m.blanco2, is a resource that can be used to view some of her most recent operatic highlights. She was last seen performing Contessa in an excerpt from A. Scott Parry’s "The Guilty Mother" in MSM's Undergraduate Opera Scenes recital, and has also recently appeared in MSM’s "Bach Week" performances, working with conductor Raphael Fusco.
Amore/Valleto - Choro di amori IMia Blanco
Savannah Holley
Amore/Valleto Cover - Choro di amori I - Cover
Ashlyn Boomer will be a junior at Butler University studying vocal performance and music education. Originally from Colorado, she is so excited to be in the wonderful city of Chicago, to be part of this fabulous program, and to have the chance to experience the professional world of opera. She has played the lawyer and the magistrate in Gianni Schicchi/Buoso's Ghost, and the fox in The Cunning Little Vixen. She has also participated in musical theater, playing Wednesday in The Addams Family and Winifred in Once Upon a Mattress. This experience is once-in-a-lifetime, and she is so grateful to her professors, who have helped her get this far, and to her family, who have always supported her dreams.
Pallade, Damigella, Fortuna, Choro di amori IIAshlyn Boomer
Alice Barlow
Pallade, Damigella, Fortuna, Choro di amori II
Mezzo-soprano Xinyue Liu is a Master of Music student at the Peabody Conservatory, studying with Margaret Baroody and Denyce Graves. She earned her Bachelor of Music from the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing. Recent performances include Flora in Verdi’s La Traviata, Armelinde in Viardot’s Cendrillon (Opera Scenes), and ensemble in Weill’s Street Scene.
NeroneXinyue Liu
Atlanta native Bryce Elliot Zimmerman is a countertenor celebrated for a voice described as "warm as a plum," equally at home in the ethereal upper reaches of the countertenor range and a remarkably resonant lower register. A versatile artist, he balances a distinguished career in historical performance with a robust commitment to contemporary music, having premiered fifteen new works to date.
Mr. Zimmerman's 2024–2026 seasons feature significant role and solo debuts, including Nerone in Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea with Chicago Summer Opera and Alto Soloist in Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri with Jacobs Concentus. Recent highlights include Handel's Dixit Dominus with the Toronto Consort, Bach Cantatas BWV 100 and BWV 42 with the Bloomington Bach Cantata Project and Baltimore Baroque Band, and the role of Cupid in John Blow's Venus and Adonis.
A graduate of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where he studied with Ah Young Hong, Mr. Zimmerman subsequently pursued studies at the University of Toronto under Daniel Taylor and Jean MacPhail. He is currently completing a Master of Music in Historical Performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music under the tutelage of Thomas Cooley. His artistry has been further shaped through master classes with early music luminaries Dame Emma Kirkby, Michael Chance, Lynne Dawson, and Reginald Mobley.
Beyond the opera and concert stage, Mr. Zimmerman has appeared at prestigious festivals including Urbino Musica Antiqua and Siena Agosto in Italy, as well as the Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute, and now the Chicago Summer Opera Institute.
NeroneBryce Zimmerman
Oksana Potts
Oksana Potts is a talented mezzo-soprano known for her captivating performances on prestigious stages. She was featured in Spotlight on Opera in 2023, reprising such roles as Suor Osmina/La novizia from Suor angelica, showcasing her powerful vocal range and artistry. In 2024, she graced the stage at the renowned Vienna Music Festival, growing into such principal roles as Alma March from Little Women, further establishing herself as a rising star in the opera world. In 2025, she attended Spotlight on Tulsa Opera where she covered the roles of Lola from Cavalleria rusticana and Aninna from La traviata, in which she performed the role of The Servant. With each performance, Oksana continues to captivate audiences with her emotive delivery and exceptional skill.
Nerone Cover
Miao Zhang is a mezzo-soprano currently pursuing a Master of Music in Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy at Carthage College. She holds an MFA in traditional Chinese opera from Peking University. She is excited to participate in the Chicago Summer Opera program.
OttoneMiao Zhang
Yan Yu is a Chinese mezzo-soprano currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Performance at The Ohio State University.
In 2025, she appeared as the Alto soloist in Handel’s Messiah and participated as a young artist at the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS), where she notably collaborated with renowned concert organist Ulrich Walther in the La voix céleste concert, performing Handel’s works. An active and versatile concert artist, Yan has also enjoyed a notable solo appearance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.
Yan is deeply passionate about bridging classical music with diverse audiences, actively exploring different vocal styles, and engaging in early music collaborations. Her operatic career highlights include performances as Ariodante (Ariodante), Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro), Annio (La clemenza di Tito), Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus), and Sandman (Hänsel und Gretel).
Yan's competition successes include First Prize at the American Midwest Chamber and Vocal Competition and Third Prize in the Advanced Classical division at the Ohio NATS auditions.
OttoneYan Yu
Madison Lombardo is a lyric mezzo-soprano based in Seattle, WA. She has performed throughout the Pacific Northwest in opera, educational outreach, and contemporary chamber music. In fall 2025, she covered the role of Marquise in La Fille du Régiment with Kitsap Opera. Madison also brought the role of Giselle to life in a studio recording of A Woman Driven that is set to release Spring 2026. Other recent performances include Les Troyens (Seattle Opera) and Hansel and Gretel (Northwest Opera in Schools, Etc.). Madison runs a private voice studio specializing in neurodivergent singers and voice recovery. With a deep belief in the power of storytelling, she approaches both performance and teaching with artistry and intention. Madison is an active member of NATS and has presented at the International Congress of Voice Teachers about teaching neurodivergent young singers. Learn more at madisonlombardo.com.
Ottone CoverMadison Lombardo
Arnalta - Choro di amori IVMackenzie Sheridan
Molly Bass, mezzo-contralto, is a private voice and piano instructor based in Tempe, AZ. Bass earned her undergraduate degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy and Vocal Music Education from Bemidji State University. She has performed as “Pamina” in Mozart's The Magic Flute and “Peep Bo” in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado at BSU. Bass is a frequently requested soloist for special events and church services in Arizona. In addition to performing, she is an active educator and clinician. Molly currently teaches a full studio of over thirty students a week and loves every minute of it! She enjoys hiking, rock climbing, traveling, and reading. Bass is a student of Mark Crayton and Jennifer Olson.
Arnalta - Choro di amori IVMolly Bass
Now in her fourth year with Chicago Summer Opera, Isabel appeared as the first Knaben in The Magic Flute, Spirit in Dido & Aeneas, and in the Ensemble of Carmen. She is a recipient of the CS Music 2025 All-State Singer Award and attended Summer Performing Arts with Juilliard. Previously, Isabel was a member of the Voice & Opera Program at Interlochen Arts Camp performing in scenes as Maguelonne from Cendrillon and as a member of the Ensemble in Iolanthe and The Elixir of Love. She has also twice participated as a member of the Honors Performance Series Choir performing pieces of world music at Carnegie Hall, New York City and has been a member of local community choirs. A rising high school senior, Isabel is excited to return to CSO for another season.
Nutrice & Famigliari 1Isabel Lanz
Elizabeth Neveu is a sophomore at the British International School of Chicago and sings with Uniting Voices Chicago’s highest ensemble, Voice of Chicago. She has appeared with the Lyric Opera of Chicago Children’s Chorus, Chicago Opera Theater, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, including performances in Carmen, The Queen of Spades, Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, and Carmina Burana.
Nutrice & Famigliari 1Elizabeth Neveu
Bass Benjamin Shermock is a frequent performer in the Twin Cities area. He made his operatic debut with the Opera Reading Project in Minneapolis, singing the role of Il Notaio in Gianni Schicchi. Ben serves as bass section leader with the Minnesota Chorale, the St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral Choir, the Basilica of Saint Mary Schola, and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers. Ben holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Roosevelt University. His vocal teachers have included Mark Crayton, Deborah Carbaugh, and David Jones.
SenecaBenjamin Shermock
SenecaCaleb Mienk
Soldato pretoriano I, Famigliar 2, ConsulAntonio Serrano
Mark Lokkesmoe, tenor, is an active concert artist. He recently made his international operatic debut at the Festival of International Opera in Urbania, Italy as “Paolino” in Il matrimonio segreto by Cimarosa. This season, Mr. Lokkesmoe will perform the role of “Oronte” in Handel’s Baroque masterpiece, Alcina. In addition, he will perform across Columbus, Ga in the Schwob Opera Outreach production of Pinocchio. In 2025, Mark was awarded 1st prize in the Southeastern Region and the GA Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Currently, Mark is pursuing an M.M. in Vocal Performance at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University under the tutelage of Dr. Joshua May.
Soldato pretoriano I, Famigliar 2, ConsulMark Lokkesmoe
Michael Sabatino began his musical journey at the age of five, studying violin with his mother, concert violinist Rachel Varga, and with his grandmother. He began formal voice lessons at the age of eleven with Lorraine Helvick. He also studied with Anthony Laciura (Metropolitan Opera) and coached with Matthew Lobaugh (Washington National Opera). It soon became apparent that he was an exceptional voice talent. At the age of 13 He placed third in the Southold Opera Competition in the 13-19 year-old category. As a high school student he won prizes in numerous competitions, including the Schmidt Vocal Competition and the Classical Singer Competition. Michael has performed at such venues as Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall , the New World Center in Miami, Florida, and the National Opera Center. In 2023 Michael was selected as a winner with distinction in the National YoungArts competition. Michael is currently a student at the Eastman School of Music in the studio of Katherine Ciesinski. Previous roles include Dr. Blind in "die Fledermaus", Don Pelagio in Haydn's "La Cantarina", Count Almaviva in Mercandente's "Il due Figaro", Feral Child in Allen Shawn's "H&G a Great and Terrible Story", and Jack in "Into the Woods".
Soldato pretoriano II, Liberto