Dawn E. Mitchell

Mezzo-soprano Dawn E. Mitchell studies with Elizabeth Unis Chesko at Cleveland State University where she will complete her baccalaureate degree in vocal performance in May 2009. She has performed a number of full roles as a student, both abroad and locally. Most recently, she performed in Cuyahoga Community College's production of <i>The Mikado</i>, singing the role of The Mikado. Her roles while at Cleveland State University include Dalila (<i>Samson et Dalila</i>) and Nancy/ Julia (<i>Martha</i>). Additional roles include Dritte Dame (<i>Die Zauberflöte</i>) and Marcellina (<i>Le Nozze di Figaro</i>) at Ohio University, Katisha (<i>The Mikado</i>) on the Cuyahoga Community College stage, and La Maestra della Novizie (<i>Suor Angelica</i>) at Operafestival di Roma, Rome, Italy. She has also performed a number of partial roles in opera scenes, including Donna Elvira (<i>Don Giovanni</i>), Ottavia (<i>L'incorinazione di Poppea</i>), and Dorabella (<i>Così fan tutte</i>), to name a few.

Ms. Mitchell has performed as a soloist in many large choral and orchestral works. Earlier this year, she was the mezzo-soprano soloist in Aaron Copland's <i>In the Beginning</i>, under the direction of Dr. Betsy Burleigh with the Cleveland State University Chorale. She was also the mezzo-soloist in Durufle's <i>Requiem</i>, under the direction of Dr. Burleigh with the Cleveland State University combined chorus and orchestra last spring. She has performed as a soloist in Haydn's <i>Lord Nelson Mass</i>, "Solveig's Cradle Song" (<i>Peer Gynt</i>), "Domine Deus, Agnus Dei," and "Laudamus te" (Vivaldi's <i>Gloria</i>).

Dawn recently sang at the Freshmen Convocation for Cleveland State University. Last spring she performed at the Women’s Studies Students’ Annual Recognition Program, and also had the honor of singing the National Anthem at the Democratic Presidential Debate at Wolstein Convocation Center. She has also taken part in a number of large professional and volunteer choirs, including Opera Cleveland's Opera Chorus in their production of <i>Tosca</i> in September of 2008, and the Blossom Festival Chorus. She has won the Musical Talent Award in Voice each year as a student, as well as the General Music Scholarship (2008-09), the Carolyn Clutter Scholarship in Voice (Ohio University, 2005-06), and received third place in the Advanced Women's category at the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Buckeye Chapter, in 2006. She is Treasurer of Mu Phi Epsilon at Cleveland State University, and is currently employed as Alto Soloist and Section Leader at Trinity Cathedral.

In addition to classical and art music performances, Dawn sings and performs regularly with the electronic band, <a href="http://www.missile-command.net">Missile Command</a>. They recently released their first album, <i>MACHINES SHOULD THINK, PEOPLE SHOULD WORK</i>, which can be purchased at the link above, on the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/missilecommand">Missile Command MySpace page</a>, on iTunes, Rhapsody, and Amazon Mp3.

Dawn has collaborated and performed with a number of other bands, including <a href="http://www.interfacemusic.net/">Interface</a>, Dead Letter Room, State of Being, and Lestat. She is featured on Interface's recent release, <i>Visions of Modern Life</i>, available on Naliah Records.