Performer Biography
Mezzo-soprano Alicia Melendez is a rising performer in the operatic world. She made her debut as Cherubino in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro with the Temple University Opera Theater in April 2022. In addition to opera, Alicia is an avid choral musician. She has performed alongside the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and sang at the Carnegie Hall premiere of Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light: A Requiem. In 2021 and 2022, she performed alongside guitarist Vince Bello and pianist Alana Fitzgerald in a summer concert series as a tuition fundraiser. A native of Great Falls, VA, Alicia is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Vocal Arts degree at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, under the tutelage of Dr. Kathryn Leemhuis. She holds a Bachelor degree in Music Education from Loyola University New Orleans, where she studied with Mrs. Ellen Frohnmayer and Dr. Marcus St. Julien.
Teaching
A passionate advocate for music education, Alicia is entering her fifth year of teaching elementary general music this Fall. She currently teaches at Riverbank Charter School of Excellence in Roebling, NJ. She previously taught at Cypress Creek Elementary School in Port Orange, FL. In addition to her teaching duties at Cypress Creek, Alicia conducted the after-school chorus, band, and was the music director for a 2019 student production of The Lion King JR. She also served at the choreographer and costume designer for the production.
Music Ministry
Alicia is also active in music ministry. She is currently the Alto Soloist/Section Leader at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Hamilton Square, NJ.
Previously, she was with Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach, FL for three years, serving as section leader, cantor, and eventually as choir director. Santa Maria del Mar has hosted two of Alicia’s summer benefit concerts for 2021 and 2022.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Bunnel, FL also hosted a summer benefit concert in 2021.
Prior to her time in Florida, Alicia was the Alto section leader at St. Charles Ave Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA for two years.