American soprano Melissa Givens moves and excites audiences and critics alike with a rich, powerful tone, crystalline clarity, and intelligent musical interpretations. Especially noted for her expressive-ness and elegance on the stage, she’s been hailed as a singer whose music making is “consistently rewarding” and “a pleasure to hear.” Givens is also an extremely versatile artist, regularly performing repertoire from the Baroque era through music of the 21st century. Notable performances include the solo recitals Out of the Shadows: Art Songs by Black Composers and Love’s Joys, Life’s Shadows: Songs Among Friends, the premiere of the ACDA Genesis Prize-winning compositions with Conspirare, and the premieres of Tom Flaherty’s Dear Lieder and Mark Buller’s Quarantine Miniatures, No. XIV: “Joysongs.” A champion of collaborative musical endeavors, Givens performs with various chamber music ensembles and appears frequently with Conspirare, the 2015 Grammy© winner for Best Choral Performance. Her solo appearances on their major label releases have received enthusiastic reviews. She can also be heard on her debut solo CD, let the rain kiss you. Givens is an Assistant Professor of Music and Head of Voice Studies at Pomona College. She remains in demand as a recitalist, clinician, and lecturer. A DMA graduate of the Moores School of Music, Givens also holds degrees from Rice University and Davidson College.
