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
Iranian-American soprano Marlina Karimi 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
Jorie Clark is entering her second year as a graduate student at DePaul University; studying with Dr. Viktoria Vizin. She made her main-stage debut with DePaul Opera Theatre as Suor Angelica in the spring of 2025. Clark graduated Millikin University with her Bachelor of Music, studying with Dr. Amy Fuller, in May 2023. At Millikin, … Read more
Tenor Eric Wassenaar is recognized for his dynamic performances across opera, musical theater, and concert stages. In 2025 he joins the Opera Festival of Chicago covering the role of Beppe in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. During the 2017–2018 season, he was at Pensacola Opera as an Artist in Residence, debuting as Goro in Madama Butterfly and The … Read more
Una Vecchia
Soprano Jenny Schuler has earned praise in recent seasons for her powerful vocalism and compelling stage artistry. She has been hailed as a “sumptuous soprano,” with a voice “rich in nuance” and “a vivid presence on the stage.” 22/23 season highlights include Wagner’s Liebestod, (Tristan und Isolde) CCPA Symphony Orchestra, and Odabella in Verdi’s Attila with Opera … Read more
Stephanie Gubin is a soprano from the northern suburbs of Chicago, and a student of baritone Jeffrey Ray. She received her bachelor’s degree in music performance from the DePaul University School of Music, and has recently returned to DePaul to pursue her master’s in vocal performance. Highlights from her time with DePaul Opera Theater include … Read more
Ancella/Giovanetta