19-Year-Old Soprano Shines at Aspen Music Festival
Tiara Abraham is making waves. This 19-year-old soprano from California has become one of the youngest opera singers ever accepted into the prestigious Aspen Music Festival in Aspen, Colorado.
She’s not just any artist; she’s been chosen as a Studio Artist Fellow in the highly competitive Aspen Opera Theater and Vocal Arts (AOTVA) program at the world-renowned Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS). And that’s big. Really big.
Currently, Tiara is a second-year doctoral student at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she studies classical voice under the guidance of Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano and Metropolitan Opera star, Prof. Michelle DeYoung. That’s some serious talent she’s learning from.
The AOTVA program offers unparalleled training for young singers aiming for a future in opera and classical music. For the upcoming 2026 season, they sifted through more than 700 applicants to select just 15 Fleming Artists and 17 Studio Artists. Tiara stands out as the only student from her prestigious school to be accepted.
She’ll undergo intensive training in opera and classical voice performance, working closely with celebrated artists, directors, and coaches. This is not just a summer gig; it’s a launchpad for the next generation of opera stars.
And let’s not forget her recent accolades. Tiara took home First Place and a $4,000 prize in the George Shirley Vocal Competition in Michigan this past May. This competition honors excellence in classical music and celebrates the contributions of African American composers. Talk about making history!
Her voice has been described as having a bell-like clarity, agile coloratura, and expressive acting skills. She’s already graced stages across the globe, including Carnegie Hall, the Vatican, and national television. Not too shabby for someone so young.
Tiara has performed notable roles such as Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Belinda in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro. This girl knows her stuff.
Recently, she was invited back to California as a soprano soloist in Bach’s Magnificat at the Mondavi Center, a venue that boasts a rich history of hosting world-class artists like Renée Fleming and Yo-Yo Ma.
On top of her performance achievements, Tiara served as an Associate Instructor at Indiana University, teaching two undergraduate courses in vocal techniques this past fall. She’s not just a performer; she’s shaping the future of music.
Her exceptional accomplishments are also catching the eye of state officials. A California Senate resolution is set to acknowledge her achievements in vocal performance, academics, and community service, solidifying her status as a role model for youth across the state and the nation. It’s about time someone recognized the hard work.
This is just the beginning for Tiara Abraham. Keep an eye on her — she’s destined for greatness. For more details on the Aspen Music Festival, check out their official site here.
Find out more about the future of opera and classical music in our industry at opera!