Helen Hassinger, soprano

"Helen Hassinger, another Chautauqua Opera Young Artist, brought a bright tone and earnest acting style to the soprano role of Donna Anna..."
-THE CHAUTAUQUAN DAILY

"Throughout the role, Helen Hassinger (Helena, as Lucille Ball in a lime green ensemble) made elegant use of a voice that while traditionally a lighter voice than her counterparts, had no problem being heard; her acting abilities beat the band."
-THE BOSTON MUSICAL INTELLIGENCER

"From Zhou’s Madame White Snake, the titular character as sung by soprano Helen Hassinger gave voice...with rich sostenuto and remarkable command."
-THE BOSTON MUSICAL INTELLIGENCER

"Renowned soprano Helen Hassinger has created a crowd-funding page to send Simon Cowell, one of the judges, to the opera so that he can get better acquainted with the demands of the art form."
-THE ECONOMIST

BIO

Praised for her versatility and expressive artistry, soprano Helen Hassinger brings a dynamic presence to both the operatic and concert stage. Recent performances include appearances with Opera Memphis, Straight Up Opera, Chautauqua Opera, and Edmonton Opera, in roles ranging from Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte to Soprano II in Hydrogen Jukebox and Melísande in Pélleas et Mélisande. She has also collaborated with the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, Calgary Opera, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, and Columbus Symphony Orchestra, performing major works such as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Missa Solemnis, and Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem.

Helen’s artistry has been recognized internationally, most recently as First Prize winner in the 2025 Vienna International Mozart Competition and Gold Prize recipient at the Amadeus International Music Awards (2023). She was also a Semi-Finalist in the Opera Tampa D’Angelo Vocal Competition (2022) and placed third in the International Clara Schumann Competition (2023).

Highlights of her career include covering the title role in the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Madame White Snake as part of the Ouroboros Trilogy presented by Beth Morrison Projects and performing with Edmonton Opera in a viral “La Bamba” music video celebrating the Edmonton Oilers.

In addition to her singing career, Helen is committed to fostering the next generation of musicians as a voice teacher, where she combines technical expertise with an encouraging, student-centered approach. She also serves as Manager of Chautauqua Opera Company, where her skills as an arts administrator support innovative programming and emerging operatic artists.
A trained violinist, Helen’s musical journey began long before her professional vocal career, and she continues to enjoy performing across genres – from classical to fiddle and pop.

Helen holds degrees from Boston University and St. Olaf College, and is an alumna of the Boston University Opera Institute.