Maria Natale, an Italian-American soprano, has garnered praise from The New York Times for her “plummy, penetrating voice.” She is the proud recipient of numerous awards and prizes from esteemed organizations including the James Collier Foundation, Joan Sutherland Foundation – Elizabeth Connell Prize, the Gerda Lissner Foundation, the Loren L. Zachary Competition and the Olga Forrai Foundation.
Ms. Natale has captivated audiences with her performances of some of operas legendary leading ladies including Mimi in La Boheme, Nedda in Pagliacci, and the title roles of Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly and most recently Tosca. Ms. Natale has appeared in roles with Opera San Jose, Sarasota Opera, Opera Maine, Vero Beach Opera and Cedar Rapids Opera. She has been applauded by Opera News for her “powerful soprano that effortlessly filled the house”. Similarly, her Sarasota Opera debut, playing the role of Liù in Turandot, received accolades for her “unequivocal Italian sound”. Ms. Natale garnered acclaim for her portrayal of Lady Macbeth in Ernest Bloch’s only opera, Macbeth, being hailed by Opera News for her “high voltage vocal thrills” and “merciless stage presence.”
As a concert soloist Ms. Natale made her Carnegie Hall debut as the soprano solo in Faure’s Requiem with the New England Symphonic Ensemble as well as the soloist in Dvorak’s Te Deum with the NYC Master Chorale. She looks forward to continuing to add to her concert repertoire this season with the masterpiece, Verdi Requiem with San Jose Symphonic Choir and revisiting Dvorak’s Te Deum with the Knoxville Amadeus Ensemble. She will also make her debut as Judith in Bluebeard’s Castle with Opera San Jose.