Esther Rayo

Soprano Esther Rayo is most recognized for her passionate expression of Classical Spanish Repertoire, though her artistry spans Opera, Baroque, Oratorio, Sacred Music, and Art Song. A dedicated and versatile performer, she has been featured in performances with Circa1600, Sonoma Bach, and as a soloist with the Stanford Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Rayo made her Herbst Theatre debut representing Lieder Alive! at InterMusic SF’s Music Day and is celebrated for her collaborations with LaMusArt, supporting underserved Latino youth in East Los Angeles.

Ms. Rayo earned her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Sonoma State University, studying under David Burnakus and Ruth Ann Swenson, and her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from DePaul University, where she debuted the title role in Suor Angelica to critical acclaim. She made her European debut at Teatro della Fortuna in Fano, Italy, singing Puccini’s Tosca and Mimi in La Bohème.

Esther has received numerous awards and scholarships, including honors from the Jarvis Conservatory, NATS Vocal Competitions (Redwood Empire, San Francisco Bay Area), East Bay Opera League, DePaul University Kleinman Competition, San Miguel Institute of Bel Canto, and Musica nelle Marche in Italy.

Grateful for the release of Estrellita — this album with acclaimed pianist Peter Grunberg, Ms. Rayo’s recent and upcoming engagements include the San Francisco International Piano Festival, a return to San Francisco Music Day representing Lieder Alive! at Herbst Theatre, an all Puccini concert at Mission Dolores San Francisco, and her recital debut at Rossmoor, Walnut Creek. Further engagements include featured soloist in Fanny Mendelssohn’s Hero und Leander with Sonoma County Philharmonic, and a recital and live recording, Sacred Joy, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Belvedere, California.