ASL 2012: Mezzo-Soprano, Lynne McMurtry


Described as “a force of nature” (Toronto Star) and “an actress of immense talent” (Opera Canada), mezzo-soprano Lynne McMurtry has performed across Canada and the U.S. Recent performances include her debut with Calgary Opera as Marthe in Faust, her debut with the Aldeburgh Connection recital series in Toronto, the Old Lady in Candide with Manitoba Opera, and a return to the Winnipeg Symphony for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

Other highlights include Mistress Quickly in Falstaff with Edmonton Opera, the title role in Tamerlano with Opera in Concert, Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass with the Edmonton Symphony, and a solo recital at the State University of New York College at Fredonia with pianist Alison d’Amato.

Lynne’s rich, generous instrument and keen musical intelligence have brought her acclaim in a wealth of repertoire, such as Handel’s Messiah with both the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the Kitchener Waterloo Philharmonic Chorus, Raminsh’s Magnificat with Chorus Niagara, and Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde with the Eastman Faculty Players. Other credits include appearances with the Boston Symphony (the Slave in Salome), Opera Ontario (Gertrude in Romeo et Juliette), and the Winnipeg Symphony (Mahler’s Rückert Lieder).

Lynne is an active recitalist and has sung at many distinguished song venues, including Tanglewood, Ravinia, and the Vancouver International Song Institute. Her recital with pianist Alison d’Amato exploring settings of the poetry of Walt Whitman earned her a rave review in the Toronto Star, which stated that “Art doesn’t get any more moving than this.”

Her performances have been broadcast on CBC Radio, and her most recent recording for Naxos of Vivaldi sacred music with Aradia Ensemble received a four-star review in BBC Music Magazine. She is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Voice at the State University of New York College at Fredonia.