Praised as an artist who “exudes power in every detail of her body language and voice...” Mezzo-soprano Elissa Pfaender is a dynamic artist whose experience allows her to successfully perform a variety of repertoire.

Upcoming 2022-2023 season highlights include singing the role of Zulma and covering the title role of Isabella in L’Italiana in Algeri with Tulsa Opera for their 75th Anniversary Season. Additionally, she will sing the role of Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor with New York City Opera.

Earlier in the 2022 season, Ms. Pfaender made debuts with New York City Opera and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. As an OTSL Gerdine Young Artist, she debuted the role of Dr. Landau in the world premiere of Tobias Picker’s Awakenings. For her role debut, she was praised for her “mellifluous mezzo…and chest tones of chilling power,” (Operatoday.com). Additionally, she covered the title role of Carmen (Carmen) as well as Third Lady (The Magic Flute).

With NYCO, she covered the roles of Mama and Signora Olga in the world premiere of The Garden of the Finzi-Continis by Ricky Ian Gordon. Ms. Pfaender also performed with the company as a featured soloist in concerts in Bryant Park and Central Park.

Ms. Pfaender has also been a young artist with the Savannah Voice Festival, under the direction of Sherrill Milnes, Manchester Music Festival, Sarasota Opera, The National Endowment for the Arts YoungArts Foundation and more. During her time as an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera for their 60th Anniversary Season, Ms. Pfaender was awarded the prestigious “ Anne J. O’Donnell Outstanding Apprentice Artist Award” by the Sarasota Opera Guild for her talent, skills and musicianship.

Ms. Pfaender is also a dedicated performer of art song. She has performed recitals with the challenging repertoire of Alban Berg, John Cage, Franz Liszt, Erik Satie, and more around the Princeton area as well as with Westminster Choir College's Art Song Festival. Additionally, Ms. Pfaender is at home with concert work, having performed as a soloist for Bach’s Magnificat and Schubert’s Mass in G with orchestra.

She has received awards and honors from The NEA YoungArts Foundation, Premiere Opera Foundation, The Carolyn Bailey and Dominick Argento Voice Competition, sponsored by The National Opera Association, Tuesday Musical Association, Chicago Classical NATS and New Jersey Classical NATS, and the Riverside Opera Company NYC Vocal Competition.