La Boheme

Hailed for her “great stage presence” and “soaring soprano voice” Madeleine Gotschlich is a versatile and dynamic performer with a love for everything from Mozart to Strauss. Originally from Gorham, Maine, she has recently relocated to Chicago following her master’s degree studies at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music under Carol Vaness. She made her professional debut in 2019 with Opera MODO, as Diana in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld. In 2023, she debuted the role of Mrs. Van Daan in the world premiere production of Shulamit Ran’s Anne Frank. Other roles performed include Arminda (La Finta Giardiniera), Ciesca (Gianni Schicchi), and Grimgerde (Die Walküre). Ms. Gotschlich has also performed scenes from a variety of roles, including Leonora (Il Trovatore), Amelia (Un ballo in maschera), Vanessa (Vanessa), Luisa (Luisa Miller), Eboli (Don Carlo), Agathe (Der Freschütz), Alice Ford (Falstaff), Norma (Norma), and Mother (Hansel and Gretel).

Zoe Zdrojewski, soprano, holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Music Degree in Voice Performance and Pedagogy from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. Throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic, Zoe seized the opportunity to create opportunities for herself in the world of virtual opera, making her international opera debut as a member of the fully online ensemble in Ravel’s L'enfant et les sortilèges with the virtual company VOPERA, in collaboration with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The following summer Zoe was cast as Virtù in FIO Italia's virtual production of L'incoronazione di Poppea. When a return to live performance was finally made possible, Zoe took the stage with the Ann Arbor Comic Opera Guild as Princess Minutezza in John Philip Sousa's The Bride Elect, and joined Detroit's Opera MODO in their rendition of #SuperFlute (The Magic Flute) as Toadette (Spirit #2). While at Peabody, Ms. Zdrojewski received the Artistic Excellence award and, upon her graduation, the George Castelle Memorial Award. Her appearances on stage at the conservatory included premiering two original pieces by Andrew Faulkenberry and Michael Mills with the Peabody Opera Etudes program and performing the role of Rosalinde in Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus with Peabody Opera Theatre. Most recently, Zoe joined FIO once again, this time live and in person in Urbania, Italy where she sang the role of Nella in Puccinni’s Gianni Schicchi, covered the role of Rinaldo in Baldasare Galuppi’s hidden gem Il filosofo di campagna, and appeared in the chorus of Mozart’s Così fan tutte. Zoe is thrilled to be returning to Chicago Summer Opera to sing the role of Musetta after performing as Miles in CSO’s production of The Turn of the Screw in 2023.

Kun Zhang is a Chinese tenor praised for his expressive tone and heartfelt stage presence. With a unique artistic journey that bridges Asia, Europe, and North America, Zhang brings a global perspective to each of his performances. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Studies at the University of North Texas, where he studies under renowned American tenor Prof. William Joyner, following his Master’s studies in Classical Singing (Opera) at the University of Szeged in Hungary and his undergraduate training at Henan Polytechnic University in China.

Zhang’s operatic repertoire spans a wide range of styles and characters, showcasing both lyrical sensitivity and dramatic power. His recent performances include Rodolfo in La Bohème with Chicago Summer Opera and Miles Zegner in Proving Up with UNT Opera. While in Hungary, he portrayed Don José in Carmen and Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore at the University of Szeged. Earlier in his career, he sang the title role of Qi Jia Jun in the Chinese patriotic opera Hero Qi Jiguang.

In addition to his staged roles, Zhang has appeared as a soloist in multiple charity concerts in Budapest and Keszthely, performing under the guidance of leading conductors and directors including Pál Tamás, Attila Toronkóy, and Jonathan Eaton. He also took part in performances at the Óbudi Társaskör and Festetics Palace, lending his voice to artistic initiatives led by celebrated soprano Temesi Mária.

With his growing international experience and dedication to vocal artistry, Kun Zhang continues to develop as a versatile performer committed to emotional truth and musical excellence on the operatic stage.

Matthew Hilberts (baritone) completed his Bachelors of Music performance in 2022, and his Masters of Music Studies (opera performance) in 2024, both at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, The University of Sydney. Matthew studied with Dr. Simon Lobelson for both his degrees.

Performing arts have always been a part of Matthew’s life. Learning piano from his mother, and studying ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary dance throughout most of his school years. He began studying voice formally in 2012 with Patricia Woods, and completed his A.mus.A. in 2022.

Matthew will be performing both Frederick in “Lakme” by Delibes, and Marcello in “La Boheme”, by Puccini, in mid 2025, with Chicago Summer Opera.

Owen Gavigan is an Irish-American baritone raised with influences from both Irish and American cultures. He has crafted a unique artistic path that spans to both America and Europe. Gavigan studies at William Paterson University, where he has developed his vocal technique and interpretive skills under the mentorship of respected instructors. His hard work and dedication to his craft was recognized when he placed first in the upper college classical category at the highly competitive New York NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition in 2024. In these early stages of his career, Owen has already performed a diverse array of roles that highlight his versatility and talent. His most notable roles include Papageno in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (Trentino Music Festival), Dom Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (William Paterson University), and Aeneas in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas (William Paterson University). These performances showcased his strengths in both comedic and dramatic roles. His combination of vocal richness, dramatic range, and a cross-cultural background makes him an up-and-coming presence in the world of opera. As his career continues to rise, he remains committed to delivering memorable performances that resonate deeply with audiences.

Jovanni Ferrer is a bass-baritone from Los Angeles. He is graduating from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee with an MM in Voice Performance. He sang with the Janiec Opera Company at the Brevard Institute in 2024, singing Benôit and Alcindoro in La Bohème. He will attend the Berlin Opera Academy singing Monostatos in The Magic Flute.

Qin Piye, 22 years old, bass-baritone, graduated from Xi'an Conservatory of Music with a bachelor's degree and is currently a first-year graduate student at New England Conservatory of Music. Piye Qin has won many vocal awards in China and has participated in many operas.

Christopher Jonathan Comanescu is a Romanian American clarinetist and bass singer. Christopher learned how to play the clarinet in the sixth grade and solo singing in his senior year of high school. He is a versatile musician having played a variety of different music genres on the clarinet. In the area of voice, Christopher has also sung art songs, arias, musical, and choral music in Romanian, German, Swedish, Italian, and English.