Bio
"The only thing better than singing is more singing!"
-Ella Fitzgerald
Melissa Renee Montoya is an Albuquerque based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and artist. Melissa is best known as a classical mezzo-soprano, specializing in opera, oratorio and art song, however her classical training has enabled her to venture into almost any style. Melissa is currently the frontwoman in a vintage jazz band called Swing Magique, one of two singers in the flamenco troupe Flamenco d'Aki and is part of a latin duo with accomplished guitarist Ronaldo Baca. Melissa and Ronaldo also perform as a classical duo focusing on Spanish classical and contemporary art song.
Melissa received her Masters degree in vocal performance from the University of New Mexico in 2008. She has appeared on stage as Larina in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, the Mistress of the Novices in Puccini’s Suor Angelica Praskovia in Lehar’s the Merry Widow and as Harriet in Musical Theater Southwest’s production of The Civil War. In concert, Ms. Montoya has sung alto solos in Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde, Handel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Bach’s Christ Lag in Todes Banden, Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Requiem. As a recitalist, Ms. Montoya specializes in Spanish and Latin American art song and the music of Mahler. Ever versatile, Melissa also plays guitar, ukulele, and flute. Passionate about teaching, Melissa has a private vocal studio and teaches voice at the Albuquerque Institute of Music. When she's not working as a musician, Melissa is painting, playing with clay, and can be found hiking in the vast New Mexico wilderness with her miniature Pinscher Lily.