Meet Our New Resident Artists
This year, we proudly welcome 6 new singers into AVA’s prestigious Resident Artist Program, continuing our legacy of educational excellence in opera for over 90 years. These talented individuals, chosen from a pool of extraordinary vocalists, truly represent the future of opera through their exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to their artistry. As they embark on this great journey, we invite you to join us in celebrating their arrival and the bright futures that lie ahead. Learn more about them in their profiles below.
Don’t miss your chance to see them perform at AVA’s New Artist Recital!
New Artist Recital
September 26, 2025, 7:30 PM
The Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia
This event is free for AVA Subscribers.
Jasmine Ismail, soprano, is from Greensboro, North Carolina and attended Manhattan School of Music (PSC & MM) and Boston Conservatory at Berklee (BM). Jasmine’s recent roles include High Priestess in Aida, Countess in Le nozze di Figaro, and Diana in Orpheus in the Underworld.
Anna Thompson, soprano, hails from Rochester, MI. Anna attended Rice University (MM), Eastman School of Music (BM). Her recent roles include Marie Antoinette in The Ghosts of Versailles, Alcina in Alcina, and Female Chorus (cover) in The Rape of Lucretia (Rice University).
Dawson Franzino, mezzo-soprano, is from Orlando, Florida. She is an alumna of Florida State University (MM)(BM). Her recent roles include Carmen in Carmen (Opera de Bolsillo, and Morelia International Opera Festival), Mother in Hänsel und Gretel, and Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia (Florida State University Opera).
Maiya Williams, mezzo-soprano, comes from Hutto, TX. Maiya attended the University of North Texas (GACMP & MM) and Stephen F. Austin State University (BM). Recent roles include Meg Brockie in Brigadoon and Lucinda in Cold Mountain (Seagle Festival), and Dido in Dido and Aeneas (University of North Texas).
Matthew Sink, tenor, is from Las Vegas, Nevada. Matthew is an alumnus of Northwestern University (MM) and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (BA). His recent roles include Ferrando in Così fan tutte and Don José in Carmen (Northwestern University).
Ryan Wornall, bass, comes from Lenexa, Kansas. He attended the University of Kansas (BM). Ryan’s recent roles include Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte (Luke A. Housner Summer Opera Workshop), Stately String in The Haberdasher Prince (Lyric Opera of Kansas City), Leporello in Don Giovanni (LAH-SOW), and Il Commendatore in Don Giovanni (Opus 76).