Cast Biographies

OLGA CHERNISHEVA, one of the most interesting and distinctive young singing actresses on the American scene, is described by critics as "a pure, strong soprano with phrasing of sumptuous elegance" and "voice all power and glinting steel." Ms. Chernisheva's repertoire includes over 20 roles including Maria (Mazeppa), Prilepa (Pique Dame), Anne Trulove (The Rake's Progress), Mimi and Musetta (La Bohème), Micaela (Carmen), Violetta (La Traviata), Liu (Turandot), Cio-Cio San (Madama Butterfly), and the title roles of Manon Lescaut, Tosca and Suor Angelica. Ms. Chernisheva became the first prize and special award winner in Rose Palmai-Tenser Vocal Competition and prizewinner in Opera Index Competition in 2006 and was named the Best Female Singer of the 2006/2007 east coast season of Madama Butterfly by OperaOnline.com.