Melanie Downie Zupan
Portland-based soprano Melanie Downie Zupan is best known for her soaring, crystalline sound and engaging stage presence. She studies with Nancy Zylstra in Seattle and is active around the country as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician.
Specializing in early music, Mel is the newest member of the Wildwood Consort. She is also a founding member of the Julians (Portland's hot new female quintet) and the Sometime Quartet (based at the First Unitarian Church). She has appeared as a Guest Artist with such groups as the Bach Cantata Choir and the Columbia Chorale of Oregon. A regular on the professional choral circuit, Mel sings and records with Cappella Romana, the Portland Vocal Consort, the Resonance Ensemble and Oregon Catholic Press. She has sung in the Messiah chorus with the Portland Baroque Orchestra and performed at Carnegie Hall under the baton of Helmuth Rilling.
Mel is well-versed in Gregorian chant and has served as a cantor and soloist with Cantores in Ecclesia and the Schola Cantorum of Holy Rosary Church. She also performs regularly in the annual William Byrd Festival under the direction of Richard Marlow.
Having spent several years living and working in southern France, Mel is fluent in French and is a well-known chanteuse in the local Francophile community.