Laura Heydt, soprano - Featured Artist
From the moment she discovered opera at the age of nine, Laura Heydt's musical journey has been characterized by passion and dedication. Beginning in Northeastern Pennsylvania, she honed her skills in flute and voice, performing regularly in her hometown. Her relocation to South Central Pennsylvania marked a continuation of her commitment to the arts, as she graced both operatic and musical theater stages.
Laura's talent shines in dramatic coloratura soprano roles. Her portrayal of Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata with the Repertory Opera Theater of Washington was lauded for its emotional depth and technical mastery. Similarly, her performance as Cunegonde in Bernstein's Candide with Opera Lancaster showcased her exceptional range and stage presence. In 2017, she premiered the role of Carmella in The Bartender, an opera composed by Jim Riggs, underscoring her versatility and commitment to contemporary works. Her active involvement in local organizations reflects her dedication to enriching the Mid-Atlantic’s operatic landscape.
As a concert artist, Laura has collaborated with ensembles such as the York Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Hanover Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Mandolin Orchestra, and Harrisburg Choral Society. Under the direction of Maestro Robert Hart Baker, she served as the soprano soloist for the York Symphony Orchestra's July 4th Patriotic Celebration and Handel’s complete Messiah. She also appeared as a guest artist with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra.
Beyond her performance career, Laura is a passionate historian and educator, committed to promoting equity in education and narrating America's history through music. As an active member of The American Friends of Lafayette, serving as the Chair of the Baltimore Music Committee, she has delved into the music composed for The Marquis de Lafayette’s 1824-25 Farewell Tour, reflecting her dedication to the Franco-American alliance. This passion has led her to perform French and American music at Lafayette Bicentennial events at venues such as the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall, Yorktown, VA, Fort McHenry in Baltimore, the Virginia Capitol Building, and the Virginia Governor’s Residence.
Laura holds a B.A. in Vocal Performance and French from York College of Pennsylvania. She furthered her vocal training in New York City at Mannes and was a featured soloist with the American Institute of Musical Studies Festival Orchestra in Graz, Austria. Her educational pursuits also include participation in many festivals and workshops across the world. She previously served as the Education Program Manager for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids Program at Booker T. Washington Middle School for the Arts and Mt. Royal Middle School. Currently, she is the Music Teacher at The SEED School of Maryland, a statewide, public, college-preparatory boarding school located in Baltimore that prepares students for success in college and beyond. At SEED, Laura leads both the Drum Line and Vocal Music program.
Laura is also a proud mother of two sons, Sam and Ben, who are also musicians and history lovers. She resides in Baltimore, MD.
Laura's talent shines in dramatic coloratura soprano roles. Her portrayal of Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata with the Repertory Opera Theater of Washington was lauded for its emotional depth and technical mastery. Similarly, her performance as Cunegonde in Bernstein's Candide with Opera Lancaster showcased her exceptional range and stage presence. In 2017, she premiered the role of Carmella in The Bartender, an opera composed by Jim Riggs, underscoring her versatility and commitment to contemporary works. Her active involvement in local organizations reflects her dedication to enriching the Mid-Atlantic’s operatic landscape.
As a concert artist, Laura has collaborated with ensembles such as the York Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Hanover Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Mandolin Orchestra, and Harrisburg Choral Society. Under the direction of Maestro Robert Hart Baker, she served as the soprano soloist for the York Symphony Orchestra's July 4th Patriotic Celebration and Handel’s complete Messiah. She also appeared as a guest artist with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra.
Beyond her performance career, Laura is a passionate historian and educator, committed to promoting equity in education and narrating America's history through music. As an active member of The American Friends of Lafayette, serving as the Chair of the Baltimore Music Committee, she has delved into the music composed for The Marquis de Lafayette’s 1824-25 Farewell Tour, reflecting her dedication to the Franco-American alliance. This passion has led her to perform French and American music at Lafayette Bicentennial events at venues such as the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall, Yorktown, VA, Fort McHenry in Baltimore, the Virginia Capitol Building, and the Virginia Governor’s Residence.
Laura holds a B.A. in Vocal Performance and French from York College of Pennsylvania. She furthered her vocal training in New York City at Mannes and was a featured soloist with the American Institute of Musical Studies Festival Orchestra in Graz, Austria. Her educational pursuits also include participation in many festivals and workshops across the world. She previously served as the Education Program Manager for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids Program at Booker T. Washington Middle School for the Arts and Mt. Royal Middle School. Currently, she is the Music Teacher at The SEED School of Maryland, a statewide, public, college-preparatory boarding school located in Baltimore that prepares students for success in college and beyond. At SEED, Laura leads both the Drum Line and Vocal Music program.
Laura is also a proud mother of two sons, Sam and Ben, who are also musicians and history lovers. She resides in Baltimore, MD.