Biography
"Mezzo Kate Allen became the heartbreaking Lucretia that Britten envisioned. Her voice has a particularly robust middle range, shown to exquisite advantage in her scenes with Tarquinius"
San Francisco Chronicle
Kate Allen is an acclaimed Irish mezzo-soprano, celebrated for her rich vocal timbre and compelling stage presence.
Born in Dublin, she began her musical journey at the Conservatory of Music & Drama in Ireland before advancing her studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her exceptional talent led her to esteemed programs such as the Music Academy of the West, Opera Santa Barbara Studio and the Merola Opera Program. ​
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Throughout her career, Kate has portrayed a diverse array of roles, including Eboli in Verdi's Don Carlo, the title role in Giulio Cesare, and Jackie Kennedy in David T. Little's J.F.K. She has also performed at various festivals across the United States, Ireland, and Germany, delivering performances that have garnered critical acclaim. Notably, The Washington Post lauded her portrayal of Concepción in L'heure Espagnole, stating that her "mezzo is gorgeous, with a slight vibrato and a good deal of power throughout its range."
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Since 2018, Kate has been an ensemble member at the Staatstheater Augsburg.