Melanie Emelio

Biography

Soprano Melanie Emelio is a versatile performer, having appeared in opera, oratorio, and recitals throughout the United States and Germany. The soprano serves as Professor of Voice at Pepperdine University. Emelio completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Abilene Christian University, and a Master of Music degree from Rice University. Emelio has performed in master classes with Gérard Souzay, Mignon Dunn, Richard Miller, Craig Bohmler, and Helen Yorke. Operatic roles include Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), Queen of the Night (Die Zauberflöte), First Lady (Die Zauberflöte), Abigail (The Crucible), Kathleen (Riders to the Sea), Serpina (La Serva Padrona), Mother (Amahl and the Night Visitors), Frasquita (Carmen), Yum-Yum (Mikado), Lucy (The Telephone), and Zita (Gianni Schicchi).

In addition to performing, Professor Emelio spent several years as a choral conductor, developing a love for teaching both in the classroom and privately. The quality of Professor Emelio's studio may be measured by the success of her students. They have hailed the stages at San Francisco Opera and Los Angeles Opera. Recent students have been accepted to prestigious graduate programs at Bard Conservatory, Mannes School of Music, Boston Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory, Brooklyn College, Lamont School of Music, University of Illinois, University of North Texas, and University of Houston.

Emelio has also directed mainstage productions of The Merry Widow and The Old Maid and the Thief and has also served as the vocal director for Ragtime, Curtains, Big Fish, Crazy for You, Three Penny Opera, Les Misérables, Sweeney Todd, Hello Dolly, Brigadoon, Xanadu, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Damn Yankees.

Committed to the study and performance of art song, Dr. Emelio has now published two recordings of song by American composers – Jean Berger and Alva Henderson – both released by Albany Records.

Education

• DMA, Vocal Performance, University of Maryland, 2001
• MM, Vocal Performance, Rice University, Shepherd School of Music, 1987
• BMEd, Voice, Piano, Abilene Christian University, 1985