BIOGRAPHY
Catherine Gispert, an emerging Cuban-American soprano originally from Miami, FL, has been heralded by South Florida Classical Review as a "high soprano" to watch, deserving of "larger assignments... in the future."
Ms. Gispert recently reprised the role of Zerlina in Ann Arbor this past year with University of Michigan’s production of Don Giovanni, as well as performed in the US premiere of Aran O'Grady and Kaitlin Sullivan's chamber opera Eintänzer.
Other recent operatic performances include Paní Pásková and a Slípka (Hen) in Janáček's Příhody lišky Bystroušky (The Cunning Little Vixen) with University of Michigan, Zerlina in Don Giovanni with Saluzzo Opera Academy, Susannah in Carlisle Floyd's Susannah with University of Michigan, and both Ida and Frosch in Die Fledermaus with Berlin Opera Academy. Previous appearances include Annina in La Traviata with Opera Grand Rapids, Zo-Zo in The Merry Widow with Riuniti Opera, Guillaume in La Chanson de Fortunio with Miami Music Festival, and la Zia in Madama Butterfly, una Novizia in Suor Angelica, and un Pastore in Tosca, all with Miami Lyric Opera.
A lover of sacred music and recital work, Ms. Gispert has performed as a soprano soloist with the Second Avenue Jewish Chorale and Nova Singers, and as a cantor in churches throughout the United States, including the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Grand Rapids and St. Martha Catholic Church in Miami Shores. Most recently she was a soloist in 300 Years of Oratorio: In Recital performing Britten's "Lacrimosa" from his War Requiem alongside tenor Standford Olsen. She presented her fourth solo recital, "Dedication," in April 2023, focusing heavily on the music of Cuban composers.
Ms. Gispert has performed frequently in various opera choruses, including those of University of Michigan, Saluzzo Opera Academy, Berlin Opera Academy, Opera Grand Rapids, Florida Grand Opera, Miami Lyric Opera, Riuniti Opera, Miami Music Festival, and Barry University. She has attended the Miami Music Festival, Opera Naples Academy, Berlin Opera Academy, and Saluzzo Opera Academy opera training programs.
An award-winning singer, she has been awarded an Encouragement Award from The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and 3rd Prize from the 7th Concorso Internazionale di Canto Lirico "Vano Visioli." She has also been a semi-finalist in the American International Czech and Slovak Voice Competition and the 2020 winner of Opera Grand Rapids’ Betty Van Andel Scholarship. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with an emphasis in Voice Performance from Florida State University, and her Master of Music in Voice Performance from University of Michigan.
When not performing, she resides in Grand Rapids, MI with her partner and their tiny, misbehaved dog, Luna. She sings often with the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and Fountain Street Church.
