Good morning! It’s been a while since I’ve shared an update - a lot has happened since January. My spring took an amazing turn - I competed in the prestigious London Handel Competition, reaching the semifinal and then the final round! Singing at the historic St. George’s Hanover Square with a terrific baroque orchestra under the direction of Maestro Laurence Cummings was surreal and inspiring. (You can watch my final round performance at this link, starting at 16:07)

While I didn’t win a prize, I was blown away by the response to my singing. I made some great new connections in London and beyond, and felt so supported by my network of family and friends here in the States. In the aftermath, I felt a newfound clarity about the kind of art I want to make and the artist I hope to become.

And so I’m excited to share that this June, I will be performing a big, beautiful Handel role: Mary Maddalena in Handel’s La Resurrezione. Mary goes from mourning the death of Jesus to pure, ecstatic joy at his resurrection. The music is incredible, with these wild swings between sorrow, hope, and ultimately awe. If you’re in Chicago, I hope to see you at the performance on June 14th with Haymarket Opera!

Summer plans

After La Resurrezione, I’ll head to New Hampshire for an idyllic week at Avaloch Farms Music Institute with violinist Shelby Yamin. Together, we’re exploring music for soprano and violin that will form the basis for years(!) of collaborations to come.

In July, I’ll head home to Missouri to sing a concert of Handel and Vivaldi arias with the Kansas City Baroque Consortium. I cherish every chance to see my parents and perform for a hometown crowd. I’m really looking forward to it! More info here.

In early August, I’m delighted to join harpsichordist Gregory Crowell, cellist Pablo Mahave-Veglia, and violinist Liliana Mahave in beautiful Michigan for two concerts with the Saugatuck Chamber Music Festival.

Next in August, the trip of a lifetime to Stockholm!! For ten blissful days, I’ll be attending the Confidencen Opera & Music Festival to rehearse, audition, perform, and work intensively with the iconic mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg and Artistic Director Peter Spissky at the stunning Ulriksdal Palace Theatre Confidencen.

Throughout all of this, I’ll also be preparing for a rather busy early fall, which will include the recording of my debut solo album and tour with Les Délices, my debut with Ars Lyrica Houston, and a return engagement with Atlanta Baroque Orchestra. So much to look forward to!!

Thanks for reading,
Hannah De Priest

Songs stuck in my head ~

Asmik Grigorian’s unparalleled Madama Butterfly. Perhaps the most naturalistic, authentic portrayal of any opera role I’ve ever witnessed.
Rebecca Clarke’s “As I was goin’ to Ballynure” This is one of the songs Shelby and I will bring to Avaloch. I am fully obsessed with Rebecca Clarke and these violin and soprano songs she wrote are treasures!
My friend Karin Weston’s exquisite Medieval melodies. Karin is a dear friend from grad school. Now she lives in Europe and has a blossoming career in Medieval singing. One of the highlights of my spring was getting to hear her perform live for the first time in way too long. She is an incredible artist - I am in awe!