Mezzo-soprano Olivia Johnson was hailed by Opera News as a “standout… commanding and reassuring, with the timbre of a contralto and the astounding upper extension of a dramatic mezzo” in her recent portrayal of Girlfriend 3 in Michigan Opera Theatre’s production of Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s opera Blue.  

Before this triumph, Ms. Johnson had completed a Fellowship at the Vocal Institute of Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, CA, where she received an Encouragement Award in the Marilyn Horne Art Song Competition.  In December 2021, Ms. Johnson was selected as a winner of the Michigan District in the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition. Within the same month, she also made her debut in the lead role of Conchetta with Opera NexGen, in their virtual live stream of Carlos Simon and Sandra Seaton’s chamber opera Night Trip. After completing a young artist residency at Toledo Opera during the 2020-2021 season, Ms. Johnson became the new artist-in-residence for AEPEX Contemporary Ensemble for their 2021-2022 season. Ms. Johnson also appeared with Michigan Opera Theatre in the roles of Wellgunde (Twilight of the Gods), La Ciesca (Gianni Schicchi and Buoso’s Ghost), and Girlfriend (Summer King). In addition, she has been a soloist or has done roles with Opera MODO, Rackham Choir, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and has participated in summer festivals, including Martina Arroyo’s “Prelude to Performance” and the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS).   

Olivia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2014 from East Carolina University, and she completed her Master of Music degree in voice performance at the University of Michigan in 2017 under the tutelage of Professor George Shirley.