Kelly Clarke is an Ameican mezzo-soprano.
Often praised for her dramatic voice and unique timbre, she is a dynamic artist capable of diverse and challenging roles ranging from the charismatic coloratura and comedic characters of Rossini, to the lyrical and sultry Carmen.
As Isabella in Rossini's L'italiana in Algeri
Ms. Clarke was a Studio Artist at Chautauqua Opera in 2015 and 2016. At Chautauqua, she covered the lead role of Isabelle in a recital version of Missy Mazzoli’s Song from the Uproar, and was also the Alto in the ensemble. She also performed excerpts in recital as Hannah After from Laura Kaminsky’s As One. Ms. Clarke is very passionate about performing new work and is honored to have been able to partake in these works by female composers.
At Chautauqua Opera, she has also covered the roles of Olga in Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin (in English) and Flora in Verdi’s La Traviata. In the scenes program she appeared as Isabella from Rossini's L'italiana in Algeri and Mistress Page in Nicolai’s The Merry Wives of Windsor.
As Mistress Page in Nicolai's The Merry Wives of Windsor
Clarke attended Mannes College where she received her Masters of Music in Vocal Performance andher Professional Studies Diploma.
At her time at Mannes, Clarke participated in the Mannes Opera Young Artist program. With the Mannes Opera, she was graced in performing the title role of Lucretia in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia; La zia Principessa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, the Minskwoman in Jonathan Dove’s Flight, Marchesa Melibea in Rossini’s il viaggio a Reims; The Mother in Stravinsky’s Mavra; and Donna Rosa in Catan’s il Postino.
As La zia Principessa in Puccini's Suor Angelica
“As the implacable Princess, mezzo-soprano Kelly Clarke proved a worthy antagonist, maintaining an unbreachable hauteur as she unleashed round tones that were both voluminous and ominous.”
She also performed in scenes from Massenet’s Werther and La Navarraise, Donizetti’s Anna Bolena and Britten’s The Turn of the Screw. She has also performed Brahm’s Vier Ernste Gesänge.
During her time at Mannes Ms. Clarke has coached with Joshua Greene, Susan Caldwell, Susan Woodruf-Versage, Ted Taylor, and Christina Stanescu and has sung under the baton of Joseph Colaneri.
As Lucretia in Britten's The Rape of Lucretia
“Kelly Clarke sang Lucretia with a full, round mezzo-soprano and a stunning top. She was poised in Act I and sang with haunting detachment after the rape in Act II.” ”
Ms.Clarke received her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance from SUNY Purchase. Working with Purchase Opera she held several crucial roles in the organization’s productions, including the title role in Bizet’s Carmen; Madame de la Haltière in Massenet’s Cendrillon; and the mother in Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors.
As Carmen in Bizet's Carmen
During her time at SUNY Purchase she coached with Joan Kreuger and Hugh Murphy.Her voice teacher at both SUNY Purchase and Mannes is Bonnie Hamilton.
Ms.Clarke was born and raised in Greenville, SC where she began her vocal studies and discovered opera at the age of 16 under the instruction of Michael Rice at the Grenville County Fine Arts Center.