Doors & wine bar open at 6:00 PM | Performance begins at 6:30 PM | Q&A to follow | $27 for Alliance members, $34 for
non-members
Experience the charm of a 19th-century Parisian salon—reimagined for a summer evening at the historic Kamm House—during a special night of
music and conversation with the artists of Opera in the Park. In this exclusive event for
the Alliance Française de Portland community, Opera in the Park Portland offers an intimate preview of Georges Bizet’s iconic opera Carmen
(Public performance on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Peninsula Park).
Whether you’re a seasoned opera enthusiast or exploring the art form for the first time, this event offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere—and
the perfect chance to connect with the artists.
This exclusive preview will feature highlights from Carmen performed by Opera in the Park artists, including audience favorites
like the sultry “Habanera” and the rousing “Toreador Aria.” Maestro Nicholas Fox, celebrated conductor and musical storyteller, will guide
the audience through the drama and history behind Bizet’s score, offering insight into its musical and cultural legacy.
This rare opportunity at the Kamm House offers an intimate operatic experience unlike any other. Seating is limited, so we encourage you to
reserve your spot early.
Hannah Penn
Mezzo-soprano
Dr. Hannah Penn, mezzo-soprano, enjoys a diverse career as a performer of opera, oratorio, and recital literature. Frequently praised for
her musicality and the timbre of her voice, Ms. Penn has recently been called “...a major talent”, and “...an intelligent and wonderfully
musical singer” by Portland’s Willamette Week, and was praised for having “...intriguing colors at both ends of her range” by The Oregonian.
She has sung more than twenty operatic roles with Glimmerglass Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Portland Opera, Tacoma Opera, and other
companies.
http://hannahpennsings.com
Zach Lenox
Baritone
Viewed as "a broad, resonant baritone that is exquisitely controlled throughout his entire range," Zachary Lenox has performed leading roles
across North America. Mr. Lenox has appeared with Portland Opera, Eugene Opera, Tacoma Opera, Opera Parallèle, OperaBend, Pacific Music
Works, Cascadia Chamber Opera, Portland Summerfest, Portland Chamber Orchestra, Portland Concert Opera, Eugene Concert Choir, Bravo
Northwest, and the Astoria Music Festival. Zachary is a past winner of the Pacific Northwest Sings competition as well as the MONC
Idaho/Montana District Auditions. He received his B.M. and M.M. from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.
https://www.zacharylenox.com
Jocelyn Claire Thomas
Soprano
Praised for her “staggeringly brilliant...ethereal soprano” (The Source) Jocelyn Claire Thomas has engaged audiences with her haunting
sound, musical intelligence, and unusual versatility. Recent highlights include "Eliza” in
Dark Sisters with Eugene Opera,
Soprano Soloist in
Messiah with Harmonia Seattle, “Amor” in
Paride ed Elena with Puget Sound Concert Opera, and Soprano
Soloist in Beethoven's
Symphony No. 9 &
Choral Fantasy with the Willamette Master Chorus. Originally from Columbia,
MO, Jocelyn holds a B.M. from the Oberlin Conservatory, a M.M. and a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory. Currently
based in Portland, OR, Jocelyn maintains a private studio in voice, piano, and flute.
www.jocelynclairethomas.com
Nicholas Fox
Interim Artistic Director and Pianist
Described by Oregon Arts Watch as “…a flipping genius”, conductor Nicholas Fox has served as Assistant Conductor and Chorus Master at
Portland Opera since the fall of 2013. During his tenure at Portland Opera, he has conducted six mainstage productions, numerous chamber
opera performances, and countless concerts, in repertoire ranging from Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice to Philip Glass’s
In The Penal Colony. In 2024, Fox was appointed Interim Music Director of Oregon Ballet Theatre, where he made his debut
conducting OBT’s annual Christmastime production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Recent conducting engagements include Giselle at
OBT; his debut at New Orleans Opera in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, and Portland Opera’s new production of Verdi’s Falstaff,
the opera after which Fox named his beloved cat.
