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The American soprano, Melanie Downie Zupan, graduated magna cum laude from DePauw University in 1998 with a double major in Vocal Performance and Computer Science. Previously trained as a mezzo, sje is now best known for her clear, soaring soprano sound and engaging stage presence. She studies with Nancy Zylstra in Seattle. Other teachers and coaches include Nancy Olson-Chatalas, Signe Lusk, Douglas Schneider and Ellen Faull.
Melanie Downie Zupan is a member of the Portland Vocal Consort, Portland's new professional choir, and a soloist and section leader with the Bach Cantata Choir. She is also a chorister, soloist and cantor with Cantores in Ecclesia and performs annually at the William Byrd Festival under the musical direction of Richard Marlow. She has recorded with Cappella Romana and Oregon Catholic Press and is one of the soprano soloists at the First Unitarian Church. In 2007, she performed J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion (BWV 244) at Carnegie Hall under the baton of Helmuth Rilling.
Having spent several years living and working in southern France, Melanie Downie Zupan is fluent in French and is a well-known chanteuse in the local Francophile community. In addition to her vocal endeavors, she is an accomplished flutist. And, lest that Computer Science degree go to waste, she is the Systems Administrator (although better known as the "technodiva") at the French American International School in NW Portland. |
