Soprano Amber Cierra Merritt will portray sculptor Edmonia Lewis in the world premiere of opera "Edmonia" by composer Bill Banfield.Lewis was the first sculptor of African American and Native American ancestry to achieve international recognition. Banfield's opera "Edmonia" celebrates Lewis's life, and it's getting its premiere at Interlochen in May.The production will feature student musicians from Interlochen Arts Academy in many of the roles, but the title character will be portrayed by soprano Amber Cierra Merritt. Merritt recently visited IPR's Studio A when she was on campus for "Edmonia" rehearsals.With collaborative pianist Susan Snyder, she performed the aria "Dreams" from Banfield's "Edmonia," as well as the art song "Why Fades a Dream" by Irene Britton Smith (text of Paul Laurence Dunbar).Merritt spoke with IPR about bringing a figure like Edmonia Lewis to life and how her relationship with composer Banfield has helped both of them shape the music and the character.She also talked about her newest role - that of being a mom.