Christina Kay

New York-based soprano Christina Kay is a versatile singer whose sharp ear and intimate approach allow her to thrive in both solo and ensemble settings, from opera and art song, to early, contemporary, and folk music.

Christina’s fascination with contemporary repertoire has afforded her unconventional opportunities. In April 2018, she debuted with S.E.M. Ensemble singing the leading role in Petr Kotik's chamber opera, Master-Pieces, for which she was praised as portraying a "vital, intelligent, generous and deeply rewarding" Gertrude Stein (Theater Scene). The show's success led to a subsequent performance at the Ostrava in Prague Festival in November 2018. In 2019, she appeared as Morman actress-turned-porn-star Daphne Blueberry in the premiere performance of David Chesky’s satirical opera, La Farranucci. Also in 2019, she premiered the role of Turn in Cakewood Creative Arts’ folk musical Times: A Mythic Opera, and made her European debut in 2018 performing John Cage's Song Books and Julius Eastman's Macle at New Opera Days Ostrava.

In December 2019, Christina made her Carnegie Hall debut singing the soprano solos in Handel's Messiah with Masterwork Chorus and Orchestra, directed by Chris Shepard. An avid early music and ornamentation specialist, she has enjoyed working with soprano Julianne Baird, to whom she credits her knowledge of how to seamlessly execute Baroque ornamentation. Christina's skill with Renaissance and Baroque-era repertoire has led her to notable summer festivals, including the Carmel Bach Festival's Virginia Best Adams Masterclass, the American Bach Soloists Academy, and the Baroque Opera Workshop at Queens College. In New York City, Christina performs with period ensembles ARTEK and The American Classical Orchestra, and has also appeared with Brooklyn Baroque, Ensemble Leonarda, and Gotham Early Music.

Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Christina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Gettysburg College/Sunderman Conservatory, and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Christina currently studies with Deborah Birnbaum and teaches voice and piano lessons privately and at Highbridge Voices in the Bronx.

www.christinakaysoprano.com