Elissa Johnston

Soprano

Recently cited by the Chicago Tribune for the “exquisite beauty, sensitivity and precision” of her singing, soprano Elissa Johnston enjoys performing a wide range of repertory. Her recent performances include Handel’s Messiah in Tokyo and Osaka with the Telemann Chamber Orchestra, the west coast premiere of Elliott Carter’s “What are Years” and the world premiere of “Some Things Do Not Move” by Ann LeBaron, both with Southwest Chamber Music, Unsuk Chin’s Akrostichon Wortspiel, Chinary Ung’s Aura at Le Poisson Rouge with the New York New Music Ensemble, and David Lang’s the little match girl passion at the Ravinia Festival. Particularly drawn to the music of J.S. Bach, she has recently performed Bach Cantatas 54 and 84 with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Cantatas 51 and 82 with the Long Beach Symphony, the Mass in B Minor and St Matthew Passion with the L.A. Master Chorale, and has appeared with Los Angeles based Bach’s Circle at the Oregon Bach Festival. Her orchestral engagements include appearances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Atlanta Symphony, St Paul Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Colorado Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony and the San Francisco Contemporary Players. Upcoming performances include concerts with the Long Beach Symphony, Orchestra Santa Monica, Le Salon de la Musique and at Disney Hall’s REDCAT.

Elissa recorded Chinary Ung’s Aura with Southwest Chamber Music and toured with the ensemble in Vietnam and Cambodia, and has sung Messiaen’s epic song cycle Harawi with pianist Vicki Ray at both Jacaranda Music and Pianospheres. Elissa can be heard on dozens of film soundtracks, and is featured in Danny Elfman’s Serenata Schizophrana, which was released on the Sony Classical label.