Soprano, and Philadelphia PA native, Leah Desiderio, joined the chorus of Opera Birmingham in 2020. Leah is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Having grown up in a musical family, she developed an appreciation for music early in life. Leah began violin lessons at age three and attended a music magnet elementary school; this led her to discover a love for singing.

While Leah was pursuing a degree in science at UAB, music remained a crucial element in her life. She studied voice privately and became heavily involved in the UAB Concert Choir, which toured both nationally and internationally.

Leah has been a member of the choir of the Cathedral Church of the Advent since 2011, and is a founding member of Birmingham’s Renaissance polyphony group, Highland Consort.

“Music has always been the constant in my life. It has allowed me to form lifelong friendships and has helped me grow both spiritually and emotionally.