Kara Shay Thomson
VOICE FACULTY - SOPRANO
Kara Shay Thomson is a renowned dramatic soprano with over 20 years of experience, performing more than 50 leading roles across a diverse range of operatic repertoires. Known for her vocal power and dramatic expression, she specializes in the iconic Puccini roles of Turandot, Tosca, and Minnie, alongside demanding roles in German, Italian, Czech, Russian, French and Hungarian. Notable performances include over 100 performances of Tosca, the title role in Strauss' Salome, Leonore in Fidelio, Marietta in Die tote Stadt and Magda in The Consul. She thrives on portraying rare and dramatic characters like The Woman in Schoenberg's Erwartung, Judith in Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle, and Cassandre in Berlioz's Les Troyens.
Thomson's extensive performance history includes engagements with prestigious opera companies such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, and New York City Opera. She has also performed with the opera companies in Arizona, Atlanta, Central City, Dayton, Denver, Kentucky, Omaha, Pensacola, Portland, Sarasota and Virginia.
Beyond her performing career, Thomson is dedicated to nurturing emerging artists, maintaining a private voice studio and offering master classes. Her exceptional artistry and commitment to both performance and education have established her as a highly respected figure in the operatic world.