Cecelia McKinley

Born and raised in Virginia, contralto Cecelia McKinley is ecstatic to be joining the Cafritz Young Artists of the Washington National Opera. The 2022-2023 season will feature her as the 2nd Maid in Strauss’ Elektra. Previously, Ms. McKinley has performed the roles of L'Écureuil in Ravel’s L’Enfant et les sortilèges as well as Narciso in Handel’s Agrippina. This summer, Ms. McKinley will be a Studio Artist with Wolf Trap Opera, singing the role of Mrs. Ott in Floyd’s Susannah. Ms. McKinley has also participated in the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices under the guidance of mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick. Equally passionate about concert work, Ms. McKinley has performed as a soloist with members of the Heifetz Orchestra at the Bach Around the Clock Festival and has sung the solos of Mahler