Christi Amonson is establishing herself on regional opera and concert stages as a soprano with “ingratiating charm and warmth.” Critics describe her sound as “lustrous” (Zerlina), “liquid silver” (Nannetta) and “bell-like” (Adina). She has performed with Lyric Opera of San Antonio—now San Antonio Opera, Opera Delaware, Chautauqua Opera, Lake George Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Opera Intimate at Lincoln Center, the Liederkranz Foundation, Taconic Opera, and The Opera Company of Brooklyn.
Amonson’s featured opera roles include Gilda (Rigoletto), Nannetta (Falstaff), Adina (L’elisir d’amore), Despina (Cosi fan tutte) Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Blondchen (Die Entführung aus dem Serail), Lisette (La rondine), Gretel (Hansel and Gretel), Monica (The Medium), Lucy (The Telephone), Yum Yum (The Mikado), Adele (Die Fledermaus), Oscar (Un ballo in maschera), Coloratura (Postcard from Morocco), Babs (Phillip Hagemann’s Roman Fever), and the title roles in La fille du regiment, Naughty Marietta, and La perichole.
Amonson won second place in the 2006 Classical Singer AudComps. She won the 2006 President’s Competition at the University of Arizona, second place in the 2006 Marguerite Ough Competition. She was a 2004 Liederkranz Competition winner, a 2001 Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and a recipient of the Arlene Auger Award.
Concert works include the Brahms “Requiem,” the Fauré Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Handel’s L’Allegro, Carmina Burana, Mozart’s C minor Mass, Lincoln Center’s Broadway Dozen and the New York Singing Teachers’ Association’s concert of American song.
Amonson earned her bachelor of music education at the University of Idaho, a master of music in voice at the Manhattan School of Music, and is currently working on her doctorate of musical arts at the University of Arizona.
What were some influential experiences in your youth that led you to a career in music?
I had an amazing piano teacher who got me hooked on classical music. My high school voice teacher introduced me to 24 Italian Songs and Arias, and that was that.
What are your goals for the next five years? The next 10 years?
I am working on my DMA right now, so in five years I hope to be gainfully employed teaching voice at some nice university. In 10 years, I hope to be teaching, singing, and watching my children’s soccer games!
What has been your career highlight to this point?
One of my favorite gigs was singing Monica with the amazing Joyce Castle as my Baba.
What is your favorite part about being an opera singer?
The first rehearsal, definitely. Singing with a new cast, new director, and new conductor is always a thrill.
Who are some of your role models, mentors, or influential people in your life?
I am drawn to people who make family a priority. This business is hard and I cherish relationships above all. My high school teacher, Camille Blackburn, and my post-grad teacher, Josephine Mongiardo, have been great teachers, role models, and friends.
If you could sing any one role, what would it be?
Zerbinetta!
How do you handle rejection?
Shopping!
How do you balance career and family?
I married young and am so grateful for a supportive partner, and now we have an angelic baby girl. It is easy to put family first if you are lucky enough to find love.
What has happened in your career that made you feel like you’ve “made it”? Or, what needs to happen in your career for you to feel that you’ve finally “made it”?
Getting paid to sing is a good start. I’ll get back to you when I’ve “made it.”
