Biography

​Dr. Jessica Schwefel, mezzo-soprano,  holds degrees in Voice Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (DMA and MM) and a Bachelor of Music Education degree the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She is currently a Lecturer of Voice at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   Her prior teaching experiences include teaching applied voice at the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater, the Director of Choirs at Madison College, as well as teaching applied voice at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Jessica's articles have been published in the VOICEPrints Journal of the NYSTA, the Wisconsin School Musician Magazine, and the NATS Journal of Singing.  

Jessica has performed in over 35 operatic productions with the Florentine Opera Company, Madison Opera, Opera for the Young, Fresco Opera Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Candid Concert Opera, UW Opera, among many other professional engagements. A number of her operatic credits include the roles of Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus), Erika (Vanessa), Hansel (Hansel and Gretel), Meg Page (Falstaff), Cecilia March (Little Women), Zita (Gianni Schicchi).  Her involvement with the Florentine Opera resulted in a GRAMMY award nomination in 2020, and three GRAMMY awards in 2012 and 2013.

An accomplished soloist and choral singer, Jessica has performed works with Madison Choral Project, the Civic Symphony of Green Bay, Just Bach Concert Series, Present Music, Madison Bach Musicians, Oshkosh Chamber Singers, the South Shore Chorale, Waupaca Civic Orchestra and Chorus, UW Choral Union, and more. Her singing has also been heard on WPR programs such as “University of the Air”, "On Higher Ground" and "The Midday."

Currently, Dr. Schwefel will be appearing this season with Four Seasons Theatre, Just Bach Concert Series, and Madison Choral Project.  She has also been actively promoting Korean Art Songs with with her colleagues in the Wisconsin Gagok Ensemble, giving many performances in the Dane County area.

​Dr. Schwefel has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Voice Excellence Wisconsin Distinguished Graduate Fellowship, Opera Props award, and Dara Welty Memorial Award at UW. She was also a recipient of a UW Oshkosh Professional Development Grant in 2014. Dr. Schwefel is a passionate advocate of the arts and serves as Treasurer for the Board of Directors for Madison Youth Arts Organization. She is also  is the Corresponding Secretary for the Wisconsin Chapter of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing).