| Raised in musically gifted family, Dabney NiCole Ross found herself singing at a very young age. She was very active singing with the youth choirs of The United Methodist Churches and LAUSD Choirs. Both Choirs afforded Ms. Ross the opportunity to perform at the Wiltern Theatre and the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion. Her father is a gifted brass instrumentalist who studied at Grambling University and played in the marching band. Her mother came from a musical family of singers. One of her aunts studied singing as well. It was genetically detemined for Dabney to have a keen sensitivity for music and the arts. Dabney didn't take singing seriously until Ms. Joyce Sweeney heard Dabney sing "Sebben Crudele" . She then challenged Dabney to pursue a career in opera. Ms. Sweeney expressed that Ms. Ross had a bell like quality to her voice that lends itself to operatic singing. As a result of the challenge, Dabney went on to excel in music subsequently, appearing on the West Los Angeles College Dean's list. This also led to performing in recitals and soloing in the 1994 West Los Angeles College graduation Ceremonies. Dabney went on to transfer to Mount St, Mary's College. Subsequently, Ms. Ross decided to study privately with Mr. Karl Snider. A chance meeting with Alvin Mills, conductor of the Brentwood/Westwood Symphony led to Ms. Natalie Limonick. Studying with the renowned Bayreuth Coach, was pivotal in her training. Dabney learned more about the appreciation for art song, opera, and symphonic music in one year with Natalie then she would if she had completed her studies in college! After working with Ms. Limonick, Dabney continued to study privately with Shigemi Matsumoto. Currently, Dabney is having great success with Mr. Mike Stevens, vocal instructor at the Colburn School. She coaches regularly with Mr. William Vendice. She has performed frequently with local opera companies such as Repertory Opera Company, El Dorado Opera Company and has sung with L.A. Opera Chorus in the 2006-2007 season. In November 2007, Dabney sang Leonore in Fidelio with the Celestial Opera Company. |
| Dabney NiCole Ross, SopranoBiography |
| Site updated 12/27/07 |
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