STEPHANIE POLONIO

       Dominican-American mezzo-soprano Stephanie Polonio has been hailed by DC Metro Theater Arts as, “deftly capturing” with “excellent comedic timing” and “a rich, smooth tone”. Under the guidance of world-renowned Mezzo- Soprano Elizabeth Bishop, Ms. Polonio is establishing herself as a sought out artist in the greater Tri-State area. In the 2017/2018 season, Polonio sang in Yale Opera's production of Die Zauberflöte and in multiple concerts as a guest solo artist. In the 2016/2017 season, Polonio was an Apprentice Artist with Bel Canto at Caramoor where she shared the stage with critically acclaimed soprano Angela Mede and worked closely with highly sought out coach and conductor, Will Crutchfield. Polonio has worked with the Yale Philharmonia and other local ensembles singing jazz in a myriad of both private and popular venues. In fall of 2016, Polonio also had the honor of being a semi-finalist at the acclaimed Mildred Miller International Voice Competition.

 

       In past seasons, Stephanie Polonio has performed extensively along the East Coast, performing with Hubbard Hall Opera Theater in their mainstage production as Giovanna in Verdi’s tragedy, Rigoletto and reprised the role of Miss Todd in Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief.
 

       Professionally and during her education at the Maryland Opera Studio, Ms.Polonio performed the role of Miss Todd in Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief and “captured the nuances and subtle movements of an older woman yet came alive with her adoration for Bob”, the double bill included Ravel’s L'enfant et les sortileges in which she had the joy of singing Mammon, La Tasse Chinoise, and La libellule. Also with MOS, Ms. Polonio performed the role of Dorabella in Mozart’s Così fan tutte in their traditional "all white opera". Along with her multiple mainstage roles, Ms.Polonio took part in MOS’s annual new work reading as OMG,Young Laura  in Jack Perla’s Love/Hate. In the summer of 2014 Polonio was an Absolute Artist with Napa Music Festival, where she performed the role of  Florence Pike in Britten’s Albert Herring.

 

      Growing up all along the East Coast, New York Native Stephanie Polonio began her musical studies with the Everglades Legacy Choir in Miramar, Florida. As a member of the Stetson Opera Theatre, she performed her first role as The Second Bridesmaid in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Dido in Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, and the Third Wood Sprite in Dvorak’s Rusalka. Her debut at Stara Zagora Opera House in Bulgaria was in the summer of 2012 where she performed the role of L’infermiera in Puccini’s Suor Angelica. She also performed La Zia Principessa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica alongside internationally acclaimed soprano Susan Neves at the Orlando International Opera Summer Program.

 

       Ms. Polonio graduated with a Master’s degree in Opera Performance from the esteemed Maryland Opera Studio at the University of Maryland where she studied under the tutelage of American mezzo-soprano Delores Ziegler. She holds a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Stetson University.