Hannah Smith is a dynamic soprano whose clear vocal quality, excellent musicianship, and entertaining stage presence has led to an exciting career in the arts. Recent credits include Orrf’s Carmina Burana, Haydn’s St. Nicholas Mass, and solo performances with the University of Kentucky Women’s Choir. A recent graduate of the University of Kentucky, Hannah performed in numerous operas and participated in nationally recognized events. In 2007, she was a regional finalist in Metropolitan Opera National Competition (Tri-State Region). In 2008, she premiered and recorded Thomas Pasatieri’s latest opera, Hotel Casablanca under Albany Records, and attended Crested Butte Music Festival as a young artist. Performed roles include: Pamina, 1st spirit (Magic Flute), Frasquita (Carmen), Dew Fairy and Sandman (Hansel and Gretel), Belinda (Dido and Aeneas), Veronique (Hotel Casablanca premier), Lucy (The Telephone), Tuptim (The King and I), and Rapunzel (Into the Woods).
Hannah is also an advanced pianist that finds her greatest enjoyment accompanying and collaborating. She has studied with Dr. Charlene Harb, principal keyboardist with the Nashville Symphony and provided service music for many churches. Hannah often finds herself behind the piano leading rehearsals for many different kinds of endeavors including teacheing Applied Voice and Opera Workshop classes at Tennessee State University. This year, she directed the popular musical, I love you, You're Perfect, Now Change with students from TSU music's department.
Aside from being a seasoned performer, Hannah comes from a long line of pedagogues. Her great-great aunt, grandmother, and mother were all advanced performers and devoted teachers in voice, piano and organ. Hannah has a great interest in piano, vocal, and music-theory pedagogy.
Hannah holds degrees from Middle Tennessee State University (B.M. Voice Performance/ Piano Minor), The Royal Academy of Music in London (Post Graduate Studies), and the University of Kentucky (M.M. Voice Performance).
Watch a video of Hannah singing "Glitter and be Gay" from Leonard Bernstein's Candide with the University of Kentucky Orchestra:
