Laura McHugh, a soprano “ready for heavenly ascent” (Boston Musical Intelligencer) lauded for her “superb, floating” sound (Melrose Free Press) recently won 1st Place in the Classical Singer National Competition (Emerging Professional Division), 1st Place in the Vermont Vocal Competition, and 2nd Place in Classical Idol (VOX New England). Known for her penchant for “hilarious interpretation” (Voce di Meche), she recently created the role of The (Grim) Reaper in the World Premiere of the comedic opera Reap What You Soul with Promenade Opera Project (where she also served as Artist-In-Residence) and appeared as the high-flying diva Mademoiselle Silberklang in Raylynmor Opera’s new production of The Impresario, in a brand-new, uproarious translation set in the modern day. The 2022-2023 season brings her second outing as a Valkyrie (as Ortlinde in Die Walküre, with TUNDI Productions’ Wagner in Vermont Festival), a recital of operatic and art song favorites in Dallas, TX, and a long-awaited debut with Tulsa Opera as the stepsister Florinda in Into the Woods, where she is also a Filstrup Resident Artist.

Laura made her European (and Wagnerian) debut as the Valkyrie Gerhilde in a touring production of Die Walküre in Sweden. Other recent credits include the titular roles in Rusalka, Suor Angelica, and Gräfin Mariza, as well as Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), Mimì and Musetta (La bohème), Countess Almaviva (Le Nozze di Figaro), Giulietta (Les Contes d’Hoffmann), Vitellia (La clemenza di Tito), and Mrs. Gobineau (The Medium). She hold credits with Tulsa Opera (Tulsa, OK), Odyssey Opera (Boston, MA), Promenade Opera Project (Boston, MA), Lowell House Opera (Harvard University/Cambridge, MA), Kashudo Opera (Kramfors, Sweden), Assisi Performing Arts (Assisi, Italy), Raylynmor Opera (Keene, NH), Music on Site, Inc. (Wichita, KS), Barn Opera/Social Distance Opera (Brandon, VT), Boston Opera Collaborative (Boston, MA), Commonwealth Lyric Theatre (Boston, MA), Due Donne Productions (Boston, MA), TUNDI Productions (Brattleboro, VT), and VOX New England (Worcester, MA).

Laura appeared in Winterreise: In a New Light- a staged reinterpretation of Schubert’s Die Winterreise- which was awarded Vocal Recital of the Year by Lloyd Schwartz of Boston’s ARTery, and has been an active recitalist since, presenting programs with VOX New England, Balcony Series, the North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC), Ballet Russes Arts Initiative, and the French Cultural Center of Boston. She recently made her debut as the soprano soloist in Beethoven’s 9th Symphonywith the Harvard Musical Association, her latest of several appearances as a soloist in major orchestral works. Laura is a sought-after performer of New Music and English-language works, and her credits include several World Premieres. She is also an avid chamber musician. Her frequent collaborations with instrumentalists led to the creation of The Excelsis Duo with flutist Joe LaRocca, of which she is co-founder and resident soprano. The group recently presented their debut recital, including a World Premiere written specifically for the duo by composer Felix Jarrar. Laura is also a gifted crossover performer in musical theatre, whose movement onstage often draws upon her 15 years of dance training in ballet, tap, and jazz. 

Laura is one of Boston and Greater New England’s most popular wedding singers. Her liturgical work also includes frequent funeral and memorial services, and soloist/cantor work for several Boston churches.

As a professional chorister, she is a member of the rosters for Odyssey Opera, the Berkshire Opera Festival, and VOX Futura.

Laura continues to pull from her broad musical influences and interests. She has sung guest lead vocals with Irish Folk band The Silver Spears; has showcased her musical theatre chops starring as Sally in a production of You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown; and her classical backing vocals appear on German metal band Blind Guardian’s 2019 orchestral album, Legacy of the Dark Lands.

Laura is represented by Mirshak Artists Management.