Praised for her "lively personality, abundant charm, and luscious vocalism" and "crystalline voice," soprano Erica Schuller is a versatile performer, recognized for bringing committed vocal artistry and  theatricality to a broad musical repertory. Her particular affinity for Baroque repertoire has brought her increasing attention from some of the country's finest Early Music ensembles.

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This season brings performances with Chicago's renowned Newberry Consort and instrumental ensembles Apollo's Fire and Ars Lyrica Houston. In addition, she will perform the role of Morgana in Handel's Alcina, to be performed at the Ravinia Festival with  Haymarket Opera Company.

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Last season, Ms. Schuller made a splash as Herodias in Grimani's La decollazione di San Giovanni Battista with Haymarket Opera. Chicago Classical Review described her performance as "inspired," further praising her "generous soprano" and "lush, fluent tone." She made her debut with Jacksonville Symphony as the soprano soloist in Handel's Messiah, and was a featured soloist in subscription concerts with Apollo's Fire (Love in Venice) Newberry Consort (In the Castle of the Moon) and Ars Lyrica Houston (Songs of Zion). She was commended by reviewers as a "standout," with "significant vocal artistry" and a "nimble, inviting soprano."

 

Recent performances of note include the title role in Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea with Haymarket Opera Company. Classical Voice North America wrote, "Soprano Erica Schuller offered an imposing Poppea, as resolute of voice as she was convincing in her imperious stage presence." She also recorded the role of Jeannette in the GRAMMY-nominated recording of Joseph Bologne's L'Amant Anonyme, produced by Cedille Records. BBC Music praised her "crystalline clarity" and Opera News wrote that she "pops out staccatos as if it were child's play."

 

Other recent projects of note include performances with Apollo's Fire, The Boston Early Music Festival, Odyssey Opera Boston, Third Coast Baroque, and Theater Comique of San Francisco.

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Additional past performances include Livietta in Pergolesi’s Livietta e Tracollo with the Boston Early Music Festival, the roles of Oriana in Handel's Amadigi di Gaula, Vespetta in Telemann's Pimpinone and Atalanta in Handel's Serse, all with The Haymarket Opera Company; Marzelline in Beethoven’s Fidelio and Soprano 2 in Glass’s Hydrogen Jukebox with Skylight Music Theater; she created the roles of  Joan Strasinsky and The Princess for the world premiere of The Snow Dragon, by award winning novelist and composer Somtow Sucharitkul; Elvira in Rossini’s L’italiana in Algeri and Second Woman in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas with The Florentine Opera Company.

 

As a concert soloist, Ms. Schuller has appeared with Apollo's Fire, Ars Lyrica Houston, New Trinity Baroque, Great Lakes Baroque, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Bach Choir, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Second City Musick, Bella Voce, Philadelphia Orchestra and Jacksonville Symphony.

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Additional discograpghy credits include Marte in Duron’s Salir el Amor del Mundo, recorded for Dorian Record Label with Richard Savino and El Mundo, and in the Boston Early Music Festival's GRAMMY-nominated recording of Lully’s opera Psyché.

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Originally from Wisconsin, Ms. Schuller received her Master of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and holds degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education from the Eastman School of Music. She currently lives and teaches in Chicago, where she founded and directs Cantabile School for Voice and Piano. She is also an instructor of voice with the University of Chicago.