Soprano Reilly Nelson brings raw dramatic intensity and fearless artistry to leading opera houses and concert stages across North America and Europe. Hailed as "a revelation" by Opera News, she is known for her unflinching commitment to dramatic truth and her distinctly warm, burnished sound. She recently made her Jazz at Lincoln Center debut as Nancy Smith in "Blind Injustice," where Front Row Center praised her "soprano voice rising like a phoenix, embodying both the despair of her wrongful conviction and the strength of her ultimate vindication."

A specialist in the Weill/Brecht vocal repertoire, Ms. Nelson earned second place in the prestigious Lotte Lenya Competition. Her profound connection to this revolutionary theatrical style influences her approach to both contemporary and traditional works. She recently appeared as Annio in "La Clemenza di Tito" with Pacific Opera Victoria and created the role of Gianna in the world premiere of "Tenor Overboard" at the Glimmerglass Festival. Additional appearances include Cincinnati Opera and Tiroler Festspiele Erl, and she is currently preparing for upcoming projects with Tapestry Opera, including the workshop of a new Canadian opera "In the Bardo" by Amanda Hale and Ivan Barbotin.

As a two-time participant in Barbara Hannigan's elite Equilibrium Young Artists program, Ms. Nelson continues to push the boundaries of vocal artistry while honoring operatic tradition. Her commitment to new music has led to premieres of works by Matthew Ricketts and collaborations with Toronto's avant-garde chamber music group, The Happenstancers. Her orchestral engagements include appearances with the Phoenix Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, and Reno Philharmonic.

Ms. Nelson's artistic excellence has garnered multiple competition victories, including second place in the 2023 Toronto Mozart Vocal Competition, selection as one of the Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques for the 2023-24 season, and district winner in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. She holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and the University of Cincinnati (MM, DMA in Vocal Pedagogy). Originally from Northern Ontario, she is currently based in Toronto, where she continues to forge new paths in both traditional repertoire and contemporary opera.