This week the Santa Fe Opera is set to present its 16th world premiere. The company, which has been an advocate for new opera, will present the fifth opera by Poul Ruders, “The Thirteenth Child.” The work, which tells the story of a paranoid king who banishes his 12 sons in favor of Lyra, the thirteenth child. But when Princess Lyra learns about her long-lost brothers, she embarks on a quest to find them. The work features an ensemble cast and Jessica Jones, a former Santa Fe Opera Apprentice singer, will perform the title role, returning to the company that has helped build her career.

Jones, a rising star in the opera world, is no stranger to world premieres as she was part of the first production to the Grammy-winning Opera “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs” at the Santa Fe Opera. Her other forays into American contemporary opera have included the workshop of “Roscoe” by Evan Mack at Opera Saratoga, Lightfoot McLendon in Floyd’s “Cold Sassy Tree,” Lulu in “Elmer Gantry,” and Rosasharn in “The Grapes of Wrath.” Critics have raved about her singing stating that her “voice thrilled and soared” and that her coloratura was “bright and clear.” As a result, with Ruder’s new opera Jones is sure to dominate and create yet another memorable role.

A native of Pocatello, Idaho, Jones has performed at some of the most prestigious opera houses in the U.S., including the Florida Grand Opera and Utah Opera, and for those who will not be present in Santa Fe, the soprano will be performing at Opera Southwest next season and will also appear with the Idaho State Civic Symphony.

Recording

For those not familiar with the soprano’s voice, Jones can be heard on the Grammy-winning recording of “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs” for Pentatone.

Here is a clip of Jessica Jones explaining her voice type and her love for opera.

And here she is singing for Opera Idaho.

Here she is singing “O Quante Volte.”