Biography

Hailed as a “stunning coloratura soprano” of “dazzling high notes and cutting sound” (Voce di meche), and “..a mad scene worthy of La Scala” (Red Hook Star-Revue), American soprano Makīla Kirchner is an emerging, commanding young artist and performer of opera and art song. She recently debuted with Arte Concert Opera at Lincoln Center as Gilda in Verdi's Rigoletto. Previous engagements include Violetta from Verdi's La Traviata and Lucia from Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, with Regina Opera.

Makīla is an encouragement award winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. She has competed in the Opera Index Competition, Premiere Opera Foundation Competition, and The Opera Foundation Scholarship Competition. Makīla has also won the Stan Sesser Award in Voice from the Manhattan School of Music, where she completed both her B.M and M.M degrees.

Previous credits include an array of scene work: Marguerite from Gounod’s Faust, Nannetta from Verdi’s Falstaff, Arabella from Strauss’s Arabella, and Donna Anna from Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Makīla is particularly proud of performing the Luciano Berio Folk Songs under the baton of George Manahan.

Known for her distinctive and thrilling voice, Makīla is suited to a variety of lyric repertoire, including the leading ladies of Bel Canto and other demanding dramatic repertoire.