“A glorious, shimmering, beautiful soprano”
- Paul Langford, producer, arranger, conductor
About Katelyn
Recognized by Chicago Classical Review as having a “beautifully bright” and “silvery” tone, American soprano Katelyn Lee is making her mark in Chicago and across the United States. Known for her ability to sing numerous styles with ease, Katelyn is regularly sought after to perform opera, art song, musical theatre, and oratorio. This versatility has provided her with the opportunity to collaborate with notable arts organizations across the country.
Katelyn has performed numerous opera and musical theatre roles, including the title role in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Hansel and Gretel. She has sung in multiple productions at Lyric Opera and other companies such as Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Haymarket Opera Company, Chicago Opera Theater, Ozarks Lyric Opera, Cedar Rapids Opera, and Folks Operetta. Notable roles include Romilda in Serse, Rosina in The Barber of Seville, Doris Parker in Charlie Parker’s Yardbird, Antonia in Man of La Mancha, Cunegonde in Candide, Madame Goldentrill in The Impresario, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and the Female Narrator in the world premiere of Jason and the Argonauts.
In concert, Katelyn has sung a wide variety of repertoire. She is an expert in Baroque performance practice and is a frequent soloist with Music of the Baroque, led by world-renowned conductor, Dame Jane Glover. Recently with MOB, Katelyn sang the role of Angel in Handel’s Jephtha. In April of 2023, Katelyn performed the role of Nellie Forbush in concert with the New Philharmonic Orchestra alongside Nathan Gunn and Ann Harada. Other credits include Grant Park Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, Northwest Indiana Symphony, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra, and Chicago a cappella.
As a lover of the arts, Katelyn strongly believes in educating communities about the necessity of classical music in our society. She is proud to have performed operatic roles at several outreach organizations, including Lyric Unlimited and Opera for the Young. It is her honor and privilege to support this cause.
Katelyn received her Master of Music degree in Voice at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and her Bachelor of Music degree in Voice at Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Katelyn is currently based in Chicago and lives with her husband and tenor, Joe Shadday and their cat, Liza. She is a proud Midwesterner, originally hailing from Springfield, Missouri.
“Katelyn has a lovely and versatile voice with fine coloratura. She is always consummately prepared and is a wonderful colleague.”
-Stephen Alltop, music director and conductor
“Katelyn has a voice that you want to listen to. Flawless technique combined with a glorious, shimmering, beautiful soprano will scratch all your musical itches. Whether performing from the world of opera or from the Great American Songbook, her instrument, musicianship and experience combine to truly satisfy the listener!”
- Paul Langford, producer, arranger, conductor