Erin Leigh Matson, soprano
Erin Leigh Matson first stepped onto the stage at the age of 4, as an active dance member of The Franklin School for the Performing Arts in Franklin, MA. After more than 10 years as a ballerina, Erin decided to pursue another musical avenue. By the year 2000, she found herself at The Purchase College Conservatory in Purchase, NY studying opera.
Under the direction of Mr. Jacque Trussel and Ms. Bonnie Hamilton she began what was to become an incredible four years of performing and dramatic experience. By the completion of her first two years, she had performed scenes from Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail, and Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier, as well as a concert of Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzer.
In her third year of study, after performing Valencienne in Lehar’s The Merry Widow, Erin traveled to Mantova, Italy to spend six months studying at Il Conservatorio di Mantova. Under the vocal instruction of Annunziata Lia Lantieri, Erin performed several concerts in “Il Teatro Bibiena” in Mantova, as well as Mantova’s famous “Palazzo Ducale”. Included in those concerts were scenes from Mozart’s Cosí fan Tutte, several Wolf Lieder, and Delibes’ Lakmé.
Upon return to the United States, Erin appeared in The Purchase College Opera’s performance of Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel (in which she played Gretel). The production won first place in Category Three at The National Opera Convention Awards. The same year as Hänsel und Gretel, Erin was selected to be part of New York Grand Opera Chorus’ performance of Verdi’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall. Just days before Erin graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purchase, she performed an hour-long recital including Schubert’s Der Hirt auf dem Felsen, Debussy’s Quatre Chansons de Jeunesse, selections from Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion, and Haydn’s The Creation.
In April of 2004, Erin accepted an invitation to attend The Eastman School of Music on a full scholarship, as a candidate for the Masters in Opera. During her two year study, she remained the only student pursuing this coveted degree. Erin graduated in May 2006 from Eastman with her Masters in Opera. She is continuing her studies under the direction Ms. Rita Shane. While at Eastman, Erin performed several roles in the mainstage operas and oratorios in both Kilbourn Hall and The Eastman Theater.
Most recently, Erin moved to Fayetteville, NC to begin the newest advancement in her career as Music Teacher at the prestigious Fayetteville Academy. While helping to create and build a lasting Music and Dance program at The Academy, Erin hopes to maintain an active performing career. She plans to participate in productions and competitions, while adding "The South" to her resume!