In a press release Beverly Everett, the BSO’s conductor and music director stated, “I know we sometimes use this term too generously when we call someone a world-class artist. But Tammy truly is. She continues to make her career singing not only in the United States but in Europe, and in addition to her work in opera and art song, does some really interesting programs. She really has just a lovely career as a teacher and a performer, all over the world. It’s always fascinating when she brings that to work with our orchestra.”

Hensrud began her career as a cellist and holds a degree in cello performance, with master’s of music and arts degrees from the University of North Dakota. She has served on the faculty of Hofstra University as adjunct professor of voice since 2005 and is currently a visiting professor of voice at St. Olaf College in Northfield; she is also on the faculty of several prestigious Summer Young Artist Programs in the New York area.