“It feels like I’ve been carrying this world with me for a long time.”

In this celebratory season, audiences will hear two twentieth-century operas and three world premieres across COT’s full slate of mainstage and special programming.

Though there is a long way still to go, today’s stages are richer because these pioneering conductors are on them.

WFMT talks with the outspoken mezzo-soprano about what it means to take on the role of Carmen, why she’s excited to open the COT season, and how modern-day audiences and artists can best confront the more outdated aspects of Carmen and other beloved operas.

From Carmen to Claus, learn what is in store for the next season of Chicago Opera Theater.