Rita Mathsen, mezzo-soprano, is a graduate of the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia where she was a student of Nancy Williams (Leonard Bernstein's favorite mezzo!). She has been the organist/choir director at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in the Highlands of White Plains, New York for the past 7 years.
Early in her career, Ms. Mathsen won first prize in three major vocal competitions: the Giargiari Italian Opera Competition, the Bel Canto Opera Competition and the Baltimore International Vocal Competition. She was also a National Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions. She received grants from the Metropolitan Opera Foundation and the Sullivan Foundation, which she used to continue her vocal studies in Italy with Carlo Bergonzi, Renata Tebaldi, and Ettore Campogalliani.
Rita Mathsen’s performance credits include the San Francisco Opera, Dallas Opera, Virginia Opera, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Delaware Opera, Opera Orchestra of New York, New York City Opera touring company, Western Opera National Tour. Other performance credits include guest appearancs with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Casals Festival in Puerto Rico, and the Corfu Music Festival in Greece.
She continues to sing in the Metropolitan/Westchester area with local groups ranging from concert operas and Broadway revues to church music and cabaret. Rita also gives lectures to groups willing who wish to learn more about ANY type of music: a prepatory lecture for an upcoming opera, the life of a famous musician and many more! Whatever your group wishes to hear, Rita can deliver the information in a fun and facinating way!
She recently had the privilege of coaching with the legendary cabaret performer, Barbara Cook!
And, speaking of cooking, Rita was a guest of Emeril Lagasse on Emeril Live! when he prepared one of her recipes!
Rita has a successful voice studio where she is preparing the next generation of singers for the world’s enjoyment!!!
Early in her career, Ms. Mathsen won first prize in three major vocal competitions: the Giargiari Italian Opera Competition, the Bel Canto Opera Competition and the Baltimore International Vocal Competition. She was also a National Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions. She received grants from the Metropolitan Opera Foundation and the Sullivan Foundation, which she used to continue her vocal studies in Italy with Carlo Bergonzi, Renata Tebaldi, and Ettore Campogalliani.
Rita Mathsen’s performance credits include the San Francisco Opera, Dallas Opera, Virginia Opera, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Delaware Opera, Opera Orchestra of New York, New York City Opera touring company, Western Opera National Tour. Other performance credits include guest appearancs with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Casals Festival in Puerto Rico, and the Corfu Music Festival in Greece.
She continues to sing in the Metropolitan/Westchester area with local groups ranging from concert operas and Broadway revues to church music and cabaret. Rita also gives lectures to groups willing who wish to learn more about ANY type of music: a prepatory lecture for an upcoming opera, the life of a famous musician and many more! Whatever your group wishes to hear, Rita can deliver the information in a fun and facinating way!
She recently had the privilege of coaching with the legendary cabaret performer, Barbara Cook!
And, speaking of cooking, Rita was a guest of Emeril Lagasse on Emeril Live! when he prepared one of her recipes!
Rita has a successful voice studio where she is preparing the next generation of singers for the world’s enjoyment!!!
