Here are Opera San José’s 2025-26 Artists-in-Residence
By David SalazarOpera San José has named its 2025-26 Artists-in-Residence.
The artists include Joanne Evans (mezzo-soprano), Emily Michiko Jensen (soprano), Nicole Koh (soprano), Noah Lindquist (conductor), Courtney Miller (mezzo-soprano), Benjamin Ruiz (tenor), and MarkAnthony Vallejo (director). They will be a part of the company’s four mainstage productions, community engagements, and will also receive personalized mentorship, free housing during their residencies.
“This remarkable group of artists reflects Opera San José’s ongoing commitment to nurturing both emerging and established talent, while delivering exceptional operatic experiences to Bay Area audiences and beyond,” said General Director & CEO Shawna Lucey. “Whether they are making their debut in a celebrated role or directing a fully staged opera, our artists are given an outlet and the support to thrive. Audiences have the unique opportunity to witness the rise of the next generation of operatic talent through this renowned program.”
Evans is a graduate of the 2023 Merola Opera Program and 2025 Académie of the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence and has appeared with such companies as Annapolis Opera and Berkshire Opera Festival. Jensen has performed at the Opera Company of Middlebury, Chautauqua Opera, Pensacola Opera, and Boston Lyric Opera, among others. Koh performed with Opera San José in 2024-25 and has also appeared with Chautauqua Opera.
Lindquist has conducted at festival Napa Valley festival and has led musicians from such ensembles as the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and Philadelphia Opera. He has also served as assistant conductor at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and is a frequent member of the music staff of San Francisco Opera. Miller has performed with San Francisco Opera, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, and Detroit Opera, among others. Ruiz has appeared with Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and Mittelsächsisches Theatre. Vallejo was an assistant director for “La Bohème” at Opera San José in 2024-25 and has also worked with Music On Site.
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