Esther
Yi-An
Tien
Esther Tien (田以安) is a Taiwanese mezzo-soprano and an active performer who is sought after to premiere new operas. This season (2023-2024), Esther joined the world premiere in lead roles in Climate Opera with the American Opera Project at BAM Fisher (New York City) in April and a chamber opera (All of US) commissioned by The Center of The Performing Arts (Carmel, IN) in June. She portrayed Hiroko Kobayashi (Mama) in IU Opera and Ballet Theater's production of An American Dream in February, and will sing Cornelia in Giulio Cesare with award-winning company Chicago Summer Opera in August.
Esther received the Mayoral Award of Excellence in Arts from the Taiwanese Government and was a distinguished finalist in the Japan Classical Music Competition. She was admitted into the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London when she was 17 years old on scholarship, but later felt called to pursue her studies and career in the United States instead. She was honored to be selected as the Commencement Student Speaker to represent the New England Conservatory's Class of 2020. She made her National Concert Hall of Taiwan debut in the summer of 2016, setting a record as the youngest voice recitalist to perform there. Invited by the Taiwanese Embassy in Fall 2018, Esther performed at the Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City during a historic summit between the two nations. In 2019, she was chosen as one of only 13 singers from around the globe to attend Sumi Jo's prestigious two-week Masterclass in Salzburg, Austria. In a testament to her diplomatic artistry, Esther was invited to sing the National Anthems of Taiwan (R.O.C) and the U.S.A at the Rhode Island State House in March of 2020. She continues to be the featured soloist at the National Banquet of Taiwan in Chicago, gracing the event in 2022 and 2023. Esther's pursuit of musical excellence led her to be selected as a Professional Fellow for Songfest 2023, where she delved into the profound beauty of art songs.
Esther's past roles with NEC Opera and Peabody Theater include Edka (Out of Darkness), Satirino (La Calisto), Grandma (Little Red Riding Hood), and Second Lady (The Magic Flute). Her scene performances have included memorable portrayals of Cherubino (Le Nozze di Figaro), Ormindo (L'ormindo), and Zulma (L'italiana in Algeri). She also performed Linfea and Il Destino from Cavalli's La Calisto at the Huntington Theater and participated in Le Nozze di Figaro's ensemble at Paramount Theater in Boston.
A fervent advocate for contemporary music, Esther has showcased her versatility by performing pieces such as Steve Reich's Music For 18 Musicians and Scott Ordway's" North Wood- Eight Women's Voices." She is frequently sought after to premiere compositions by her musician colleagues. Esther's soloist roles in choirs have also encompassed selections like Schubert's Mass in G major, Vivaldi's Gloria, and Mozart's Vesperaesolennes de confessore K.339.
Esther earned her Master in Music in Voice Performance from New England Conservatory of Music, studying under the guidance of Dr. Ian Howell and earning the prestigious Dean's Scholarship and Graduate Assistantship. She completed her Bachelor's degree with Ah Young Hong at Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, where she was honored with the George Woodhead Prize in Voice. Esther is pursuing her Doctorate in Music degree in Voice Performance and Literature at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music under the tutelage of Dr. Brian Gill, holding both a Graduate Tuition Award and an Artistic Excellence Award. She also has a minor in Music Education and is a Certified Vocologist at Jacobs School of Music.
As an Adjunct Professor of Voice at Taylor University, Esther imparts her expertise to a dedicated studio of 21 students. She also maintains a vibrant voice studio in Indiana and Greater Boston. Teaching remains a profound source of joy for Esther as she guides diverse students toward their musical aspirations.
In her personal life, Esther shares her heart with two endearing dogs named Flubber and Grace and loves her family and God with all her heart.