About Ms. Wiggins
A native of Charlotte, NC, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Elaine Wiggins, is praised for “a voicethat [fills] up the stage and [your] heart.” (Smile Politely).
She began her musical career playing viola beginning at the age of 12 and continued throughout high school. However, upon entering Furman University, Jennifer found that she had a passion for vocal music with a particular interest in operatic voice. After receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Music from Furman University, she attended University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to pursue a Master’s of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Literature.
Ms. Wiggins was involved in a number of productions with Lyric Theatre at Illinois during her tenure at the university performing in both the opera scenes program and main stage production. Additionally, she premiered the role of Prophetess Three in Lucas Marshall Smith’s A Psalm of Silence.
In tandem with her operatic performances, Jennifer performs as a soloist for various concert works and oratorios. Past engagements include Franz Schubert's Ständchen with the Women's Glee club at University of Illinois, Bach’s Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, with the Baroque Artists of Champaign Urbana (BACH) and Debussy’s La Damoiselle elue and Haydn's Missa in Angustiis with Opus One: Berks Chamber Choir.
Recently, Ms. Wiggins is finished her third season as a Resident Artist with Opera Carolina. Past collaborations with Opera Carolina include involvement in Opera Xpress, which tours to elementary schools throughout the Carolinas, and Georgia. She has performed the title role of Ugly Duckling in the Ugly Duckling, Queen Bee/Sofia in The Busy Bee, and Suzy in The Magic Potion. Additionally, she performs in various community outreach events such as performances at Seventh Street Market, UNCC International Festival and Charlotte SHOUT! In recent seasons, Ms. Wiggins, has performed as Mercedes in Carmen and the Third Lady in Die Zauberflöte with Little Opera Company of Charlotte, and was an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera.
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This past season, she made her debut with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, performing the National Anthem at the beginning of the concert, as well as an aria with the Orchestra. She was also official cover for the role of Grandma, as well as a member of the ensemble for the premiere of Douglas Tappin's opera, "I Dream". This season she is excited to continue collaborating with Opera Carolina on multiple projects, including various community outreach events, and looks forward to an exciting upcoming season. Ms. Wiggins resides in Charlotte, NC.