About

Frances Bigelow

Composer. Chorister. Coloratura.

Frances Bigelow is a Seattle-based composer and coloratura soprano. She holds a dual Bachelor of Music degree from Portland State University, where she studied composition with Renée Favand-See and voice with Christine Meadows. Her work has been performed by groups including New York’s Choral Chameleon Ensemble, friends after good sound, and the Portland Symphonic Choir.

Her opera roles include Ensemble Soprano/Childhood Friend/Wendy in the world premiere of Sally Ride by Dana Kaufman (composer) and Aiden K. Feltkamp (librettist); the First Lady and Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte with PSU Opera; and Susannah in scenes from Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah with Queer Opera. She has also been featured as a soloist in the Queer Opera Song Program. She has performed as a chorister with ensembles including PSU Rose and Thorn, Kirkland Choral Society, the St. James Cathedral Choir, and the Oregon Symphony.

An accomplished singer herself, Frances has a keen interest in writing music for voices, whether that be choral music, art song, musical theatre, or opera. Current and past projects include many choral and art song settings of works by women poets; vocal and instrumental chamber music; text-based aleatory music; and chamber opera.

To hear Frances' music and stay up-to-date on what she's doing, please check out her Youtube and social media profiles, and be sure to sign up for her email newsletter.