About

Tess Ottinger, a charismatic and energetic soprano based in Northern Virginia, is a versatile vocalist with a passion for both performing and teaching the classical vocal arts. Her journey into the world of classical music began in 2009, when she discovered her love for the art form and began her formal vocal training. Since then, Tess has immersed herself in a broad range of classical vocal literature, including opera, art song, oratorio, and choral works. As an active professional performer, Ms. Ottinger has built a dynamic career with notable recent engagements, most recently making her debut with Bel Cantanti Opera Company in the leading role of Marie in Donizetti’s La fille du régiment.

In the 2023-2024 season, Tess performed with The Washington Concert Opera as Yvette in Puccini’s La Rondine and covered the role of Dalinda in Handel’s Ariodante with Pittsburgh Opera. She was also awarded an Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition. In 2023, Tess was named the winner of the Mid-Atlantic Regional NATSAA Competition. Her previous roles include Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Lisette in La Rondine, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, and Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro.
 

In addition to her performing career, Tess is a dedicated vocal educator. She founded Vissi d’Arte Studios in 2015, where she teaches students of all ages and levels. Her commitment to professional development as a teacher led her to earn a certificate from The Westminster Choir College Vocal Pedagogy Institute in 2021. Ms. Ottinger is currently a member of the voice faculty at The Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC.

Tess holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute. She has studied with renowned pedagogues, including Dr. Stanley Cornett and Eileen Cornett, and currently works with the esteemed Elizabeth Daniels.

When she’s not performing or teaching, Tess enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling with her family and friends. She shares her home with her beloved dog, Nico (named after the great operatic tenor Nicolai Gedda), her cat, Yosemite, and her partner, tenor Lukas Schmidt.