Performance Year: 2014, 2022
As a coveted performer with a diverse repertoire, American soprano Michelle Areyzaga has performed operatic roles with New York City Opera in Telemann’s Orpheus as well as in its VOX series, and has appeared in leading roles with Chicago Opera Theater, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s “In the Neighborhoods” programs, Opera Birmingham, the Ravinia Festival, and the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de México.
Michelle Areyzaga’s association with the music of Leonard Bernstein runs deep. She has become well known for her interpretation of his delightful and moving music – from her portrayal of Cunegonde in Candide to her participation in varied programs featuring his works, including musical theater and chamber music/recital works. Areyzaga toured the show Bernstein on Broadway together with Jamie Bernstein (Leonard’s daughter) for six years, performing it with the Cleveland Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, the Israel Philharmonic and the Oregon Bach Festival, among many others. Areyzaga is still often heard performing Bernstein, such as her performances in Las Vegas and at Ravinia in conjunction with the composer’s centennial celebration.
Areyzaga’s operatic roles have included Susanna in, Le nozze di Figaro; the title role in Madama Butterfly; Cunegonde in Candide; Adina in L’elisir d’amore; Despina in Così fan tutte; Zerlina in Don Giovanni; Pamina in Die Zauberflöte; Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi; both Musetta and Mimì in La bohème; and Casilda in The Gondoliers.
Known as a foremost interpreter of vocal art song and chamber music, Michelle Areyzaga has been a repeat guest of the New York Festival of Song under the direction of Steven Blier and Michael Barrett, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Chicago Ensemble, Chicago’s Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series, and the Tucson Desert Song Festival. She has collaborated with the Avalon String Quartet, the Cavatina Duo, and the Lincoln Trio, and has been selected to perform world premieres of many new works by American composers.
