gemma nha

‘Rising star’ (Dong-A Ilbo)

‘Thrillingly evocative’ (Chicago Tribune)

‘Winning stage presence’ (Washington Classical Review)

Korean-Australian soprano Gemma Nha is a soloist in the ensemble at Volksoper Wien. She recently completed her tenure with Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center. Gemma’s repertoire ranges from Mozart to contemporary musical theatre, singing roles such as Barbarina Volksoper Wien, Zerlina Schlosstheater Schönbrunn, Tuptim The King and I with Seefestspiele Mörbisch and Wendla Spring Awakening Volksoper Wien. Gemma won First Prize in the 18th Seoul International Music Competition, was a National Semifinalist of the Laffont Metropolitan Opera Competition, and a two-time finalist of the Lotte Lenya Competition.

upcoming performances

critical acclaim

Seoul International Music Competition

“1위 결정 후 심사위원들은 “발성과 가사의 발음, 해석이 완벽하고 자신의 드라마를 만들어낼 줄 아는 가수다. 바로 세계 주요 오페라 무대에 서도 환영받을 재목”이라고 입을 모았다.” “After deciding on first place, the judges said, “This singer has perfect vocalization, pronunciation and interpretation of lyrics, and knows how to create her own drama. She is a talent who will be welcomed on major opera stages around the world.””
유윤종, 동아일보 (Gustav Yoo, Dong-A Ilbo)
Volksoper Wien, Le nozze di Figaro

“Gemma Nha erfrischte als druckvolle Barbarina.” “Gemma Nha was refreshing as a powerful Barbarina”
Stefan Ender, Der Standard
Grant Park Music Festival, Mahler Symphony 8

Later, as the unearthly Mater Gloriosa, Gemma Nha — a thrillingly evocative soprano, and an incoming Ryan Opera Center singer to watch — sang from the very back of the choral loft, sounding every bit like a voice from heaven. Those placements were pure musical pageantry, in the best way.
Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune
Wolf Trap Opera, Dialogues des Carmélites

“Gemma Nha as Sister Constance was an utter delight…Her impressive vocal range matched her acting chops...”
Emily Berger, Broadway World
Music Before 1800, Dreams and Monsters

“Soprano Gemma Nha impressed with the richness of her voice and the purity of emotion expressed in “Tristes apprêts, pâles flambeaux,” in which Télaïre mourns the death of Castor. In total contrast was the warmth and delight in her singing of Cupid and the joys of love in “Régnez, plaisirs” from Dardanus.”
Rick Perdian, New York Classical Review
Wolf Trap Opera, Dialogues des Carmélites

Her bubbly nature filled the stage with enthusiasm and passion for life, making her last moment at the scaffold both terrifying and poignant. She has a clear voice across the range with real gleam and beauty at the top, none of it forced. Her singing glided with commendable agility over the score’s more complex passages.
Héctor Luisi, Opera News
Ryan Opera Center Concert with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago

“…a powerful, soul-uplifting, spectacular production…Selections from Act 2 of The Marriage of Figaro… [were] the perfect comedy opening to showcase…Gemma Nha’s petite stature is in complete contrast to her powerhouse gorgeous vocals.”
Susan Lilis, Splash Magazines
Wolf Trap Opera, Dialogues des Carmélites

“…there were other standout vocal performances. Gemma Nha as Sister Constance brought a sense of humor to the beginning of her first scene. Wagner as Blanche towered over her, making Nha’s character all the more endearing, besides the fact that this role let her show off her fabulous high soprano.”
Maggie Ramsey, Opera Today
Juilliard Opera, Later the Same Evening

“Standouts included soprano Gemma Nha as Ruth, a down-on-her-luck actress who decides to leave the city, whose focused and luminous sound made her aria a dramatic and vocal high point.”
Gabrielle Ferrari, Parterre Box
Wolf Trap Opera, Dialogues des Carmélites

“As Blanche’s unlikely young compatriot at the convent, Sister Constance, Gemma Nha had the winning stage presence…Her ebullient soprano proved a fine fit for the part…”
Alex Baker, Washington Classical Review