Korean mezzo-soprano HaYoung Jung has been praised for her “gleaming” voice and “touching and compelling” character interpretations by the San Diego Story, and is fast establishing herself as an artist of remarkable presence and versatility. With a strong foundation in both operatic performance and vocal artistry, she continues to impress audiences and critics alike with her powerful stage presence, refined technique and emotional depth in every role she undertakes.
In 2023, HaYoung took on the role of Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni at the University of Michigan, under the baton of the acclaimed conductor Martin Katz. Her portrayal of this complex character highlighted her ability to blend vulnerability with strength, capturing the emotional nuances of the role. This performance followed her portrayal of Prince Charming in Cendrillon at the University of Michigan in 2021, a production that further demonstrated her versatility as a mezzo-soprano, adept at portraying both male and female roles with equal conviction. In 2019, HaYoung made her U.S. debut as the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro at the Miami Music Festival, where her poised and regal interpretation earned high praise.
Her operatic repertoire includes a range of roles that showcase her flexibility as a singer and performer. She has portrayed Suor Genovieffa in Suor Angelica with Peabody Opera in 2019, a role in which she brought a delicate purity and sincerity to the stage. Earlier in her career, she covered the role of Valencienne in The Merry Widow with Opera NEO in 2018, as well as participating in performances of Un Ballo in Maschera, Cosi fan tutte, and Louise. Her exploration of diverse repertoire has solidified her as a well-rounded performer, comfortable in various musical styles from classical to contemporary operatic works.
HaYoung’s career has also been marked by notable collaborations with contemporary composers, such as her work with Zach Gulaboff Davis. She had the honor of premiering two of his works, Summer Night and The Wood Road, showcasing her ability to bring new music to life with the same emotional intensity and technical precision she brings to traditional operatic roles. This collaboration not only highlights HaYoung’s versatility but also her commitment to expanding the contemporary vocal repertoire.
In addition to her operatic performances, HaYoung’s career has been distinguished by her success in international vocal competitions. In 2024, she earned 2nd place at the Opera Ithaca Edward Murray International Voice Competition, an acknowledgment of her outstanding vocal abilities. She was also awarded the Mezzo-Soprano Hilda Harris Prize at the George Shirley Vocal Competition in 2023, a prestigious award that recognized her artistry and technical skill. HaYoung has consistently been a finalist in numerous other competitions, including the 2023 Pittsburgh Festival Opera Mildred Miller Competition and the 2022 Detroit Aria Competition, underscoring her standing as a top-tier young artist. She has also competed on an international stage, as a semi-finalist in the highly prestigious Tchaikovsky International Competition in 2023, held in St. Petersburg, Russia, and at the 2022 Viotti International Competition in Italy.
HaYoung’s achievements are a testament to her dedication to her craft. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Yonsei University, where her foundational studies in voice began. She then completed her Master of Music at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where she studied under esteemed vocalists Elizabeth Futral and AhYoung Hong. Most recently, she earned her Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan, studying with prominent teachers such as Scott Piper, Amanda Majeski, Mo Zhou and Martin Katz. In 2022, she was selected as a fellow of the prestigious Thomas Hampson American Song Institute, an honor that allowed her to delve deeper into the American art song repertoire and refine her interpretative skills under the guidance of celebrated baritone Thomas Hampson.
Throughout her career, HaYoung has had the opportunity to work with some of the most respected conductors, directors, and vocal coaches in the industry. She has collaborated with world-renowned conductor Marin Alsop in a concert performance of Bernsteirn's Mass with the Peabody Opera, and with Kenneth Kiesler in the 2024 concert version of Carmen with USO. Her experience working with innovative directors like Mo Zhou has also enhanced her ability to bring characters to life in fresh and compelling ways, adding layers of meaning to each performance. HaYoung’s extensive training has prepared her to take on increasingly challenging roles and explore new facets of her voice and artistry.
Complementary to her performance career, HaYoung is also an accomplished educator, currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at both Purdue University, Fort Wayne and Grand Rapids Community College. Her teaching career has allowed her to nurture the next generation of singers, sharing her expertise in vocal technique, performance practice and interpretation. Her approach to teaching reflects her commitment to fostering musical growth and creativity in her students, drawing on her diverse experiences as a performer to inspire and mentor young vocalists at college levels.
HaYoung is passionate about engaging with audiences through the power of storytelling in opera. She believes that opera is an art form that has the ability to transcend time and cultural barriers, speaking to the universal human experience. Whether portraying a hero, a villain or a lover, HaYoung strives to bring authenticity and emotional truth to every character she embodies, ensuring that her performances resonate deeply with her audience.
As HaYoung continues to grow as an artist and educator, she is excited about the future opportunities to collaborate with like-minded musicians and bring her artistry to new heights. With a voice that combines strength, warmth, and emotional expression, and a commitment to her craft that is evident in every performance, she is poised to make an even greater impact on the opera world. HaYoung looks forward to the next chapter in her artistic and educational journey, confident that her passion for music and dedication to excellence will continue to propel her career forward.
