Marissa Simmons, mezzo-soprano
Originally from Chicago, Marissa Simmons is noted for her “deep, evenly produced mezzo and theatrical magnetism” (South Florida Classical Review). She is also distinguished by her “comic precision” (San Francisco Examiner) and praised as “una formidable” (Especial/El Nuevo Herald).
Simmons earned a Master of Music under Catherine Cook at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She received her Bachelor of Music in both Classical Voice Performance and Music Theory and Composition from the University of Miami Frost School of Music with Dr. Esther Jane Hardenbergh and Dr. Lansing McLoskey.
Simmons was also chosen to sing the full role of Roane Heckle in the full workshop premiere of Jake Heggie’s new opera, Great Scott, alongside world-renowned Frederica von Stade.
In previous years, Simmons has sung with prestigious programs such as the Music Academy of the West, Bay Area Summer Opera Theatre Institute, the Miami Music Festival, the International Vocal Arts Academy, and Chicago Summer Opera in collaboration with Candid Concert Opera. Simmons made her professional operatic debut with the Miami Lyric Opera in the role of La Maestra delle Novizie (Suor Angelica).
Simmons’ full performed roles include Prudence (Dust of the Road), Miss Todd (Old Maid and the Thief), Carmen (La tragédie de Carmen), Tisbe (La Cenerentola), Nerone & Ottone (L’incoronazione di Poppea), Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro), Maria Calla (Jackie O), La Zelatrice (Suor Angelica), La Maestra delle Novizie (Suor Angelica), Roane Heckle (Great Scott), Dritte Knabe (Die Zauberflöte), and Soap Opera Director in the world premiere of Entanglements by Charles Mason.
Most recently, Simmons covered the role of Margaret in Des Moines Metro Opera's production of Wozzeck.
(see schedule for more information)
Not only is she an up and coming opera singer, but Simmons is also an emerging composer. She conducted the world premiere of one of her orchestral compositions in Austria at age 15. An active performer and composer, Simmons loves to collaborate on new works.
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View Teaching Resume
Simmons earned a Master of Music under Catherine Cook at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She received her Bachelor of Music in both Classical Voice Performance and Music Theory and Composition from the University of Miami Frost School of Music with Dr. Esther Jane Hardenbergh and Dr. Lansing McLoskey.
Simmons was also chosen to sing the full role of Roane Heckle in the full workshop premiere of Jake Heggie’s new opera, Great Scott, alongside world-renowned Frederica von Stade.
In previous years, Simmons has sung with prestigious programs such as the Music Academy of the West, Bay Area Summer Opera Theatre Institute, the Miami Music Festival, the International Vocal Arts Academy, and Chicago Summer Opera in collaboration with Candid Concert Opera. Simmons made her professional operatic debut with the Miami Lyric Opera in the role of La Maestra delle Novizie (Suor Angelica).
Simmons’ full performed roles include Prudence (Dust of the Road), Miss Todd (Old Maid and the Thief), Carmen (La tragédie de Carmen), Tisbe (La Cenerentola), Nerone & Ottone (L’incoronazione di Poppea), Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro), Maria Calla (Jackie O), La Zelatrice (Suor Angelica), La Maestra delle Novizie (Suor Angelica), Roane Heckle (Great Scott), Dritte Knabe (Die Zauberflöte), and Soap Opera Director in the world premiere of Entanglements by Charles Mason.
Most recently, Simmons covered the role of Margaret in Des Moines Metro Opera's production of Wozzeck.
(see schedule for more information)
Not only is she an up and coming opera singer, but Simmons is also an emerging composer. She conducted the world premiere of one of her orchestral compositions in Austria at age 15. An active performer and composer, Simmons loves to collaborate on new works.
View Performance Resume
View Teaching Resume
