Dr. Carmen Pelton

Biography

Soprano Carmen Pelton has appeared in a wide range of works with orchestras, opera houses, chamber music groups, Equity drama theaters, and off-Broadway productions. She has collaborated with renowned conductors such as Robert Shaw, Jeffrey Tate, and Donald Runnicles, and has performed with diverse ensembles including the San Francisco Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Ms. Pelton's solo performances and recordings have won Grammy Awards for Classical Album of the Year. Notable performances include works by Barber, Bartok, Vaughan-Williams, and William Bolcom’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience. She made significant appearances including her unlikely role as Susan B. Anthony in an opera televised for the Kennedy Honors program. Her European operatic debut, with Peter Pears, featured her talents in composing dramatic coloratura roles. Her success led to immediate engagements with Scottish Opera. Pelton has taught at esteemed institutions such as the University of Washington, Eastman School of Music, Brevard Music Center, and Aspen Music Center. Her studies were guided by Lois Fisher, Robert Fountain, Jan DeGaetani, and Murray Perahia.

Research Interests