Artists

Alexandra Schoeny, soprano

Alexandra Schoeny, soprano

In repertoire spanning Monteverdi to Gregory Spears, Alexandra Schoeny is known for her versatility and engaging stage presence. With a voice hailed as “hauntingly beautiful” by Opera News, she is equally praised for her convincing character portrayals as she “embodies melodrama with flair” (Broadway World). Schoeny has appeared nationally and internationally with ensembles including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, May Festival, Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Pops. She has appeared on stages including the Royal Opera of Versailles, Prototype Festival, Aix-en-Provence, Het Concertgebouw, and Das Konzerthaus. Roles include Cunegonde, Donna Anna, Pamina, Sofia (Il signor Brus- chino), Thérèse (Les mamelles de Tirésias), and Miss Lightfoot in the world premiere of Fellow Travelers and its original cast recording.

Upcoming projects include Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Reno Philharmonic, and assistant directing the world premiere opera Fierce by William Menefield at Cincinnati Opera. Early summer brings a regional premiere of Ian Dicke’s User Agreement with concert:nova.

Schoeny is the co-founder of Breath Collective, whose mission is to unite communities through high quality, relevant and immersive performing arts that cultivate love, empathy and inclusion. In the summer, Breath Collective will present Schoeny’s concept Woman in Blue, a concert pairing Schumann’s Frauen-Liebe und Leben with the music of Joni Mitchell.

Ellen Graham, mezzo-soprano

Ellen Graham, mezzo-soprano

Mezzo-soprano Ellen Graham is a versatile singer who has garnered recognition for performances that are “stirring” and “beautifully sung.” She performs regularly with organizations like Collegium Cincinnati, Cincinnati Opera and Queen City Opera. She is a member of the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble and Austin, TX-based Conspirare, both under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson. In addition, she has been a member of the Cincinnati Opera Chorus for over a decade.

Graham has performed with the Cincinnati Pops under the baton of John Morris Russell and has appeared as a soloist with the May Festival under Robert Porco, as well as many regional choirs and orchestras including Duke Chapel Chorus, Evansville Philharmonic, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Central Ohio Symphony, and Clermont Philharmonic Orchestra. Equally at home on the musical theater stage, she has performed in regional theaters including West Virginia Public Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater and the College Light Opera Company.

Graham holds degrees from the University of Kentucky, Miami University and Carnegie Mellon University. She is an Instructor of Lyric Diction and Voice at Northern Kentucky University and Adjunct Instructor of Voice at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in Jazz and Commercial Music Production.

Matthew Umphreys, piano

Matthew Umphreys, piano

Matthew Umphreys is a Cincinnati-based pianist who loves working with great singers, regardless of genre. He works as a coach, pianist and music director with organizations such as Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Song Initiative, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, the American Traditions Competition, and the Schmidt Vocal Institute. He is also the Artistic Director of Queen City Cabaret, a jazz cabaret concert series and nonprofit celebrating the rich past, present and future of the Cincinnati music scene. In 2021 Queen City Cabaret released their debut album, Count Your Blessings: A Tribute to Rosemary Clooney.

Umphreys currently serves as Director of Music at Columbia Baptist and Linwood Baptist churches in Cincinnati, and he is a sought-after collaborator for recordings and recitals. He holds degrees from Luther College and the University of Cincinnati College- Conservatory of Music. In his free time, Umphreys enjoys yoga, grilling, and his many houseplants.