Raised in a gifted musical family, Dabney NiCole Ross found herself singing at a very young age. While attending Paseo Del Rey Elementary School in Los Angeles, Dabney had the opportunity to sing in the chorus. She was also very active in youth choirs in the United Methodist Church. Singing with both Methodist and school choirs enabled Dabney the opportunity to sing in both the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Wiltern Theatre. Her father is a very gifted trombonist, who studied his instrument at Grambling State University. Her mother came from a musical family of singers. One of her aunts even studied singing as well. It was inevitable for Dabney to have a keen sensitivity towards music and the arts.It was not until Ms. Joyce Sweeney heard her sing "Sebben Crudele", Ms. Sweeney challenged Dabney to pursue a career in opera. Ms. Sweeney expressed that she had a bell like quality to her voice that lends itself to operatic singing. As a result of this challenge, Dabney went on to excel in music subsequently, appearing on the West Los Angeles College Deans' List. This led to performing in recitals and soloing in the 1994 West Los Angeles College graduation ceremonies.
Dabney went on to transfer to Mount St. Mary's College. Subsequently, Ms. Ross decided to study voice privately with Karl Snider.Studying with the renowned Natalie Limonick was very pivotal in her training. Dabney learned more about the appreciation for art song, opera, and symphonic music in one year with Natalie then she would have if she studied at a university. Despite the fact that it was not an easy three years with Ms. Limonick, she taught Ms. Ross a work ethic she uses to this day. The attention to vocal detail is still apparent in Ms. Ross's performances.After working with Ms. Limonick, Ms. Ross continued her private study with one of USC's noted vocal instructors, Ms. Shigemi Matsumoto.Currently, Dabney is having great success with Mr. Mike Stevens vocal instructor at the Colburn School in Downtown Los Angeles. She has coached regularly with Mr. Bill Vendice and Dan Bridston. She has performed with the Repertory Opera Company and sung in the Chorus with the L.A. Opera in 2007. Miss Ross recently starred as Fidelio with the Celestial Opera Company of South Pasadena.I had the emense pleasure to be in this production of Porgy & Bess from L.A. opera. I had one line!
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Performance Credits:
2007
Fidelio
The Celestial Opera Company, John Denehy Director, Brian Farrell, Musical Director
Role: Leonore/Fidelio*****************************************Porg
y & Bess
L.A. Opera, Francesca Zambello, Director, John De Main, Conductor
Role: Chorus, Soloist, Dancer*******************************************2006
Susannah
Repertory Opera Company, Lizbeth Lucca Director, Brian Farrell Musical Direction
Role: Mrs. Mclean, Chorus************************************************I Pagliacci
El Dorado Opera Company John Mc Connell Director, Carmine Aufiero, Conductor
Role: Chorus*************************************************Lucia
Di Lammermoor
Repertory Opera Company, Suzy Duck Stage Director, Brian Farrell Music Director
Role: Chorus, Dancer***********************************************2005
Cosi Fan Tutte
Repertory Opera Company, Lizbeth Lucca, Stage Director, Brian Farrell Music Director
Role: Chorus**************************************************Tale
s of Hoffman
Repertory Opera Company, Lizbeth Lucca, Stage Director, Brian Farrell Music Director
Role: Chorus, Dance**************************************************Solo Engagements
2006
A Summer Program of Song- Solo recital, featuring Pianist, Brian Farrell*****************************************************
Education
Hamilton High School-Humanities
West Los Angeles College-Music/Vocal Arts
Private study****************************************************
Websites
http://www.myspace.com/dabneynicolerosssoprano**************
*************************************http://www.geocities.co
m/dabneyross/
