American soprano Brenda Rae melds high-flying vocal pyrotechnics with keen emotional commitment, creating memorably detailed characters and irresistibly engaging performances.

Praised by Opera magazine as “virtuosic and sensual, capable of both power and nuance,” Brenda continues to triumph on the world’s leading stages in an eclectic portfolio of demanding principal roles. The 22/23 season features her return to Bayerische Staatsoper as the title role in Claus Guth’s new production of Semele and her return to Opernhaus Zürich as Maïma in Max Hopp’s new production of Offenbach’s Barkouf.

Brenda brings her “mesmerizing stage presence and crystal-clear voice” (New York Classical Review) to Paris, appearing at Opéra Bastille as Ophélie in Thomas’ Hamlet and as the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor. She also returns to the Wiener Staatsoper stage in one of her signature roles, Königin der Nacht in Die Zauberflöte, and as Norina in Don Pasquale. She bookends her season with two one-night-only engagements: a tribute to Edita Gruberová at Bratislava’s Slovak National Theatre and a chamber recital in Germany at the Munich Opera Festival.

News

Ritmo Magazine
cover story

“Brenda Rae is synonymous with naturalness and intimacy; she likes to interrupt her speech with a light laugh. The American soprano retains the simplicity and humility of that girl who grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin.”

WQXR
20 for 20: Artists to Watch

“These sensationally gifted artists are redefining what classical music can be.”

Opera News
Energy Source

“Soprano Brenda Rae delivers a dash of daring to all her roles.”

LIMELIGHT
ROCKING OUT TO RAMEAU

“Sometimes I just put some on a playlist and dance around the kitchen: ‘Rameau has a really good beat!’”

Reviews

ariadne auf naxos
the metropolitan opera

“Rae’s voice is ravishingly beautiful, especially in the uppermost notes of her range. Her Zerbinetta wasn’t so much a coquette as a savvy, lusty woman of the world with pluck and heart. Her showpiece aria was dispatched with astonishing ease.”

Partenope
Teatro real madrid

“The big star of the night, Brenda Rae as Parthenope, stands out as truly exquisite. Her interpretation of this flirtatious queen who keeps her lovers on edge is remarkable. Well-attacked high notes, agility executed with ease and color, a harmonic and very beautiful middle range...”

the magic flute
royal opera house covent garden

“The Queen of the Night pursues her revenge through minor keys and coloratura virtuosity. Brenda Rae steps into this role, taking no prisoners and leaving no cracks in her vengeful armor. Her staccato arpeggios explode like broken diamonds, in the second aria even better than the first…”