Alexandria McNeely, a talented soprano hailing from Hickory, North Carolina, captivates audiences with her versatile performances across various musical genres. Under the mentorship of the esteemed Grammy award winner Dr. Victoria Livengood, Alexandria's talent has flourished, earning her accolades and recognition in the competitive world of opera.
Alexandria’s exceptional vocal abilities have garnered her significant wins, including the Tess Verbesey Encouragement Award from the North Carolina District of The Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominic Laffont Competition in January 2024, and the first place title at the HeafnerWilliams competition in March 2024. Her impressive repertoire, which spans Opera, Art song, Musical Theatre, and more, has been showcased on renowned stages such as Hudson Dinner Theatre, The Green Room, Prague Summer Nights, and Kilbourn Hall with Eastman Opera Theatre.
Notable roles in her repertoire include Carly Speranza in Madame Buttermilk and Leonora in Il Trovatore, demonstrating her versatility and artistry as a performer. As a Resident Artist with Opera Carolina, Alexandria not only dazzles audiences but also plays an active role in opera education programs, leveraging her experiences to nurture the next generation of talent. Additionally, Alexandria's dedication to choral music is evident through her past role as president of the Lenoir-Rhyne A Cappella Choir under the tutelage of Dr. Ryan Luhrs, and her ongoing performances with respected ensembles such as the Hickory Choral Society, Taylor Festival Choir, Blue Ridge Consort, and Winston Salem Choral Artists.
With a Master's degree in Vocal Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied under Katherine Ciesinski, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance and Sacred Music from Lenoir-Rhyne University under Dr. Judith Burbank, Alexandria's commitment to her craft is unwavering. Her diverse musical interests are further highlighted by her participation as the soprano soloist for "Alzheimer's Stories" by Robert Cohen with the Hickory Choral Society and a groundbreaking world premiere performance of "Release" by Theresa Martin for soprano and clarinet at UNCG for a DMA recital. Additionally, Alexandria serves as a staff singer at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, where she continues to share her talents with the community.
Upcoming engagements include performances with Opera Carolina in Turandot in April, and her participation in the Preveza International Choral Festival with the Royal Voices of Charlotte this summer, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the classical music scene.