Biography

Korean mezzo-soprano HaYoung Jung has been praised for her “gleaming” voice and “touching and compelling” character interpretations by San Diego Story and is fast establishing herself as an artist of remarkable presence and versatility. In the upcoming season she appears as Soloist in Pulcinella with the Stanford Symphony Orchestra at Bing Concert Hall, Suzuki in Madame Butterfly with Pocket Opera, and Alto Soloist in Haydn’s Theresienmesse with the Berkeley Community Chorus & Orchestra.

With a strong foundation in both operatic performance and vocal artistry, HaYoung continues to impress audiences and critics alike with her powerful stage presence, refined technique, and emotional depth in every role she undertakes. She has performed Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni at the University of Michigan under the baton of Martin Katz, a portrayal that highlighted her ability to blend vulnerability with strength. Her performance as Prince Charming in Cendrillon at the University of Michigan demonstrated her versatility as a mezzo-soprano adept at portraying both male and female roles. She 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 also includes Suor Genovieffa in Suor Angelica with Peabody Opera, Valencienne in The Merry Widow with Opera NEO, and appearances in Un Ballo in Maschera, Così fan tutte, and Louise. This exploration of diverse repertoire has solidified her as a well-rounded performer, comfortable in musical styles from classical to contemporary works.

HaYoung’s career has been marked by notable collaborations with contemporary composers, such as her work with Zach Gulaboff Davis. She premiered two of his works—Summer Night and The Wood Road—bringing new music to life with the same emotional intensity and technical precision she brings to traditional operatic roles. This collaboration highlights her versatility and her commitment to expanding the contemporary vocal repertoire.

She has also been recognized in major competitions, earning 2nd place at the Opera Ithaca Edward Murray International Voice Competition and the Mezzo-Soprano Hilda Harris Prize at the George Shirley Vocal Competition. She has been a finalist in the Pittsburgh Festival Opera Mildred Miller Competition and the Detroit Aria Competition, and competed internationally in the Tchaikovsky International Competition in Russia and at the Viotti International Competition in Italy.

HaYoung holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Yonsei University (Hyewon Moon), a Master of Music from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University (Elizabeth Futral, Ah Young Hong), and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan (Scott Piper, Amanda Majeski). She was also selected as a fellow of the Thomas Hampson American Song Institute, deepening her expertise in American art song under the guidance of Thomas Hampson.

She has collaborated with respected conductors, directors, and vocal coaches including Marin Alsop in a concert performance of Bernstein’s Mass with the Peabody Opera, Kenneth Kiesler in a concert version of Carmen with USO, Mo Zhou, and Martin Katz. These collaborations have enhanced her ability to bring characters to life in fresh and compelling ways.

Complementing her performance career, HaYoung is also an experienced educator, having taught voice at the college level and shared her expertise in vocal technique, performance practice, and interpretation. Her approach reflects her commitment to fostering musical growth and creativity in students, drawing on her diverse experiences as a performer to inspire and mentor young vocalists.

HaYoung is passionate about engaging audiences through opera’s power of storytelling. Whether portraying a hero, a villain, or a lover, she brings authenticity and emotional truth to every character she embodies, ensuring her performances resonate deeply with audiences. With a voice that combines strength, warmth, and emotional expression, and a commitment to excellence evident in every performance, she is poised to make an even greater impact on the opera world in the seasons ahead.