American mezzo-soprano Isabelle Kosempa is an old soul and an elegant performer, celebrated for her rich tone and timeless stage presence. With a voice that embodies depth and grace, she captivates audiences through heartfelt expression and classic artistry.

 

Currently in her second year of graduate studies at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, Isabelle studies under the guidance of Professor Nova Thomas. During the 2024–2025 season, she made her debut with Shepherd School Opera as Samira in The Ghosts of Versailles, directed by Patricia Racette; portrayed Flosshilde in scenes from Das Rheingold during a masterclass with Tonya and Ryan McKinny; and appeared as the alto soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Brevard Music Center. Earlier this year, she received an Encouragement Award in the Houston District of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.

 

This summer, Isabelle joins Festival Napa Valley as a Manetti Shrem Opera Fellow, performing orchestral scenes as Leonora in La Favorita, Dorabella in Così fan tutte, and Charlotte in Werther. She originates the role of Patricia Gallagher in a workshop of the prologue of Jake Heggie's new opera, The Judgement of Paris. Later in the season, she appears with the Bard Music Festival as Notre Dame in the world premiere of the French version of Bohuslav Martinů’s one-act opera Mariken de Nimègue, and also takes on principal roles in his dreamlike opera Julietta, which serves as the festival’s powerful closing performance.

 

In her final year at Rice, she will return to the Shepherd School Opera stage as Meg Page in Verdi’s Falstaff.​​