Soprano (coloratura)
An American coloratura soprano of dazzling technical precision and dramatic depth, Brenda Rae has emerged as one of the most sought-after interpreters of demanding bel canto and contemporary opera roles, from Zerbinetta to Lulu.
Defining moments and milestones
Brenda Rae emerged from rigorous training at Wisconsin and Juilliard to establish herself as a principal soprano across Europe's leading opera houses, beginning with ensemble work at Oper Frankfurt in 2008 and ascending to major roles by her early thirties. Her breakthrough on the American stage came in 2013 with her Santa Fe Opera debut as Violetta, followed by a Carnegie Hall recital debut that same year, but her full international stature crystallized with her 2020 Metropolitan Opera debut as Poppea in *Agrippina*, a performance that reached millions via Live in HD broadcast. Today, she commands the most demanding coloratura and contemporary soprano roles—from Strauss and Verdi to Berg and Handel—at the world's finest venues, recognized in 2021 with the Met's prestigious Beverly Sills Artist Award.
Metropolitan Opera Beverly Sills Artist Award (2021); Grammy nomination for Best Opera Recording for Milhaud's L'Orestie d'Eschyle (2015)
University of Wisconsin–Madison (Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance, 2004); The Juilliard School (Master of Music, Vocal Performance, 2006); Juilliard Opera Center (Artistic Diploma in Opera Performance)
Recordings featuring Brenda Rae in the Society index
Additional recordings will appear here as the catalog expands.