Michele Kennedy

Michele Kennedy is an American operatic soprano specializing in Baroque and contemporary classical music. She has performed as a soloist at major venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center.

Education Kennedy earned her Bachelor of Arts and graduated magna cum laude from Yale University, then went on to earn a Master of Music and Arts Policy from New York University. Kennedy is a distinguished alumna of the San Francisco Girls Chorus, and she returned as a guest soloist for their 2017 holiday concert at Davies Symphony Hall, and for their 2026 Spring Gala at Herbst Theatre in the War Memorial Opera House.

Career Kennedy’s vocal performances have received critical acclaim; the San Francisco Chronicle described her "graceful tonal clarity" as "a wonder to hear" during her performance of Purcell's works. In 2024, she performed the roles of Gabriel and Eve in Haydn's The Creation with the Washington Bach Consort. In early 2026, she was a featured soloist with Seraphic Fire under the direction of Jason Max Ferdinand, with the South Florida Classical Review noting her "soulful soprano" voice. Additionally, she collaborated with the Palaver Strings ensemble for a series of recitals in Maine, featuring works that bridge classical and folk traditions.

As a professional ensemble singer, Michele is a regular member of Lorelei Ensemble, Seraphic Fire, and the Kaleidoscope Vocal Ensemble. She has also performed with The Choir of Trinity Wall Street, The Choir of Saint John the Divine, and The Crossing, with whom she sang in the world premiere of Julia Wolfe’s Fire in my mouth with the New York Philharmonic.

In April of 2026, she was featured as a headlining artist in “The Lisette Project: Haitian Creole Music” with Chatham Baroque, and performed in the program “A Song’s Journey from Haiti and Back” at the University of Pennsylvania.

In June 2026, Michele returns to Carnegie Hall as a soloist in Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living with the New England Symphonic Ensemble.

Discography In 2023, Kennedy collaborated with the ensemble AGAVE on the album In Her Hands. Kennedy's interpretations of Florence Price's works have been noted as part of a broader contemporary revival of the composer's repertoire. The recording received critical acclaim, with Early Music America praising her "delicate" rendering of works by Florence Price. The magazine Textura highlighted Kennedy's versatility on the track "Hold On", noting her ability to transition from the sacred cantatas of Antonia Bembo to the songs of Margaret Bonds.

Awards First Prize, Berlin International Classical Music Awards (2025) National Winner, The American Prize in Voice (Art Song), Women's Division (2023) Finalist, Handel Aria Competition (2016)