Jessica Montgomery
Soprano Jessica D. Montgomery (she/her) is a recent graduate from Syracuse University, obtaining both a Masters in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy. Jessica has had the opportunity to tell emotional stories through song with works by French composer Henri Duparc with the Mannes School of Music Collaborative Piano Department in Fall 2021. In addition, Jessica has performed with Symphoria Orchestra in Summer 2021, a chorus member of Syracuse Opera's 2019 production Don Giovanni, and performed as a soloist in Ghana and London. Before the pandemic, Jessica had the opportunity to coach with assistant conductor Caren Levine from the Metropolitan Opera in spring 2020 at Syracuse University. Through 2019-2021, Jessica received countless opportunities to perform Spirituals and African American art songs at Hendricks Chapel’s Music and Message program.
Jessica is the 2019 finalist of the Civic Morning Musical Vocal Competition, 2020 and 2021 recipient of the Patti Thompson-Buechner Award, the 2021 voice category winner of the Setnor School of Music Aria and Concerto Competition, 2021 Future Professoriate Program Teaching recipient from the Graduate School. In addition, Jessica is the 2021 scholarship recipient of the Renee Crown Honors Foundation at Syracuse University. Jessica was selected to perform a newly composed work entitled Moments in Sonder by composer Brittany E. Boykin with the permission of the Maya Angelou Estate. Jessica later expanded on the life of Angelou in her lecture-recital. In Spring 2021, Jessica performed opera scenes singing "Magda's Aria" from the opera The Consul by Menotti and performing the role of Fiordiligi in Act 2 of "Prendero quel brunettino" from the opera Cosi fan tutte by W.A. Mozart with VPA's Opera Workshop. Currently, Jessica attends Mannes School of Music here in New York City to continue her opera endeavors with Grammy-nominated Mezzo-Soprano Margaret Lattimore. Jessica's professional affiliations include being a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity New York City Alumnae Chapter, Glimmerglass Festival, and a member of Opera America. Jessica is excited to perform with Litha Symphony to share her love of music with the audience. |