A native of Bucaramanga, Colombia, José Vargas Ramírez began his studies at Universidad Juan N. Corpas under Maestro Juan David Rojas, debuting in Signor Deluso and performing the world premiere of El Príncipe Feliz by David Trujillo. In 2016, he joined the Peabody Conservatory, studying with William Burden and Elizabeth Futral. He performed Tinca in … Read more
A multi-disciplinarian, Leo Radosavljevic holds a bachelors and masters degree in voice from the Juilliard School, as well as a masters degree in collaborative piano from DePaul University. He made his Carnegie hall debut as a pianist at age 19 and as a singer at age 22. He was first featured in performance as both … Read more
Brian Pember, Tenor, is returning to join the Opera Festival of Chicago Chorus for another exciting season! Brian is an alumnus of Westminster Choir College (‘17) where they studied with Charles Walker. They most recently appeared onstage with Chicago Opera Theater in the world premier of Remedios Varios (Student/The Tree/Books). Other recent credits include Great … Read more
Hailing from Nnewi, Anambra State, Chiemerie E Obianom began his musical journey in Nigeria, where he excelled both academically and musically. His talent was evident in his early years as he actively participated in his parish choir and mastered various musical instruments. Recognized for his exceptional vocal abilities, he earned a coveted spot in the … Read more
Margaret “Margo” Meierhenry from Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a second year vocal performance masters student at DePaul University in Chicago and a 2023 graduate of the University of South Dakota. She began her 2025 with her professional debut as an apprentice artist at Sarasota Opera. There she performed the role of Una Donna in … Read more
Samantha McGonigal is a mezzo-soprano from Columbus, Ohio. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Otterbein University, and is currently living in Chicago and working towards her Master’s of Music at DePaul University where she is a student of Dr. Viktoria Vizin. Her recent roles include Zweite Dame in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte … Read more
Ally Lewkowski is a Lyric Soprano. She has performed the role of Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Veronique in Bizet Dr. Miracle, and La Seconda Ceratrice in Puccini’s Suor Angelica. She had the opportunity to serve as a guest artist in the Vizin Virtual Ensemble, an organization with the goal of making Opera more … Read more
Marlina Karimi, Iranian-American Soprano, is from West Palm Beach, FL. Karimi was an Apprentice Artist at Sarasota Opera for their Winter 2024 season, where she covered Laura in Luisa Miller and performed in their chorus for Carmen, Luisa Miller, and Lucia di Lammermoor. During her studies with Dr. Linda Di Fiore at DePaul University, … Read more
Praised for her strength as a dramatic interpreter and her large, colorful sound, Soprano Lauren Ingebrigtsen is earning a reputation as a powerhouse singing actor. She was hailed as “strong and versatile” by the Chicago Reader for her performance as Edka in Chicago Fringe Opera’s Two Remain, and by the Decaturian as “phenomenal” and a … Read more