Michele Yvonne Hemmings

Voice Part: alto

Season you joined the Chorale: 2008-2009

Birthplace: Washington, D.C.

Education/Vocal Training: The Curtis Institute of Music, Artist Diploma; Indiana University, B.S.; Steans Institute for Young Artists, Ravinia Festival, Chicago; Young Artist, Florida Grand Opera; Apprentice, Chautauqua Opera.

Do you make your living as a musician? I've been a professional singer for a while. Sometimes I've made enough to live on. Sometimes not. I am a Mom too.

Where else do you gig/teach/conduct/sing/perform? I teach private voice lessons and am just getting my feet wet in the Los Angeles musical community.

Where else do you sing NOW? St. James in the City, Episcopal church.

Recent solo roles or guest appearances: Alto Soloist, Messiah Sing Along, LAMC, December 2008.

Recordings/TV/Film: various recordings with The Santa Fe Desert Chorale; Sweeney Todd live performance with The New York Philharmonic; film soundtracks for Earth, Race to Witch Mountain, X Men Origins: Wolverine, 2012, Avatar.

Highlights of your musical career: Singing in the ensemble of Sweeney Todd with the New York Philharmonic was the single most exciting production I've ever been a part of. Also, singing the role of Lucretia in The Rape of Lucretia with Florida Grand Opera was a wonderful experience.

Favorite choral work: I would have to say the Brahms Requiem. I adore Brahms.

A defining moment or favorite onstage experience: Too many to list! I love performing and making music and truly enjoy of all my experiences.

Anything you’d like to add about yourself? Now that I am in L.A. I am thrilled to be in the Master Chorale. To be part of a choral instrument that is capable of making every possible sound is definitely a highlight of my musical career!