Praised by The New York Times for "plummy, penetrating voice.” Italian- American soprano Maria Natale is proving herself to be a rising star in the Italian verismo repertoire. 

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This 2024 season, Maria made her debut as the title role in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut with Opera Festival of Chicago and also returned to the role of Tosca with at Opera Cedar Rapids. 

 

In recent seasons Maria has sung Tosca with Opera San José and captivated audiences with her debut performances at Tulsa Opera as Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly and Opera San Jose as Nedda in Pagliacci, Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly, and Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus. Her portrayal of Violetta in La Traviata at Opera Maine gathered rave reviews where Opera News applauded her powerful soprano that effortlessly filled the house. Similarly, her Sarasota Opera debut, playing the role of Liu in Turandot, received accolades for her "unequivocal Italian sound" (New Outpost).

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         Ms. Natale, as a concert soloist has performed at Carnegie Hall in performances of Faurés Requiem and Mozart’s Missa Solemnis with MidAmerica Production and as the soprano soloist with NYC Master Chorale in Dvorak’s Te Deum and Mozart’s Requiem.

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 She is the proud recipient of numerous awards and grants, distinguished by her achievements in prestigious vocal competitions across the nation. Among her notable accolades are the National James Collier Vocal Competition, Elizabeth Connell Prize in Sydney, Australia, the Gerda Lissner International Vocal Competition, and the distinction of being a grand finalist in the Loren L. Zachary Vocal Competition.