Olivia Schurke is a mezzo-soprano based in Boston, where she recently earned her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at Boston University. During her studies Olivia performed several roles with the Boston University Opera Institute, most notably Bradamante in Handel’s Alcina, Meg in Little Women and Dorabella in Così fan tutte. She made her Symphony Hall debut as mezzo soloist for James Stephensen’s Symphony No. 2 with the Boston University Wind Ensemble in April 2023.
Most recently she put on Vaterliebe, a chamber recital at First Lutheran Church of Boston which featured music by German composers spanning three centuries.
Well-versed in and as equally passionate about contemporary opera, Olivia has performed many roles in this sphere. Most recently she covered the role of Johnna in Boston Opera Collaborative’s production of Naomi in the Living Room. With the Boston University Opera Institute she was featured as Isabel in La hija de Rappaccini and Taller Daughter in Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up.
Olivia’s musical studies began with the violin at the early age of three, which was her primary instrument until college. She continued her violin studies through college, where she played in St. Olaf’s Philharmonia Orchestra.