Emilie Kealani

Filipino-American soprano Emilie Kealani makes her role and house debut as Musetta in the summer of 2023 in The Glimmerglass Festival’s production of La Boheme, as well as covering Almirena (Rinaldo).  Pursuing her Masters degree at The Curtis Institute of Music, Emilie is scheduled to sing the roles of Adina (L’elisir d’amore), Dalinda (Ariodante) this spring and performed Miss Jessel (The Turn of the Screw) in the fall production. 

Emilie joined The Santa Fe Opera’s Apprentice Program for the 2022 season performing in the mainstage productions of Carmen, Falstaff and the world premiere of M.Butterfly.  Described as “charmingly sung”, she was featured in the scenes program as Sophie (Der Rosenkavalier) and Zerlina (Don Giovanni).​

Emilie Kealani Suarez is a proud Filipina that aims to showcase underrepresented classical music of the Filipino culture.  She often programs Kundimans (Tagalog love songs) into her recitals in hopes of sharing this beautiful music with a wider audience. 

Born and raised in San Francisco, California, Emilie grew up performing with San Francisco Arts Education Project and Bay Area Vocal Academy.  After earning her high school diploma and Presidential Education Scholar Award at the age of 16, she then obtained her Bachelor of Music degree at The Manhattan School of Music where she sang scenes as Poppea (The Coronation of Poppea) and Servilia (La clemenza di Tito).

Emilie has gained national recognition from notable organizations, receiving the inaugural Stephen de Maio Memorial Award from The Gerda Lissner Foundation and holding titles with The National Shirley Rabb Winston Competition, Schmidt Undergraduate Awards, Beach Blanket Babylon and National YoungArts Foundation.