About Me
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Bianca von Oppell is a classically trained singer, focused on opera stages and solo concerts. She specialises in the interpretation of baroque and classical works, which showcase her vocal abilities and knowledge of historical performance practice. Her goal is to bridge the rich musical past with contemporary audiences, preserving and conveying the timeless beauty and relevance of this music.
Bianca regularly performs in concerts and operas in Austria and England, showcasing a broad repertoire ranging from baroque masterpieces to contemporary works. Recent highlights include her solo concerts "Bach & Beyond" at MUK Vienna and "An Evening of Aria and Lied" at Palais Ehrbar, her portrayal of Susanna in Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro" with Tutto Mozart Wien, and Sacerdotessa in Verdi's "Aida" at Oper Burg Gars. Currently, she sings in the extra choir of the Volksoper Vienna, which includes the productions of John Adams' "Gospel According to the Other Mary", Bizet’s “Carmen” und Milch-Sheriffs „ALMA“. Her participation in the 24th International Bach Competition in Leipzig is a testament to her dedication to Bach's works and those of his contemporaries, a focus she aims to continue.
Bianca is currently completing her Master of Early Music at the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna (MUK) under the guidance of the renowned Roberta Invernizzi. Her piano training has enriched her understanding of harmony, phrasing, and accompaniment, enhancing her interpretative abilities and technical foundation in both singing and playing. Recently, she has started learning the harpsichord and plans to incorporate her basso continuo arrangements into future performances. Bianca also gives tours and demonstrations in the Collection of Early Musical Instruments in the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna.
PREVIOUS EXPERTISE
Born in South Africa, Bianca began her artistic training at the age of six with lessons in singing, violin, piano, and classical ballet. Later, she also learned tap dance and modern jazz, skills that contribute to her exceptional stage presence. At age 11, she was awarded the prestigious "Bach Award" for Bach piano solo at the Cape Town Eisteddfod. At age 12, she played Belinda Cratchit in Bricusse's "Scrooge" at the Masque Theatre in Cape Town.
After her undergraduate in the UK, she lived in Australia for several years and appeared in various solo roles and in choral concerts with the Sydney Philharmonia Chamber Choir, Vox, and in various operas. Notable performances to date include Margery in Lampe's "The Dragon of Wantley," Belinda in Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas," Cleopatra in Handel's "Giulio Cesare," Pamina in Mozart's "The Magic Flute," Giannetta in Donizetti's "L'Elisir d'amore," Geraldine in Barber's "A Hand of Bridge," Helena in Britten's "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," Count Heinrich in Weir's "The Black Spider," Mrs. Lovett in Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd," and Mrs. Lyons in Russell's "Blood Brothers."
In 2018 she returned to the UK and completed her Licentiate in Vocal Performance with distinction from the Royal Schools of Music in London. She was a choral scholar, cantor, and soloist at St. Mary's Church Primrose Hill (London) and a deputy at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. She also sang at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Film Gala. Soprano solos in sacred works include Bach's "Magnificat," "Cantata 68," and "St. Matthew Passion," Handel's "Messiah," Couperin's "Leçons de Ténèbres," Mozart's "Exsultate Jubilate" and "Requiem," and Haydn's "Nelson Mass."
In 2023, she completed her artistic diploma in solo singing, and in 2022, she received her diploma in instrumental pedagogy for voice and piano under Evelyn Schörhuber and Hafez Babashahi, both with distinction from the Richard-Wagner-Conservatory. She has participated in master classes such as the Vienna Summer Music Festival, the Voice Academy Baden, the London Bel Canto Festival, and MUK.BAROCK, further refining her vocal skills.