Award winning and critically acclaimed operatic mezzo/contralto, Ema Mitrović, is most recently described as: "The seamless fusion of vocal excellence and comedic acrobatics of the Stepmother, Ema Mitrović, and stepsisters...added balanced levity to the exquisite romantic yearning of Cendrillon and the Prince." (Cedar Rapids Opera Cendrillon (Madame de la Haltière) Opera News March 2025) and “Making a big impression in the secondary role of Frugola was Ema Mitrović, recently seen in MCO’s The Doctor and the Devils. Her range as a mezzo-soprano is extraordinary. Here, her Frugola, the ragpicker, riveted one’s attention with sympathetic warmth and humor, backed up with her luscious vocal portrayal.” (Marble City Opera, Il Tabarro (Frugola) Arts Knoxville 6/24/24).  Ms. Mitrović has performed over 30 operatic roles, a number of solo recitals, and has enjoyed being a cross-over jazz singer, performing along New York City’s finest musicians, including Tim Horner, Joe Locke, Ted Rosenthal, and Jim Ridl, to name a few.  She's been on stage at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and New York City's renowned jazz venues Birdland, The Kitano, and Smalls. Often, she performs programs that include both classical and standard jazz repertoire.

This year, Ema debuted in company and role as a Smith Young Artist at Cedar Rapids Opera as Madame de la Haltière (Cendrillon in English), with Long Island Concert Orchestra in the premiere of David Winkler’s opera Rossini Perduto in the role of Madame Pélisser-Rossini & Nutrice, and joined the roster of the American Spiritual Ensemble and Bard Festival Chorale, associated with American Symphony Orchestra.

In '23 - ’24 season, Ema made several role and company debuts including Giovanna & Page, while covering Maddalena (Rigoletto), with Druid City Opera, as Soloist in Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 2 with New England Repertory Orchestra, and finally returning to Marble City Opera as Annabella in the world premiere of The Doctors & The Devils by Jason Overall, along with a role debut as La Frugola (Il Tabarro). Ema was seen as Mamma Lucia (Cavalleria Rusticana) with MidAtlantic Artistic Productions/Seton Hall Classical Concert Series at South Orange Performing Arts Center, as Zita (Gianni Schicchi) with Bronx Opera Company, and as the Alto Soloist in Mendelssohn’s Lauda Sion with Central Jersey Choral Society.

Earlier in 2023, Ema added a number of roles and companies to her resume, including Madame de Croissy (Dialogues of the Carmélites) with Bronx Opera Company, Mrs. Ott (Susannah) with Marble City Opera, Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus) with New Rochelle Opera, and Schwertleite (Die Walküre), Erda *cover (Siegfried), Klytämnestra (Elektra) with TUNDI Productions “Wagner in Vermont Festival”.  She also returned to Central Jersey Choral Society as the alto soloist in Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass and Mass in Time of War, and performed in a few recitals in the tri-state area.

In 2022, Ema made a return to Hudson Opera Theatre as the Alto Soloist in Handel’s Messiah, the Christmas portion.  In her home state, Ema joined Light Opera of New Jersey to cover the role of The Old Lady in Bernstein’s Candide.  Earlier this year, she made a role and company debut with TUNDI Production’s Wagner in Vermont Festival in the role of Schwertleite (Die Walküre) and covered the role of Erda (Das Rheingold) in August 2022, made a return to Central Jersey Choral Society as the Alto Soloist in Mozart's Requiem, made a role debut as Flora in Verdi's La Traviata with The Lighthouse Opera Co., and had the distinct honor of covering the Alto Soloist, as well as singing in the alto section, in “The Ordering of Moses” with The Harlem Chamber Players and Chorale Le Chateau in celebration of Juneteenth and the Harlem Renaissance Centennial, under the baton of Maestro Damien L Sneed.  The performance was vastly publicized, including on NBC and ABC news, positively reviewed by The New York Times, and broadcasted on WQXR Classical Radio.

Ms. Mitrović is a proud first generation American, whose parents immigrated to the states from former Yugoslavia, now Croatia.  She was born and raised in New Jersey, and currently resides in Essex County’s East Orange with her partner, jazz drummer, Timothy Horner. www.emamitrovic.com