On stage, Anaïs Naharro-Murphy has one singular goal: to move those that have come to be moved. Whenever she performs she transforms and her voice, at once both soulful and tender, comes alive. Her performances have been called ‘stunning’ (the cultural critic), her voice full of ‘purity and charm’ (opera news). In addition to performing, Anaïs believes it is her mission to bring classical music to the masses; she considers herself part of a new generation who believes the genre should be more inclusive.
It is for this reason she (co)created ENAensemble, a ‘group of passionate musicians telling stories and incubating the next generation of music and theater’. While serving as Artistic Director, ENAensemble has produced various shows for the Philly Fringe Festival and Philly Theatre Week such as The Propaganda Machine Show, chasing the moon, and Between in addition to their Serial Opera and Musical Series Projects at the Department of Music of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Anaïs takes music very seriously and believes that teaching is an integral part of musicians' legacy and a necessary gift to pass on to future generations. She taught at various programs such as Opera Philadelphia’s Sounds of Learning, Bright Lights Music Academy and the Paul Michael School of Music. In addition, she was part of the administrative team of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra ORCHkids. When teaching, she strives for authenticity and creativity; challenging students to tell their own stories, which she believes enables them to find their own voice.
In 2013 Anaïs made her professional debut as Countess Ceprano/Page in Verdi's Rigoletto with Baltimore Lyric Opera while still pursuing her undergraduate studies. Since then she has gone on to perform with various companies, most recently as a Young Artist with OperaDelaware singing The Plaintiff in Gilbert & Sullivan's Trial by Jury. With OperaDelaware, she has also sung Suor Genovieffa in Puccini's Suor Angelica. Other highlights include The Director in Kassof's Greenland with ENAensemble and Despina in Mozart's Così fan tutte with the Concert Opera of Philadelphia. In addition to opera Anaïs has sung with the The Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Symphonic Choir and the Princeton Singers.
Anaïs was born in Baltimore, Maryland. While going to Baltimore City College she took up choir, where she met Dr. Hall, who awakened what would be a lifelong passion and helped her find her voice. Another person who was instrumental in her journey was composer and mentor Carlos José Martínez Fernández, who convinced her to pursue a career in music. She went on to study Voice Performance, obtaining her Bachelor’s degree at Johns Hopkins University - Peabody Institue , before getting her Master’s degree at Temple University. She is now based in Europe, taking up residence in Amsterdam.