Bree Nichols

Bree Nichols is a young American soprano praised for her “rich vocal disposition” (KlasikaPlus) and compelling stage presence. A former Fulbright Scholar to the Czech Republic now based in Prague, Bree is known for her sensitive interpretations of Czech vocal music as well as over two dozen operatic roles spanning a diverse repertoire. Highlights of the current season include her Norwegian debut at Opera Bergen as Antonia in “Les contes d’Hoffmann”, performances at the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre Ostrava in Glass’ “The Trial”, Opera Modesto in the title role of “Rusalka”, and Junge Philharmonie Wien in Berlioz’ “La Mort de Cléopatre”, and her role debut as Violetta in “La Traviata” with Teatro Garibaldi di Modica under the baton of Francesco di Mauro.
Her career has taken her to the stages of Tulsa Opera, Janáček Philharmonic, Pilsen’s J.K. Tyl Theatre, North Czech Philharmonic, Symphony of the Mountains, Opera Roanoke, and many more. Last season, Bree made her role debuts as Mimì in “La bohème” and the title role of “Jenůfa” at the Silesian Theater Opava to critical acclaim, while the preceding season celebrated her debuts in the title role of “Katja Kabanova” at the Silesian Theatre; as Monica in Tulsa Opera’s production of “The Medium”; and her appearance at the Leoš Janáček International Music Festival. In 2023, Bree won 1st prize in the Artist Division of the National Opera Association’s Carolyn Bailey Argento Vocal Competition, as well as the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (Arkansas District). Her expanding discography includes her solo debut album, “Pure Morning”, featuring all Czech repertoire, as well as multiple new music releases on the Navona Records label with the Janáček Philharmonic. Bree was named a 2023 recipient of the Bonnie Cummins Fielder Grant for Career Advancement and was winner of the 2020 Presser Award in support of her performance and study of Czech opera. Other recent roles include the title roles of “Rusalka” and “The Bartered Bride” as well as Rosalinde in “Die Fledermaus”, Gilda in “Rigoletto”, and Nedda in “Pagliacci”.
Off the stage, Bree Nichols is a scholar and innovator in community opera, where her performance experience informs her leadership in shaping the next generation of musicians. In 2022, she founded Opera Arlington, an organization created to enrich the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex through opera while galvanizing the careers of emerging singers. Bree holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from University of North Texas and a Master of Music degree from University of Georgia. Her dissertation, culminating in the creation of an anthology of Czech opera arias with corresponding research, translations, and phonetic transcriptions, has galvanized her continuing performance and study of Czech music in the U.S. and abroad.