Dawn Pierce, mezzo soprano and assistant professor of voice within the School of Music, recently performed Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni with Opera Tampa. She performed under the baton of the legendary Maestro Anton Coppola.
Additional information about Opera Tampa can be found at
http://www.operatampa.org/ and Dawn's future performances are on her website, www.dawnpierce.com
From the Program:
DAWN PIERCE (Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana) is a mezzo soprano, possessing a unique vocal quality described as “deep liquid velvet.” An exceptional performer, Ms. Pierce combines vocal artistry with advanced acting abilities and training in dance. Her present repertoire includes Carmen, Isabella (L’Italiana in Algeri), Suzuki (Madama Butterfly) and Charlotte (Werther). On the operatic stage she recently performed as Dorabella (Così fan tutte), the Contessa di Coigny and Madelon (Andrea Chenier), Tisbe (La Cenerentola) and Jo (Little Women). She is equally comfortable in musical theater where she portrayed Franca (The Light in the Piazza), The Grand Duchess (The Student Prince) and Anita (West Side Story). In 2004, her talents were recognized when she won the Metropolitan Opera District Competition. Pierce is an assistant professor of voice at Ithaca College in New York State. Completing her formal undergraduate education at Ithaca College, Pierce graduated Magna Cum Laude with bachelors’ degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education. She continued her education at the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute at the North Carolina School of the Arts where she earned a Summa Cum Laude master’s degree in Vocal Performance along with a Performing Artist Certificate in Opera. Pierce has studied privately with Bill Schumann, Penelope Bitzas, Elizabeth Mannion, Ruth Golden, Marilyn Taylor and Carol McAmis.When she is not busy with performance, vocal training and teaching, she enjoys designing jewelry, reading, dancing, weight training and spending time with her family and friends.
