Leslie Umphrey, soprano, is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature. She has sung many and varied roles in both musical theater and opera. Some of these include: Rosalinda and Adele in Die Fledermaus, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Mimi and Musetta in La Boheme and Madama Buttefly in Madama Butterfly. She made her European debut as Nedda in I Pagliacci in Rome and enjoyed critical acclaim in that role throughout the United States. Her later roles have included Michaela in Carmen and Pamina in The Magic Flute. In the early part of the 21st century Ms. Umphrey made her debut performance as Susannah in Carlisle Floyd’s opera Susannah. She also continues her work in oratorio and recital with orchestras throughout the United States.
Ms. Umphrey has toured Europe with an all-Mozart program with orchestra, is a winner of the San Antonio Opera Association competition, and a Finalist and winner of the Fredrich Schorr Competition. She has recorded with ALBANY records and OPUS ONE recordings. Her love of contemporary music extends to her recordings of the Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas and New Mexican composer John Donald Robb.
Ms. Umphrey is a dedicated teacher. She has worked with OperaWorks and brings improvisatory techniques and movement to her teaching. Her students perform with opera and musical theater companies and repertory theaters throughout the country. She serves as Regional Governor for the New Mexico Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She is the university liason for the Vocal Artistry Art Song Competition. She teaches Vocal Pedagogy and Opera Studio and is coordinator of Vocal Studies at the University of New Mexico.
MUSICAL EXCERPTS:
Selected songs–Hanns Eisler:
Ostersonntag
Der Sohn I (Wenn sie nachts lag)
Der Sohn II (Mein junger Sohn fragt mich)
Panzerschlacht
Die Heimkehr
Die Landschaft des Exils
Portrait (Valse Chantée–Cécile Chaminade
Banalités–Francis Poulenc:
Chanson d'Orkenise
Hôtel
Fagnes de Wallonies
Voyage à Paris
Sanglots
Summertime–George Gershwin
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