Raehann Bryce-Davis: Opera's Next Superstar

Article by Inayah Raheem

As one of opera’s rising stars, Opera Star and Activist Raehann Bryce-Davis looks forward to taking Teatro Alla Scala (La Scala) in Milan by storm. Bryce-Davis makes her debut at La Scala as the dynamic and prolific Ulrica from the opera Un Ballo in Maschera on May 14, 2022. When asked what excites her most about this opportunity, she spoke on continuing the legacy of those who came before her. “As an undergrad, I would spend hours watching the operas filmed there; it felt like a distant planet rather than an attainable goal. I'm most excited about adding my voice to that of so many singers who I adore who have sung there.”

“As an undergrad, I would spend hours watching the operas filmed there; it felt like a distant planet rather than an attainable goal. I'm most excited about adding my voice to that of so many singers who I adore who have sung [at La Scala].”

Bryce-Davis firmly plants herself in the a long legacy of Black women who have performed at La Scala including Mattiwilda Dobbs, Shirley Verrett and most recently, international opera star Angel Joy Blue. Her performance will not only inspire future generations, but it will change the world of opera for good. Bryce-Davis knows her voice is destined to sing Ulrica, and this moment is one which she has prepared for for her entire life. With this role, she hopes to create exceptional art that moves listeners beyond intellectual analysis as she brings “honesty, peace, beauty, healing, and Blackness into the lives of everyone who hears [her].”  

With this role, she hopes to create exceptional art that moves listeners beyond intellectual analysis as she brings “honesty, peace, beauty, healing, and Blackness into the lives of everyone who hears [her].” 

Bryce-Davis credits her mother, a fellow singer who introduced her to music, as her greatest inspiration. Her parents immigrated from Jamaica to Mexico where she witnessed their “sheer hustle.” Maintaining multiple jobs, her parents raised her with a strong spirit of “ambition, drive, and resourcefulness.” This same drive and resourcefulness pushes Bryce-Davis’s career forward even to this day. 

In addition to her debut at La Scala, Bryce-Davis will be debuting the role of the motivated and innovative Azucena in Il Trovatore at Glimmerglass on the Grass August 1-14, 2021, LA Opera September 18-October 10, 2021, and the Staatstheater Nürnberg in Germany. Her favorite part of this role is the aria  “Condotta ell'era in ceppi,” which has been her standard audition piece for years. “Every time I get to [“Condotta ell'era in ceppi”] in the score, I get happy because it's like rounding the home base.  As a young singer, everything is a role debut, so this repetition of a pivotal role for me is something I've never experienced, and I can't wait.” 

“Every time I get to [“Condotta ell'era in ceppi”] in the score, I get happy because it's like rounding the home base.  As a young singer, everything is a role debut, so this repetition of a pivotal role for me is something I've never experienced, and I can't wait.” 

Bryce-Davis empathizes with Azucena, saying, “I respect Azucena...she experienced extreme trauma at such a young age and didn't have any easy options. [I wish] someone had given her a hug, justice, and therapy. The racism, classicism, and sexism that she experienced were real, and I respect that she did what she could, twisted though it may have been, to honor her family.”

We know Raehann Bryce-Davis will give Azucena and Ulrica what they need and create beautiful performances around the world. We are all rooting for her continued success.