Praised for her expressive depth and versatility, mezzo-soprano Hannah Shea continues to build an impressive presence on operatic and concert stages alike. On the competition stage, she recently received the Windsor Encouragement Award from Vero Beach Opera’s Rising Star Competition. Last season she returned to the concert stage as the alto soloist in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with Knoxville Opera and makes a reprise appearance with Chattanooga Symphony & Opera in Handel’s Messiah. This season she reprises Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Lexington Philharmonic and appears with Knoxville Opera as Mercedes in CARMEN and La Ciesca in GIANNI SCHICCHI.

In the 2023/2024 season, Ms. Shea covered the role of Jess in the world premiere of Jeanine Tesori’s Grounded at Washington National Opera and later reprised the role in a developmental workshop with the Metropolitan Opera. Other recent operatic appearances include Mercédès in Carmen, Dorabella in Così fan tutte, and Dritte Magd in Elektra, underscoring her versatility across a wide-ranging mezzo-soprano repertoire.

A frequent soloist on the concert stage, Ms. Shea has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, and Knoxville Opera. Her concert repertoire includes such works as Mozart’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Bach’s Magnificat and Mahler’s Rückert-Lieder.

Ms. Shea is a former Cafritz Young Artist at Washington National Opera and was named a Renée Fleming Artist at the Aspen Music Festival. She is a former National Semi-Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and a First Prize-winner in the Annapolis Opera Competition.

Ms. Shea holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and Rice University, and continues her vocal development under the mentorship of Laura Brooks Rice.