JoAnne Mead, soprano

Originally from Worcester, MA, JoAnne Mead was raised in New Hampshire where she is well known as a soprano soloist and vocal instructor. While earning a BS degree in Music Education and Elementary Education, she studied voice with teachers from Boston University, Keene State College and with Anna Gabrieli of Longy School of Music and NE Conservatory.

She has performed with Granite State Opera, Opera North, Raylynmor Opera and debuted with Lowell Opera company in the role of Ciesca in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi and performed in the Broadway to Bel Canto cabaret, pleasing audiences with renditions of Tonight from West Side Story and other favorites. Other operatic roles include Adele in Die Fledermaus, Gianetta in Elixir of Love, Zorah in Ruddigore and the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Musical theater roles include the Queen in Once Upon a Mattress, Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, Shandel in Fiddler on the Roof and Godspell. As an oratorio soloist she has performed numerous works with choral and orchestral organizations in the New Hampshire area.

Ms. Mead performed the National Anthem for President George W. Bush during his campaign, and has sung at ceremonies in the Governor's chambers at the State House in Concord, NH. She is a member of the Keene State College Faculty Quartet, Mainstreet Four and has performed as a vocalist for the National Dance Institute. She was the 1997 winner of the NH AMA Vocal Competition and placed second at the national level. She serves as a judge for the NH Music Educators Association and the NH All-State Choral Festival.