Jurate Švedaite Waller

Possessing a vocal artistry and stage presence capable of "transfixing audiences with moments of opera magic," Lithuanian soprano Jurate Švedaite has performed throughout Europe and the United States.

Performances have been with the Lithuanian National Chamber Orchestra, the European Baroque Festival Opera, Connecticut Lyric Opera, Kaunas Chamber Orchestra, Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, the Lithuanian National Ensemble "Lietuva," and Mystic River Chorale, among others, in venues as varied as Carnegie Hall, the Lithuanian Philharmonic and Foxwoods Resort and Casino.

Highlights of Ms. Švedaite's 2010-2011 season include starring as Tosca with Connecticut Lyric Opera, a series of New Year's Concerts with the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and Szymanowski's Stabat Mater with the Paderewski Chorus. Her previous roles include Violetta in La Traviata, Mimi in La Bohème, Contessa in Le Nozze di Figaro, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Marguerite in Faust, Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, Nedda in Pagliacci, Micaela in Carmen, Adina in L'Elisir d'Amore, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, the title role in Floyd's Susannah and Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors. An active performer of sacred works and oratorios as well, her credits include Monteverdi's and Vivaldi's Magnificats; Bach's Mass in B minor, Christmas Oratorio, Coffe and Peasant Cantatas as well as numerous sacred cantatas; Mozart's Requiem, Exsultate Jubilate, Solemn Vespers and Missa Brevis; Pergolessi's Stabat Mater, Brahm's Ein Deutsches Requiem and Faure's Requiem.

The granddaughter of one of Lithuania's most revered composers and arrangers of traditional music, Jonas Švedas, she began performing at an early age and made her recording debut at the age of twelve; also at that time, she hosted several programs for children on national television. Ms. Švedaite later attended the Lithuanian Music Academy where she earned bachelor's and master's degrees and degrees in opera performance and vocal instruction.

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Majoring in Music.