Known for her clarity and warmth, Michaela Usher brings her unique tone to numerous roles in oratorio, opera, gospel, jazz, and musical theater.

 

Miss Usher’s past engagements have included Sarah from Ragtime, Lady Sangazure in The Sorcerer, the Witch in Hansel and Gretel, the Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas, Madame Flora in The Medium , Mahalia Jackson in Mahalia: The Gospel Musical.

 

In August of 2017, Miss Usher performed the role of Betsy in the premiere of the opera American Spring by Sam Mulloy. This new opera gave a deeper look into the causes of the American Civil War, the abolitionist movement, and the concept of freedom. In November 2017, Michaela joined the Bronzeville Art Ensemble in their production of Bess the Original Fly Girl written by Sheri Williams Panell.

 

Michaela has also performed as a guest soloist for choirs, recitals, and concerts in Southeastern Wisconsin. Her recital and concert credits include From Brahms to Billie Holiday, Going Up North, Songs That Inspire Change (Panel Productions), Handel's Messiah, Te Deum & Jubilate, Bach's Magnificat (Milwaukee Jubilee SIngers), and the Marian Anderson Tribute Concert at Lawrence University. In April of 2017, Michaela performed as the mezzo-soprano soloist for Let God Arise by Glen Edward Burleigh. Miss Usher is a fourth year member of the cast of Black Nativity MKE (Black Arts MKE). Recently, Miss Usher performed in the Coalition of African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) masterclass for world-renowned opera singer Latonia Moore. Also, Miss Usher has worked with world-renowned vocal coach Mr. David Lee Brewer during the Lane College's Contemporary Music Symposium.

 

Currently, Miss Usher is finishing her Master of Music degree at Boston University with Dr. Allison Trainer. She can next be seen as Alice 2 in Alice Tierney with BU’s Fringe Festival.