MEZZO-SOPRANO KATE TOMBAUGH has been praised as “utterly convincing, dramatically, and musically superlative” (Seen and Heard International). She recently won first place in the Mildred C. Miller International Competition, hosted by Pittsburgh Festival Opera and featuring an all-mezzo edition.

Kate had the distinct pleasure of premiering the lead mezzo role of “The Dough” in Rachel J. Peters’ Companionship; she debuted the role with Fort Worth Opera, and reprised in its orchestral premiere with the Virginia Arts Festival John Duffy Institute for New Opera, under the baton of Alan Johnson. Her numerous roles and solo appearances range the gamut from classical to musical theater, spanning centuries of music. 

Kate’s training includes the Santa Fe Opera Apprentice, Opera Theatre of St. Louis Gerdine Artist and Utah Opera Resident Artist programs. Additionally, she was a Stern Fellow with Songfest, and in the Opera Studio at AIMS in Graz, Austria. She holds a masters degree in voice-opera performance from University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), and dual undergraduate degrees in english literature and vocal performance from Illinois Wesleyan University.

Her career in opera was initiated when she placed third in the Chicago Regional MONC Auditions, hosted by NYC’s Metropolitan Opera.  Since then, other career highlights have included performing as a soloist at Carnegie Hall upon winning the Barry Alexander International Vocal Competition, winning the Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal  Competition, placing second in the Nicholas Z. Loren Vocal Competition,  hosted by the Holland Chorale, and being awarded the “Grace Keagy Award”  by NYC-based Kurt Weill Foundation in their annual Lotte Lenya competition.

Kate is the founder and Executive Director of Poco a Poco, an 8-year nonprofit based in her hometown of Streator, IL offering musical training, performances, and multigenerational music-making opportunities. Earlier this year, she was awarded the Individual Artist Award at the OmniHonors banquet, hosted by the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation. She is a frequent master class technician, presenter, and recitalist, with a penchant for mentoring young artists. For more information, please visit: www.katetombaugh.com