Hilary Ginther

Special guest

Mezzo-soprano Hilary Ginther has been equally hailed as a bravura artist in classical grand opera and contemporary works. Opera Now Magazine profiled her as one of ten young American singers intent on taking the opera world by storm, calling attention both to her "terrific stage presence" and "substantial and richly colored instrument". Ms. Ginther's Philadelphia Orchestra debut as a featured soloist in the orchestra's first-ever performances of Bernstein's MASS under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin has been recorded by Deutsche Grammophon and was internationally released in commemoration of the composer's centenary.

Recent engagements include Ms. Ginther's role and company debut as Olga in Eugene Onegin with Opera Omaha, her international debut as Adalgisa in Norma with Musica Viva Hong Kong, a return to the role of Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia with Opera on the James and Fargo-Moorhead Opera, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in Santa Fe with Maestro Joe Illick.

The 2022-2023 seasons brings a return to bel canto at Musica Viva Hong Kong in Ms. Ginther's role debut as Elisabetta in Donizetti's Maria Stuarda, a return to Opera Omaha as La maestra delle novizie in Suor Angelica, and company debuts with Opera Columbus as Maddalena in Rigoletto and Central City Opera as Emilia in Rossini's Otello.

In February 2020, Ms. Ginther made her New Orleans Opera debut as Joan of Arc in a rare production of Tchaikovsky's massive grand opera The Maid of Orléans. That spring, she was scheduled to make her role debut as Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana, but that production was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Throughout 2019 Ms. Ginther made a variety of successful role and company debuts, starting with the title role of Carmen for her return to Fargo-Moorhead Opera, an interpretation acclaimed as "effortlessly powerful and richly emotive". Ms. Ginther subsequently made her Fort Worth Opera debut as Judy Sinclair in the world premiere of Rachel Peters' Companionship, receiving praise for her "gorgeously rich, textured timbre". Finally, Ms. Ginther took her initial bow with Odyssey Opera as Anne Boleyn in Saint-Saëns' grand opera Henry VIII, earning plaudits for her "darkly projected voice" and "melting lyricism" (Boston Classical Review). The recording of this production led by Maestro Gil Rose was released in April of 2022.

Recent seasons have witnessed Ms. Ginther's auspicious debuts on both coasts. During the 2017–2018 season, she made her Carnegie Hall debut as a guest artist with MidAmerica Productions, followed by her critically lauded New York City Opera debut as Lureen in the US premiere of Charles Wuorinen's Brokeback Mountain, and concluding with her Los Angeles Opera debut performing a double bill of Gordon Getty's operas Usher House and The Canterville Ghost. During the 2016–2017 season, Ms. Ginther made her Center for Contemporary Opera debut in a double bill of Louis Andriessen's Odysseus' Women and Anaïs Nin and created the buffa role of Lady Meresvale in the New York premiere of Carlisle Floyd's Prince of Players. Throughout the 2015–2016 season, Ms. Ginther displayed the range of her artistry as both Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia and the prisoner Vlasta in Mieczysław Weinberg's The Passenger, both with Florida Grand Opera. Additionally, with Florida Grand Opera she covered the leading role of Liese in The Passenger and Adalgisa in Norma. Ms. Ginther has also created the role of Bobachino in the world premiere of John Musto's opera buffa, The Inspector with Wolf Trap Opera and is featured on the original cast recording.

Ms. Ginther has been a grantee of the Olga Forrai Foundation for Dramatic Voices since 2019. She has fulfilled young artist residences with Florida Grand Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Virginia Opera, The Crested Butte Music Festival, and Opera Saratoga, in addition to gaining her early professional experience with Cincinnati Opera and Mississippi Opera. An alumna of the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, Ms. Ginther is represented worldwide by Piper Artists Management (http://piperartists.com/portfolio/hilary-ginther/).

Hilary Ginther has been a guest on 1 episode.