“elegant performance and a galvanizing vocal presence”
”shining spinto tone for dead-on high notes”
ABOUT
Kara Shay, a renowned dramatic soprano, has firmly established herself as one of the most versatile and accomplished voices in the opera world. With over 15 years of experience, she has gained widespread acclaim for her remarkable ability to portray both contemporary and traditional characters. Throughout her illustrious career, Kara Shay has graced the stages of some of the most prestigious opera houses in the United States, including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera and New York City Opera.
Her extensive repertoire of over 50 leading roles, showcases her exceptional vocal power, flexibility, and dramatic depth. Whether performing in classic works or more modern operatic pieces, Kara Shay’s performances are a testament to her unparalleled artistry and her capacity to bring every character to life with authenticity and passion.
With every performance, Kara Shay continues to refine her craft, embracing new challenges and pushing the boundaries of her art. As she explores new roles and projects, her commitment to excellence in both vocal technique and dramatic interpretation remains unwavering. It is this dedication that has earned her the admiration of both critics and audiences alike, solidifying her place as a dynamic and evolving presence in the world of opera.
Through her artistry, Kara Shay continues to inspire, proving time and again that she is not only a master of her craft, but a true ambassador for the transformative power of opera.
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“From the first phrases sung by Kara Shay Thomson, a compelling American soprano with a plush, vibrant, powerful voice…She was marvelous!”
The Woman / Ewartung
The New York Times
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"Thomson has a sizeable voice with a lovely command of nuance, especially in regard to color and dynamics. While some sopranos choose to underscore this heroine’s melodramatic qualities, Thomson emphasized Tosca’s vulnerability."
Floria Tosca / Tosca
Opera News
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"Kara Shay Thomson is riveting, completely commanding the stage in every scene... Appropriately, her Act II aria ‘To This We’ve Come’ was the high point of the evening, a heartrending outpouring of emotion and harbinger of the tragedy to come. "
Magda / The Consul
South Florida Classical Review
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"Kara Shay Thomson as the Princess Turandot is stunning. She has one of the most powerful voices I have ever heard. Her countenance physically changed from cold to hot when she allowed her feelings for Prince Calaf to melt her icy heart."
Princess Turandot / Turandot
Broadway World
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Thomson is not only the center of the men's attention, but ours as well, her strong, full-range soprano knocking us out with delightful arabesques and incredibly sustained high notes.
Minnie / La Fanciulla del West
Coloradopera
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Nashville Opera
January 22 & 24 - 2026
Kara Shay makes her company debut as Minnie in La Fancuilla del West.
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Lyric Opera of Chicago
November 1, 4, 7, 9, 12, 15, 20, 23 - 2025
Making her third appearance at Lyric, Kara Shay will return to cover the role of Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana.
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Penscola Opera
September 19 & 21 - 2025
Returning to one of her favorite companies, Kara Shay will debut the role of Madeline Mitchell in their new production of Jake Heggie and Gene Sheer’s Three Decembers, a contemporary opera about love, loss and family.
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Tulsa Opera
July 13 - August 11 - 2025
Kara Shay joins the faculty of Spotlight Opera to nurture emerging artists through voice lessons, dramatic coachings, and career guidance.
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Central City Opera
July 6, 10, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23, 27, 31 & August 3, 2024
Making her role debut as Minnie, Kara Shay returned to this jewel box theater in the gorgeous mountains of Colorado to join the cast of La Fanciulla del West.
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Pensacola Opera
March 15 & 17 - 2024
Returning to one of her favorite comedic roles, Kara Shay returned to Pensacola to portray the role of Rosalinda in their production of Die Fledermaus.
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Lyric Opera of Chicago
November 2023
Tackling the vocally and dramatically challenging character of Kostelnička, Kara Shay returned to Lyric to cover the role in this star studded production of Jenůfa.
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Opera Colorado
May 6, 9, 12 & 14 - 2023
Reprising her role as the Ice Princess, Kara Shay joined the cast of Turandot to close out Opera Colorado’s 40th season.
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Opera Colorado
February 25, 28 & March 3, 5 - 2023
Kara Shay jumped in at the last minute to sing the role of Marie/Marietta in this beautiful production of Korngold’s Die tote Stadt.
