1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. Bern Academy of the Arts
  3. Music
  4. Studies
  5. Opera
  6. Student Portraits
  7. Alexandra Lewis
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Alexandra Lewis

Profile

Voice type

Soprano

Nationality 

United States

Email

aaoates327@gmail.com

Current studies

Master Specialized Music Performance – Opera

Vocal coach

Malin Hartelius

A young woman against a black background looks into the camera with her head slightly tilted, holding her left hand to her chin.

Former musical studies

  • 2018 - 2022 Bachelor of Music at DePaul University, Chicago USA under the direction of Dr. Viktoria Vizin

CV

Alexandra Lewis is a lyric soprano originally from Chicago, Illinois. Sherecently graduated from DePaul University with her bachelor degree, and is now in her second year at Swiss Opera Studio, Bern University of the Arts, Switzerland studying under the expertise of Claude Eichenberger. 

Her recent performances have included both the roles of “Nella” and “Lauretta” from Gianni Schicchi by Puccini, “Musetta” from La Bohème by Puccini with the Mediterranean Opera Studio and Festival (2022), “Noémie” from Cendrillon by Massenet with the Trentino Music Festival (2023), and “Fiordiligi” from Così fan tutti by Mozart with Opera Young (2023). Alexandra has additionally sung in the Berlin Opera Academy (2021) and Chicago Summer Opera (2020). 

Alexandra was recently awarded the first prize of the Kleinman Voice Competition (2022) and is a recipient of the LYRA Stipendium (2023). She has been honored to sing in the masterclasses of Chelsea Bonagura (Trentino 2023), Tobias Truniger (HKB 2022), Jack LiVigni (Caltagirone 2022), Felice Venanzoni (Caltagirone 2022), and Alan Glassman (2020).

Interview: Three questions for Alexandra Lewis

Why are you studying opera?

I study opera because I believe there is a beautiful power in sharing emotions in such high intensity to a crowd full of strangers. Opera contains a wealth of human history, of deep awareness of the sacredness of art, and it is a privilege to pursue an art whose legacy has and will continue to impact so many people. 

What was your first encounter with opera?

When I was 10 years old, my children’s choir was hired by Chicago Lyric Opera to sing in Britten’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” where I got to sing the role of Peaseblossom. The minute they put me in fairy wings, I knew that this was the only profession I ever wanted to pursue. 

Which is your favourite opera and why? 

My favorite opera is Puccini’s “La Rondine”. The rolling waves of Puccini’s music transports and enchants from Magda’s opening aria, the romance of the cafe Bullier’s, and the heartbreak of the lovers’ separation at the end. From the first time I saw it, I was hypnotized by the beauty and pain that Puccini is able to convey within his art.