Performer Biography

Natasha Ospina-Simmons

Natasha Ospina-Simmons holds a Master of Music degree from Baylor University and an Artist Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Ms. Simmons’ current performance schedule is focused mostly on recital and chamber repertoire, but she also enjoys performing in operas. Recent performances include Adalgisa in Norma, Sophie in Werther (both for the The Cleveland Opera), excerpts from Carmen and Der Freischütz with Heights Chamber Orchestra, a Gilbert & Sullivan concert with Lakeside Symphony, and a benefit concert for the Cleveland Cello Society where she performed Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras with conductor Sasha Mäkilä (a piece she had the honor of repeating with Mark Kosower, principal cellist of The Cleveland Orchestra).

During her second summer as an apprentice artist for Central City Opera, she performed Almirena in Handel’s Rinaldo, and Isabelle/Madeline in Face on the Barroom Floor.  Other roles include Fiordiligi (Cosi fan tutte) with the Duke Symphony orchestra, Sandman and Dew Fairy (Hansel und Gretel) for Opera Cleveland, Mrs. Hayes (Susannah) for Central City Opera, Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), The Marschallin (Der Rosenkavalier), Violetta (La traviata), Mimi (La Bohème), Madame Goldentrill (The Impresario), Jenny Lind in the first fully staged production of Libby Larsen’s opera, Barnum’s Bird, Adina (L’elisir d’amore), Elisetta (The Secret Marriage) for Berkshire Opera, and Angelica (Suor Angelica).

Ms. Simmons also frequently performs in musicals, recitals, oratorios, and symphonic works, including a performance with the CIM orchestra at Severance Hall, and concerts with M.U.S.i.C. in Cleveland. When she’s not singing or chasing toddlers, Natasha serves on staff at the Cleveland Institute of Music where she oversees institutional giving in the development department.