Few artists have dedicated themselves so extensively to challenging modern music the way Dawn Upshaw has.

The soprano, born on July 17, 1960, in Nashville, Tennessee, became the first female to ever be promoted to the top choir as a sophomore at the Richard East High School.

After successful years of study, she became a member of the Metropolitan Opera Young Artist Program and won a number of competitions.

She has performed all over the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, where she appeared over 300 times.

She has been involved in a number of world premieres and was also a guest for President Bill Clinton for “Christmas in Washington.” She also appeared in the 1996 London Proms Concert, which was televised.

She is a recipient of five Grammy Awards in 1989, 1991, 2003, 2006, and 2014. She is also a  MacArthur Fellow. She also holds honorary Doctorates from four Universities, including Yale University and the Manhattan School of Music.

Major Roles

While you will undoubtedly find a plethora of standard works in her repertoire, Upshaw really shone in modern operas. Her most notable work at the Metropolitan Opera was in operas from the 20^th century, including the world premiere of “The Great Gatsby.”

Beyond that, she has been an exponent of works by such composers as Saariaho, Adams, Golijov, and Bruce, among others.

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Her Passion For Modern Opera

Watch and Listen

One of her iconic recordings.

Another famed recording, this time from Samuel Barber.