Meet Our Carmen

Zoie Reams Ignites Piedmont Opera’s Carmen

Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams will take the stage as the iconic Carmen in Piedmont Opera’s bold 49th season, bringing her striking artistry to High Point Theatre for performances on March 27 and 29, 2026.

A Rising Star with Versatile Credentials

Hailing from Chicago, Zoie Reams has built an impressive resume across some of the country’s most prestigious stages. She’s delivered compelling performances at Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Minnesota Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera—where she debuted as Lily in Porgy and Bess in 2021.

Her repertoire includes the title role in Carmen at Minnesota Opera (directed by Denyce Graves), roles such as Maddalena in Rigoletto at Theater Basel, Suzuki in Madama Butterfly at Opera Columbus, and a world-premiere appearance at Cincinnati Opera.

International Acclaim and Awards

Zoie’s artistry has not gone unnoticed. Opera News has praised her for exhibiting a “velvety mezzo” voice and elegant phrasing with nimble coloratura Her vocal excellence has also been recognized in competitions: she secured first place in the Emerging Artist division of the Classical Singer Competition (2015), and claimed second place in both Houston Grand Opera’s Eleanor McCollum Competition and the Gulf Coast Region of the Met Opera National Council Auditions in 2016.

Bringing Carmen to Life

Zoie will join a stellar Piedmont Opera cast, with tenor Dominic Armstrong as Don José, Jodi Burns as Micaëla, and Richard Ollarsaba as Escamillo. Dean Anthony directs this passionate staging, promising a modern yet deeply rooted interpretation of Bizet’s masterpiece.