NatalieLewis

American mezzo-soprano Natalie Lewis begins her 2025/26 season as a new member of the Bayerische Staatsoper Ensemble after finishing two years in the Opera Studio as an Opera Foundation recipient. In her first year as an ensemble member Natalie will reprise the role of Mary in Der fliegende Holländer during the company’s tour to Shanghai, China, as well as debut the role of Emilia in Othello. Other roles this season include Grimgerde in Die Walküre, Annina in La Traviata, Die Dritte Dame in Die Zauberflöte, and Giovanna in Rigoletto. 

Last season Natalie debuted at the Staatsoper with Erda in Das Rheingold. Other debuts include La Voce in Resphigi’s Lucrezia, with critics calling it “extremely nuanced” with her “colourful mezzo” (BR Klassik), “inspired…with extra large Pathos” (Abend Zeitung Muechen), and even “A goosebumps moment…Warm timbre, strong and differentiated” (Klassik Begeistert), The Governess in Pique Dame and La Frugula in Il Tabarro.

As her career in Europe has progressed, Natalie has been able to develop her deep love of concert work. Last season Natalie performed both Mahler’s Symphony No.2 and Symphony No.8 with the Neue Philharmonic München and the Bremen Philharmonie respectively, as well as made her Münchener Rundfunkorchester debut performing the Alto Solo in Michael Tippett’s A Child of our Time. In 25/26 Natalie is looking forward to performing Respighi's Il Tramonto with members of the Bayerische Staatsorchester, as well as an entire concert of Gershwin Music with the Bayerische Staatsorchester under the baton of Vladimir Juworski.

While Natalie is enjoying settling into her life in Europe, she is always excited for opportunities to perform in her home country. In the autumn of 24/25 Natalie made her Seattle Opera debut in Tazewell Thompson’s world premiere of Jubilee as Georgia Gordon. In the summer of 2024 Natalie made her Grand Teton Music festival debut as the 3rd Lady under the baton of Sir Donald Runnicles. Other American debuts include Mistress Quickly in Falstaff at the Aspen Music Festival and Lucretia in The Rape of Lucretia at the Merola Summer Program, 

In 2025 Natalie was awarded 2nd Prize overall for Female Voice as well the Birgit Nielson Award in the Placido Domingo Operalia Competition. In 2023 Natalie earned first place and the online audience favourite award at the Houston Grand Opera Concert of Arias and was named a winner of the National Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition the same year. Natalie received her Bachelors in Music from the University of Massachusetts: Amherst and her Masters in Music from The Juilliard School where she was awarded the Kovner Fellowship.