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“Even more impressive is soprano Jeryl Cunningham, who has made local appearances as a soloist, but steps to the front of the stage for the first time as the Countess. Her gorgeous, full voice enraptured the opera house as she sang about what had gone wrong in her marriage -- balancing herself with her fingertips on her vanity, as if she might collapse from the pain.”Rich Copley, THE HERALD-LEADER. Oct. 4, 2003
on University of Kentucky Opera Theatre's production of Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro
Jeryl Cunningham, a native New Yorker, has performed in Europe, Japan, and the United States. She made her debut, while still an undergraduate student, with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra in a concert version of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, and has since then gone on to sing the roles of Cleopatra (Giulio Cesare) at the Ernen Musikdorf Festival in Switzerland; Zerlina (Don Giovanni) with the Mannes Opera in New York; Clara (Porgy and Bess) in Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan; the Flower Woman (A Street Car Named Desire), the Countess (Le Nozze di Figaro), La Fortuna (L’Incoronazione di Poppea), and most recently, the Queen of the Night (Die Zauberflöte) with the University of Kentucky Opera Theater.
An artist of great sensitivity, Jeryl Cunningham has appeared in recital and as a concert soloist in venues that include the United Nations and New York’s Lincoln Center. She has also recorded Schubert’s Mass in G Major as soloist with the Boy’s Choir of Harlem.
In addition to the classical repertoire, Jeryl is an outstanding interpreter of traditional music from the rich African-American heritage. She is a regular soloist with the American Spiritual Ensemble and has toured with them through out Europe and the United States. She is also an alumna of the Girls Choir of Harlem. Furthermore, her innovative recital programming frequently includes works by African-American composers.
Ms. Cunningham holds a Master of Music from the Mannes College of Music in New York, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Kentucky under the supervision of Dr. Everett McCorvey.