The halls of the University Arts Center were filled with the voice of none other than the Grammy-winning soprano Anna Christy. Audience members arriving at the University Center for the Arts were met with anticipation that matched the rare opportunity: a performance by an international opera star on Colorado State University’s own stage.
Anna Christy performed a free guest artist concert in the Organ Recital Hall Sept. 9. Earlier in the day, Christy taught a clinic to master’s students at CSU, some of whom also attended the recital.
The workshop allowed students to hear advice and feedback directly from a performer who has graced some of the most prestigious stages in the world. For young singers in training, it was a rare mentorship moment.
Anna Christy is a Colorado-based international operatic soprano. She was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Pasadena, California. Christy has loved music her whole life, from playing different instruments to joining choirs and even theater as she grew older. Performing always came naturally to Christy. Though she has lived and traveled around the world, Christy now calls Colorado home, bringing a personal connection to her guest artist appearance.
“Performing is like breathing,” Christy said.
She is praised by the New York Times as “nimble of voice, body and spirit.” That description proved accurate in her recital, where her voice easily carried through the acoustics of the hall, blending both power and precision. Christy’s technical control and ability to incorporate emotion and tell a story through her song that surpasses language barriers was jaw-dropping. Christy’s stage presence was strong, leading to a connection with the audience as a whole.
“I enjoyed my time, wonderful singing — just beautiful,” said Eris Price, a freshman and music therapy major at CSU. “I can’t wait for more recitals this year.”
She has performed in the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and the Royal Opera House — and that is only a portion of the list. To hear a singer who normally appears on global stages like the Met and Covent Garden in the more intimate setting of CSU’s Organ Recital Hall was an experience that highlighted just how fortunate our community was to host her.
Aside from these locations, Christy has also toured the world within her career. Her repertoire spans diverse composers, languages and styles, a versatility that continues to distinguish her in the operatic world.
Christy has been rewarded the Martin E. Segal Award, the Richard Tucker Music Foundation Career Grant, the ARIA Award, the Sullivan Foundation Grant, a Richard F. Gold Grant, and the Shouse Debut Artist Award from Wolf Trap Opera.
The program for the evening showcased selections that demonstrated her range and versatility. At the end of the performance, Christy connected with the crowd by sharing a story from her career and expressing a deep appreciation for the school and the opportunity to work with students.
Students in attendance remarked on how inspiring it was to see someone who is so well-known in the classical world on a small school stage.
“I love hearing different styles of composers … different languages and different time periods,” said Hayley Price, a senior and music education major at CSU. “It’s so cool to hear someone professional — and who’s performed at the Met — sing. … I love it.”
As the final notes faded in the Organ Recital Hall, the audience rose to offer Christy an enthusiastic standing ovation. For those who attended, the night offered not only entertainment but a reminder of the power of live music and the rare privilege of experiencing a world-class soprano up close.
Reach Riley Paling at entertainment@collegian.com or on social media @rileypaling.
