Kathryn McKellar (she/her) is a multifaceted operatic soprano, educator, and arts administrator, widely recognized for her elegant singing, emotional depth, and dynamic stage presence. A passionate advocate for the arts and arts education, she has been a longtime leader in the Boston arts scene, dedicated to expanding the reach of opera through both performance and community engagement.
As a performer, Kathryn has been praised by The Boston Globe for her "elegant singing" and “polish.” Distinguished as a "visually and vocally stunning performer" (Classical Music Intelligencer) who "brings palpable emotional power to her performances" (Boston Arts Review), she has performed with many of Boston’s leading companies, including Boston Lyric Opera, The Boston Pops, Lyric Stage Company of Boston, and Boston Modern Orchestra Project. In 2024, she made her debut with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company as the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol, earning praise as a “vocal standout”, with critics describing her performance as "ethereal and captivating", featuring "stunning vocals that set the perfect tone for the ghostly visitation." The Boston Globe further lauded her as “jaw-droppingly talented.”
Kathryn's performances as Micaëla in Carmen with Cape Cod Opera and Greater Worcester Opera have also garnered critical acclaim. Jonathan Blumhofer of the Telegram & Gazette highlighted her portrayal, writing, "In many ways, though, the highlight of the production was Kathryn McKellar's performance in the small but vital role of Michaela... Ms. McKellar possesses a radiant voice and a stage presence that demands attention. Simply put, when she's onstage, you can't take your eyes off her."
Her repertoire spans from baroque to contemporary, including signature roles such as Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), Fiordiligi (Così Fan Tutte), Adina (L’Elisir d’amore), Susanna (Le Nozze di Figaro), Poppea (L'Incoronazione di Poppea), Violetta (La Traviata), Mimi (La Bohème), Micaëla (Carmen), and Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi). She received special praise from The Boston Globe for her creation of the role of Lina Cavalieri in Divas, a new theater work by Laura Neil produced by OperaHub.
Beyond the stage, Kathryn is a dedicated educator and arts leader. She holds a Master of Music from Boston Conservatory, where she was a member of the Opera Studio and winner of the conservatory's chamber music competition. She serves on the board of the Boston Opera Alliance and is the Founder and General Director of Opera on Tap Boston, an organization dedicated to bringing opera into unexpected spaces—making it accessible, engaging, and fun for all audiences.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Kathryn now resides in Somerville, Massachusetts, with her husband and two children.
