Ola Rafalo – Voice – Piano – Flute
Ola Rafalo received her Vocal Performance from Roosevelt University, and Young Artist Programs at Opera Tampa, Sarasota Opera, and Palm Beach Opera. Ms. Rafalo is dramatic mezzosoprano, has been called a “Vocal Powerhouse” , and “the next Cossotto”. She has earned critical acclaim in a variety of roles and venues. In the Verdi repertory: Azucena in Il Trovatore, Maddalena in Rigoletto, Fenena in Nabucco, and Ulrica in Un Ballo in Maschera. Her most celebrated role thus far is Carmen, which she has sung with Syracuse Opera, the Lyric Orchestra, Gulfshore Opera, New Jersey Verismo Opera, and highlights with the Pacific Symphony. Other roles performed include Charlotte in Werther, The Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Fricka in Die Walküre, Brangäne in Tristan und Isolde, and Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana. She made her debut at Carnegie Hall, singing the Vivaldi Gloria, and the Kennedy Center singing a Verdi Gala. She has performed with the Springfield Symphony, Orlando Opera, Baltimore Lyric, Opera Carolina, Teatro Curci di Barletta, Paderewski Symphony, Eugene Symphony, Evanston Symphony, Opera Festival of Chicago, Columbus Opera Project, Florentine Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, and more. Ola received an award from UNESCO for her performance as Alkmene in the Olympic Torch, by P.Karousos. She has also been a featured recitalist for the Wagner Society of America.Ola is the Maria Callas prize winner of the Giulio Fregosi competition 2020.
She is very passionate about teaching the technique of the old school bel canto lineage, passed down from Garcia, Reid, and Melocchi. This technical school is the basis of great singing in all genres, not only opera. Ola has successful students who sing pop, rock, jazz, and musical theatre. Ola is also very passionate about teaching music to children, and opening their ears and their minds to great art. For more information including prizes and awards, critiques, upcoming engagements, www.olarafalo.com.