Kirstin Chávez, mezzo-soprano
With a voice described as “utterly compelling” and “rich,” Kirstin Chávez’s robust and revolutionary career of almost three decades has earned her acclaim on some of the world’s most beloved operatic stages. Sought after for her dramatic intensity and natural sensuality, Chávez has performed such iconic roles as Bizet’s eponymous Carmen and Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier, and now delivers a formidable presence in other powerful and beloved characters such as Dalila in Saint-Saëns’s Samson et Dalila, La Zia Principessa of Puccini’s Suor Angelica, and Ježibaba in Dvořák’s Rusalka.
Equally at home on the operatic and concert stages, Kirstin excels in presenting the music of Mahler, from Rückert Lieder to the 2nd Symphony, The Resurrection, as well as the works of other timeless composers, including Verdi’s Requiem and Handel’s Messiah. In recital, Kirstin can be heard offering programs derived from her commercial recordings, Pasión! and her upcoming album release of French songs, Amour, which will become available in early 2026.
Recognized by Opera News as “the Carmen of a lifetime,” Kirstin co-created Carmen Inside Out in collaboration with stage director Johnathon Pape in an effort to share Carmen’s internal story and to inspire others with her strength, charisma, and lust for life. This unique one-woman show, performed with piano or orchestra, takes audiences on a tour of Bizet’s iconic opera and shares Carmen’s spellbinding story delivered through singing, monologue (in English, French, or Spanish), and through the power of flamenco dance. For additional information, or to book an appearance, please visit the Carmen Inside Out website.
Carmen Inside Out
Internationally recognized as a definitive interpreter of Bizet’s eponymous Carmen for over two decades, Kirstin Chávez has developed a unique retelling of this classic story that centers the iconic character and shares her own insights and interpretations of her plight. With the help of monologues developed by Artistic Director Johnathon Pape, original flamenco dance sequences created by world-renowned Choreographer/Flamenco dancer Sol Koeraus La Argentinita, and a musical arrangement of the original score by Jeffrey Price, Chávez sets Carmen’s colorful inner story on fire and infuses this operatic treasure with new life!
Born from a desire to share Carmen’s passion and to inspire others with her lust for life, this unique musical and theatrical experience is breaking new ground for communities by providing a new way to experience one of the most intense musical encounters. At the heart of this project is audience interaction and connection: an intense face-to-face encounter with Carmen’s smoldering charisma, provoking people of all backgrounds to not only listen, but to reflect, respond, and strive to better understand themselves and their communities. Talkbacks with the artists can be arranged to follow each performance and tailored to each presenting organization’s specific needs, where communal reflection and commentary about the performance experience is nurtured, allowing audience members to share ideas on women’s rights and the value of strong women, the treatment of minority and migrant communities, and other social issues evoked by viewing and experiencing this powerful performance.