Biography
Dr. Christine Powell-Thomas is a Jamaican-born mezzo-soprano and voice educator whose career encompasses opera, concert performance, and university-level teaching. She currently serves as Instructor of Voice at The University of Mississippi.
In summer 2025, Dr. Powell-Thomas made her debut with the Chautauqua Opera Conservatory as Marcellina in W. A. Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and La Abuela in Manuel de Falla’s La vida breve. She has also performed works by composer Damien Geter and participated in the orchestral workshop and recording of Missy Mazzoli’s Lincoln in the Bardo, which is scheduled for presentation at The Metropolitan Opera in 2026. Her additional engagements include performances with the BlackBox Ensemble, the USC-Castleton Summer Immersion Program, and the University of South Carolina School of Music’s Centennial Celebration.
Her operatic repertoire includes Grace in Linda Lister’s State of Grace, Ruggiero in Handel’s Alcina, Taller Daughter in Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up, Guccio in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Madam Kirsten in Dan Shore’s The Beautiful Bridegroom, Mother in Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Consul, Prole Woman in Lorin Maazel’s 1984 and Dido in Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas.
As a concert soloist, Dr. Powell-Thomas has performed repertoire by Christopher Tin, G. F. Handel’s Messiah, and W. A. Mozart’s Regina coeli, among other works. She is also a member of the Mississippi Choral Artists.
An accomplished educator, Dr. Powell-Thomas has served as an adjunct voice instructor at Claflin University and Benedict College and as a Teaching Assistant at the University of South Carolina. Her teaching and performance work reflect her commitment to developing versatile, expressive singers while fostering meaningful connections between classical vocal traditions and diverse musical cultures.
Dr. Powell-Thomas continues to maintain an active performance career while cultivating the next generation of singers through her work in higher education.
Education
Bachelor's Music Performance, Alcorn State University
DM.A. Music Performance, University of South Carolina
Master's Music Performance, University of Mississippi