Roanna Lee Kitchen

Biography

Roanna Kitchen is a Canadian soprano praised for her striking stage presence and musical versatility. She recently completed her master’s degree in Voice Performance from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music under the guidance of Frédérique Vézina and Danial Taylor. Roanna additionally holds an undergraduate degree in performance from the same institution. 

Roanna has performed various roles on stage including Frasquita in Carmen, Clarice in Il giuoco del quadriglio, Serpina in La serva padrona, Miss Robinson and Lady Appleby in The Shop Girl, Iris in Semele, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance and Donna Marie in Blood Brothers. She premiered the role of Mentuhotep in Conan and the Stone of Kelior and appeared in the original cast recording. Roanna has performed staged scenes such as “Restino imbalsamate... T'aspetto e tu non vieni” (La Calisto) as Calisto, “Pur ti miro” (L'incoronazione di Poppea) as Poppea, “Alfin siam liberati, Zerlinetta gentil…Là ci darem la mano” (Don Giovanni) as Zerlina and “Basilio, in traccia tosto di Figaro volate” (Le Nozze di Figaro) as Susanna. She has also participated as a young artist in programs such as the Vocal Academy of Opera in Bodrum, the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, St. Andrew’s Vocal Techniques Workshop, Opera Nuova’s 10 Day Development Program and the Summer Opera Lyric Theatre.

Roanna has appeared and soloed in concert works including An Evening of Turkish Song & Opera Favorites through the Vocal Academy of Opera in Bodrum at the Bodrum Castle, Art for Peace: A Fundraising Concert for Ukraine through Opera in Reach, Freedom Cabaret: The Spirit and Legacy of Black Music as part of a lecture and demonstration, Handel’s Messiah and Dixit Dominus, A Celebration, A Child’s Prayer and Fauré’s Requiem. Additionally, Roanna has soloed in concerts such as A Night at the Opera and What’s New With You as part of the University of Toronto Vocalis Series and in Songs of Hope and Comfort as part of the University of Toronto’s Festival of Song. In addition to solo work, Roanna also enjoys performing with ensembles. Previously she has performed as part of the University of Toronto’s Schola Cantorum, Chamber Choir and Soprano/Alto Chorus as well as the Prince Edward County Economical Choir. 

Roanna has participated in masterclasses conducted by Dame Emma Kirkby, William Sharp, Russell Braun, Steven Philcox, Nathalie Paulin, Wendy Neilson, Kimberly Barber and Dominique Labelle and has worked with conductors such as Raffaele Cipriano, Elaine Rinaldi, Tulio Gagliardo, David Fallis, Christopher Bagan, Hilary Apfelstadt and Uri Mayer. She has been the recipient of multiple scholarships including the University of Toronto Music Fellowship Award, Arthur Edward Redsell Scholarship, Lois Marshall Memorial Scholarship, Undergraduate Campaign Scholarship and the President's Entrance Scholarship.

In addition to her love for music Roanna also became involved in film. Since graduating from Mode Elle Model and Talent Agency and working with Catalyst TCM Inc. her credits have included the principal role of Elizabeth Ennen in the television show See No Evil, as well as commercials for Disney Cinderella Princess, Care Bears and Cabbage Patch Dolls.

Roanna is currently working with The Lane School of Music and as an independent voice teacher, having previously worked for Upbeat Piano Studio. She is very excited to continue working with youth and to assist them in their vocal development and pursuit of excellence. She believes that by bridging the gap between the youth of today and the established classical music world it will not only help to expose new generations to incredible music, but also help to make classical music even more accessible.

Roanna is currently enrolled in the Advanced Certificate in Performance at the University of Toronto, where she is specializing in early music. She looks forward to completing her degree and is excited to further explore the world of music and its rewards.