As a native of Southern California, Kathleen McVicker began her studies in voice as a young teenager in her home county of Ventura under the tutelage of sopranos Susan Colla and Linda Ottsen, respectively. Already an irrepressible performer, Ms. McVicker would be involved in several shows through the local community colleges and community theaters. 

 

Kathleen attended the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music, where she received her Bachelor of Music, under the instruction of soprano Janice McVeigh. At USC, Ms. McVicker maintained an excellent grade point average, placing her on the Dean's List repeatedly, and received ensemble experience in various operas, including Mozart's Don Giovanni and Hoiby's Summer and Smoke, under the direction of Ken Cazan, as well as in several opera scenes. While at USC, Kathleen met vocal coach Dr. Lisa Silvester, with whom she would study for a number of years beyond her undergraduate career. After graduating cum laude, Kathleen spent two invaluable years developing her repertory and technique as a mezzo-soprano with her then teacher, soprano Dr. Kathleen Roland-Silverstein. 

 

Shortly thereafter, Ms. McVicker pursued her Master of Music degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with the help of her instructor, baritone Dr. Tod Fitzpatrick. At UNLV, Kathleen honed her craft in such performances as the title role of Bizet's Carmen, in a fully staged production under the direction of Dr. Linda Lister, the role of Done Ettore in Haydn’s La Canterina, the alto solo in Bach’s Weihnachtsoratorium with the UNLV University Concert Singers and Chamber Orchestra under the baton of David Weiller, the role of Florence Pike in Britten's Albert Herring, in a concertized performance with the Las Vegas Master Singers, as well as many opera scenes while in the La Voce Totale summer program. In Las Vegas, Ms. McVicker also performed in several other functions while involved with the Opera Las Vegas Young Artist Program, under the general direction of Luana DeVol and the musical direction of James Sohre. 

Upon graduation, Kathleen McVicker returned to Southern California and pursued her vocal studies with her present instructor, bass Reid Bruton. In Ventura County, Ms. McVicker has performed twice as a soloist with the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Dr. KuanFen Liu, twice with the Pacific Shores Philharmonic Foundation and El Coro Maestro under the musical direction of Dr, Burns Taft and Elizabeth Helms, twice as a soloist for the Somis Culture Club opera arias and scenes showcase under the direction of Richard Weiss, and with the Women of Possibilities ensemble under the baton of Elizabeth Helms. Ms. McVicker was the alto in the world premiere of Judith Vander’s Darwin Cantata in September 2022, and is active in performing for a number of local religious and secular organizations throughout Ventura County. Kathleen is preparing for an aria showcase with the Ventura Community Opera Theater Project in early May 2024 and for the role of L’Opinion Publique from Offenbach’s Orfee aux Enfers with the Santa Monica College Opera Theater Workshop in late May 2024.