Thomsen makes his company debut in the September 24 performance. He has previously sung the role with the Dallas Opera, and also performs frequently with New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Santa Fe Opera. His past appearances also include Bernstein's A Quiet Place at La Scala, and roles at the Vienna Volksoper, Vienna Staatsoper, and Spoleto Festival USA. He is an alumnus of the Houston Grand Opera Studio program, and won both the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions' Pavarotti Award and the New York City Opera award for debut artist of the year.

Performances of Carmen run through March 25; Shicoff sings the role of Don Jos_ through October, and Vincenzo La Scola takes up the role in March. Denyce Graves sings the title role in the fall performances.