|
Deborah Ann
Polkinghorn, an Illinois native born into a musical
family, can never recall a time when she was not
singing. From the time she crooned her first lullaby to
her dolls and continuing through university, Deborah
dreamed of just one thing: becoming a professional
singer. The practical side of her artistic and creative
nature led her to McPherson College and subsequently to
Florida Gulf Coast University where, in 2003, she
received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. While
at McPherson, she toured Europe with her college choir
and performed as a soloist at several benefit concerts.
Later, she won the hearts of both audience and judges
when she was named Queen of the Oktoberfest of Southwest
Florida after singing the German National Anthem.
In 2006,
she auditioned for the New England Conservatory of
Music’s Summer Opera Institute and was chosen to
participate in this prestigious and rigorous program.
This proved to be a pivotal event in her life, for since
then she has been in continuing demand as a performer in
opera, recitals, oratorios, and the theatre.
She is
currently a student of renowned teacher, RoseMarie
Freni-Molinari of the Sarasota Opera and Sarasota Opera
vocal coach Kristen Conn-Kemp. Ms. Freni-Molinari
describes Deborah as possessing “a full, rich
Mezzo-Soprano voice with an excellent range…A true
talent on the stage.”
Deborah
enjoys a myriad vocal genre. With a sparkling
personality that brings vitality to every performance,
an assured stage presence always in command of the
material and her voice, and the talent to don the
persona of tragedy or comedy with equal aplomb, she has
won acclaim for performances that range form the
exuberance of Annie Get Your Gun to the drama of
Wagner, the solemnity of Brahms, and the joy of Mozart.
Described as having an impressive voice full of promise
and one which continues to grow in range and ability,
Deborah was hailed by Sasha Von Dassow, music director
of North Port Orchestra, as “a rare breed of singer. A
diva on stage who is funny, can act, sings a variety of
styles from opera to pop with equal skill, and is a
pleasure to work with… She is a virtuosic performer.”
Recent
performances include appearances with the Gulf Coast
Symphony, the Gulf Coast Opera Company, WoodWorks
Marimba Ensemble, soloist for special programs at Temple
Beth Israel in Longboat Key, Florida, the Dali Museum,
and numerous churches. Performances in 2009 included the
Fine Arts Series at Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota,
Florida where Ms. Polkinghorn performed the Brahms’ Alto
Rhapsodie with male chorus and orchestra. Additionally,
she was recognized as the recital soloist for the Young
Artists Program under the direction of Dr. Ann
Stephenson-Moe.
Ms.
Polkinghorn is completing her Master’s degree program at
University of South Florida in Music Education and
Conducting. She is studying conducting with Dr. Daniel
Moe and Dr. Richard Zielinski and currently is the
Director of Cantors at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church
in Sarasota, Florida.
Deborah is married to timpanist and composer, Thomas E.
Suta, Jr. and currently resides in Bradenton, Florida.
She may be contacted at
www.deborahpolkinghorn.com. |
DEBORAH
ANN POLKINHORN
