Jessica Victoria
Jessica Victoria is a winner of several international and national competitions, including first prize in the Barry Alexander International Vocal Competition, second prize in the Concorso Lirico Internazionale "Jole de Maria" and in the National Federation of Music Clubs Young Artist Competition, and third prize in the Concurso Internacional de Canto Lirico in Trujillo, Peru. She also won the University of Toledo’s Art Song Festival Competition and the Pittsburgh Concert Society's Major Artist Auditions, for both of which she presented recitals as part of their concert seasons.
Jessica uses her classical training to synthesize elements of the Celtic folk tradition with elements of rock, jazz and Renaissance music in her soon-to-be-released album, Songs of the Summer Realm. The songs on the album are based on the Celtic Arthurian tradition, and Influenced by artists such as Loreena McKennitt, Pentangle, and Steeleye Span. Jessica wrote the music and many of the lyrics, which are based on Arthurian themes. The remaining songs have lyrics taken directly from Arthurian literature. Collaborating artists on the project include such well-known Scottish musicians as Lorne MacDougall of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Tannahill Weavers, Mary Ann Kennedy, Euan Stevenson, Wendy Weatherby, and Euan Burton. Jessica recorded the album at Watercolour Music in the Scottish Highlands.
Music from projects like Songs of the Summer Realm form the foundation for Jessica’s concerts that combine music and narrative, drawing listeners into the world of the moment. "She starts to sing and it's almost a spiritual event" (Albuquerque Journal).
Among her favorite performances, Jessica has appeared as soloist with the Trujillo Symphony Orchestra in Trujillo, Peru under the direction of Carlos Aransay and in two concert series with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Julien Benichou. Recently, she performed two recital programs at Lincoln Center's Bruno Walter Auditorium and a series of concerts in New Orleans and Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Jessica has also appeared as soprano soloist with Concert Artists of Baltimore, with the New Mexico Philharmonic Orchestra, in a world premiere of Joseph Santo’s Vîsperas de la Santa Cruz, in Jordan Hall and King’s Chapel in Boston, at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall, and with Maestro Angelo Zanin and eight cellos in performances of Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 in various venues throughout Veneto, Italy. She also received the honor of singing for Pope John Paul II during a private audience. Her opera roles include Violetta, the Queen of the Night, Amina, and Konstanze.
Jessica Victoria holds a doctorate in musical arts from The Catholic University of America, a master of music in vocal performance from the New England Conservatory of Music, and bachelors’ degrees in music and foreign languages from the University of New Mexico, where she graduated summa cum laude. In addition to a thriving performance career, Dr. Victoria directs the voice track of the Sacred Music Program at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Follow Jessica Victoria on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JVSongstress.