About

Photo Credit: Sofia Palurovic

Jaye Simmons (they/them) is a South African-American soprano from Baltimore, MD. Jaye is based in Vienna, Austria currently and is in their last year of the newly devolved Volksoper Opernstudio. They are a graduate of The Juilliard School BM’20 and MM’22 under the tutelage of American soprano Amy Burton. Mx. Simmons has taken part of multiple residencies with both mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves and Lawrence Brownlee and has also frequently worked with pianist and coach Steven Blier in his concert series NYFOS based in New York City. Jaye has been able to take on some very fun and creative characters. They will be joining the Volksoper ensemble roster starting in September 2024. 

Renowned for their captivating performances and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, Jaye Simmons is a trailblazing non-binary soprano redefining the boundaries of classical music. With a repertoire spanning from Mozart to Bernstein, Jaye's dynamic vocal prowess and magnetic stage presence have garnered acclaim all over.

Jaye's journey as a soprano has been marked by a series of standout performances, including their spellbinding portrayal of Papagena in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, the enchanting Flamma in Offenbach's Die Reise zum Mond, and the gender-bending Tiresias in Poulenc's Les Mamelles des Tiresias. Their portrayal of Diana in Offenbach's Orpheus in Der Unterwelt and the endearing Barbarina in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro have further solidified their reputation as a versatile and dynamic performer. They most recently made their debut as the hilarious and incredibly witty Despina in Mozart’s Così fan tutte as well as the beautifully hopeful Maria in Bernstein’s West Side Story. They will also tackle the challenging role of the 1st Countertenor in Adams' The Gospel According to the Other Mary at the end of this current season.

In addition to their past successes, Jaye's upcoming season promises an array of thrilling role debuts, including Frasquita in Bizet's Carmen, Fantasia in Offenbach's Die Reise zum Mond, and the effervescent Adele in Strauß' Die Fledermaus, Bianca in Puccini's La Rondine, and the ethereal Taumännchen in Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel.

Beyond their remarkable talent on stage, Jaye is a vocal advocate for representation and diversity in music. They understand the profound impact that visibility and inclusivity have on shaping the future of classical music. Through their performances and advocacy efforts, Jaye aims to create spaces where artists of all backgrounds feel empowered to share their voices and stories.

In a world where music has the power to transcend boundaries and unite hearts, Jaye Simmons stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and artistic innovation.

Jaye was the soprano soloist in Carmina Burana, as well as the soprano soloist in Brahms Requiem. Simmons electrified audiences with their portrayal of  Little Inez in the 2016 production of Hairspray with John Waters narrating and Jack Everly conducting the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerhoff and Strathmore Performing Arts Center. Jaye lent their talents as the lead soprano soloist in Faure’s Requiem for a benefit fundraiser for the Syrian Refugee Crisis.

Jaye was also a featured soloist for the U.S. Embassy in Paris.  They also participated in Opera Harmony’s Digital Creations Created in Confinement where she played Skye in Apart/Mental during the pandemic. Jaye was a participant in a Masterclass with Lawrence Brownlee November 2020 as well as in person residencies with Mr. Brownlee and Denyce Graves from 2020-2022. Simmons has performed the role of Flora in Turn of the Screw with Illuminarts and starred as Anne Truelove in Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress at Juilliard with conductor Mark Shapiro and director Louisa Muller.