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The American soprano, Kerry Holahan [Chinese: 何凱麗], studied Chinese Language (Mandarin) at Beijing University: Chinese Language Center (2000-2001); and studied Abroad Summer/Fall - Beijing, China in Duke in China Program of Duke University (2000-2001).. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies - China from Wesleyan University (1998-2002). She then lived in China for nine years, performing extensively as soprano soloist, touring with local Chinese and international music ensembles, notably with the China Central Opera House as well as the International Festival Chorus for its China premiere of J.S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor (BWV 232) with internationally acclaimed Early Music soprano Dame Emma Kirkby. She also received extensive training in Chinese folksong techniques, for which she won top prizes in numerous competitions and is among the few non-Chinese singers to have sung folksongs in nationally-televised performances in China. While in Chin a, she worked as Administrative Director at International Festival Chorus (2004-2010); Creative Director at Lindy Times Culture Development Co. Ltd. (2009-2010); Freelance Translator at Ubica Translation Center Beijing (2009-2010). She returned to the USA in 2010 to pursue a Master of Music degree in Early Music Vocal Performance at the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University (2010-2014). She also received a Vocal Performance Diploma with Distinction from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, UK (2006).
Kerry Holahan has been praised for her agile coloratura and warm, defined sound, versatile for both Early Music as well as more modern and contemporary opera, oratorio and art song. She is heralded for her masterful interpretation of Baroque cantatas and oratorios, in particular those of J.S. Bach. She maintains an active performing career in the greater Washington, D.C. area as a soloist and choral singer Fluent in Mandarin, she is one of the few American sopranos to be actively singing Chinese traditional and contemporary works both in the USA and China. She has merged her training in Western Classical music with a passion for Chinese culture and folk traditions to bring a versatile and eclectic approach to her singing.
In March 2015, Kerry Holahan was invited by renowned bass-baritone Shenyang to perform with him in a concert of art songs by early 20th-century Chinese composer Huang Zi at the Shanghai Grand Theater. She then embarked on a five-week tour sponsored by the US State Department performing a Cole Porter Song Review with pianist Kemin Zhang. The tour was hosted by American Cultural Centers at universities all across China and is an educational initiative to foster Sino-US exchange through the performing arts. In October 2013 she was a finalist in the greater Washington D.C. China Voice Singing competition where she performed Chinese folksongs to critical acclaim. And in January 2014 she sang in the Greater Washington D.C. Chinese New Year Gala, one of the largest performance events for Spring Festival organized by Chinese living in the USA.
Kerry Holahan is manager and sings Soprano with chamber ensemble Charm City Baroque in Baltimore; Soprano at Mount Calvary Church (January 2011-May 2014); Soprano (Vocal Fellow) at Baltimore Choral Arts (since September 2011); Chorister at Washington National Cathedral (since 2012); Stage Manager, Chinese Main Stage at Smithsonian Institution (June-July 2014); Soprano at St. David's Episcopal Church in Baltimore (since September 2014); Soprano Soloist in Shanghai International Choral League (2014); Chair, Emerging Arts Advocates Committee at Maryland Citizens for the Arts (since August 2017); Soprano with Folger Consort in Washington D.C. (since November 2019); Founder and Soprano of Tazzina Drammatica Chamber Ensemble (since November 2019). In 2015, she helped found The Bridge Ensemble, a professional 16-voice chamber choir that explores the connection between pre-17th, late 20th and 21st century choral repertoire. She has also appeared as soloist with American Bach Soloists (Director: Jeffrey Thomas) in San Francisco and recently made her debut with GRAMMY-winning vocal ensemble Seraphic Fire at the Aspen Music Festival. She currently lives in Baltimore, Maryland. |
