MICHELLE VACHON, mezzo-soprano, hails from Tennessee and holds a B.M. from the University of Dayton with a concentration in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology. In her graduate studies at Longy School of Music , Michelle received an M.M. in Vocal Performance and a G.P.D. in Opera Performance. In June 2008, Michelle participated as a Young Artist with the Key West Symphony, performing extensively throughout the Key West area. She has lately performed the roles of Maurya in Vaughan Williams’ Riders to the Sea at the Longy School of Music and Second Witch in the Weston Opera Festival’s premiere production of Dido and Aeneas. She has shown her committed artistry as soloist and in ensembles throughout the Boston area, including the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. In addition to serving on the Fundraising Committee of Boston Opera Collaborative (BOC), she was a member of the Ensemble and the cover of Hansel in BOC’s production of Hansel and Gretel. She also recently performed the energetic role of Young Rosina in BOC’s innovative adaptation The Countess of Seville. Michelle has had the privilege of working with many new music composers, including Eva Kendrick, Steven Serpa, and Michael Veloso. When Michelle is not found in rehearsals or performances of her own, she is busy as the Alto section leader at First Church Cambridge and encouraging her own students explore their musical gifts.