Joy Converse, Lyric Mezzo-Soprano

Joy Converse, lyric mezzo-soprano, has always loved music, with training in organ, piano, guitar and singing but did not come to appreciate and love opera until later in life. After joining the Main Line Opera Guild in 2011, Joy has performed with them at various venues including Rose Tree Park and the Hedgerow Theatre in Media, “The High Note in Philadelphia and in the Opera Scenes Event, and Dramatic Moments in Opera II at Stage One in Wallingford. Opera “scene” roles have included Carmen in Carmen, “Madelena” and “Giovana” in Rigoletto, “Dorabella” in the English version of Cosi Fan Tutti, “Suzuki” in Madame Butterfly and “Charlotte” in Werther. Full opera roles include “Kate Pinkerton” in the Delaware Valley Opera Company’s production of Madame Butterfly at Stage One, and the roles of both the “Countess di Coigny” and “Madelon” with the Main Line Opera Guild in a concertized version of Andrea Chenier. Joy has also performed with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops in three Holiday Pops concerts as a member of the festival chorus. She has also been a church pianist, a former member and soloist of several church choirs, and a former member and soloist of the Ridley Community Chorus. In March of 2012, Joy won First Prize in the Adult Upper Division of the National Association of Teachers of Singing vocal competition. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Temple University, ESL Certification from the University of Pennsylvania and currently teaches English Language Learners in the Radnor Township School District. Joy studies classical voice with Marvin Keenze.