ABOUT
A renowned dramatic soprano with over 20 years experience portraying contemporary and traditional characters, Kara Shay has performed in opera houses throughout the United States including Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, New York City Opera, Florida Grand Opera and Atlanta Opera. With a repertoire of over 40 leading roles, Thomson continues to demonstrate her exceptional vocal and dramatic range, bringing her expertise to every performance. Whether in classical or contemporary operas, she effortlessly adapts to vocally demanding and emotionally complex characters, earning accolades from both critics and audiences alike. Her dedication to her craft has made her a sought-after talent where she consistently captivates with her mastery of both technique and artistry.
-
![]()
“From the first phrases sung by Kara Shay Thomson, a compelling American soprano with a plush, vibrant, powerful voice…She was marvelous!”
The Woman / Ewartung
The New York Times
-
![]()
"Thomson has a sizeable voice with a lovely command of nuance, especially in regard to color and dynamics. While some sopranos choose to underscore this heroine’s melodramatic qualities, Thomson emphasized Tosca’s vulnerability."
Floria Tosca / Tosca
Opera News
-
![]()
"Kara Shay Thomson is riveting, completely commanding the stage in every scene... Appropriately, her Act II aria ‘To This We’ve Come’ was the high point of the evening, a heartrending outpouring of emotion and harbinger of the tragedy to come. "
Magda / The Counsel
South Florida Classical Review
-
![]()
"Kara Shay Thomson as the Princess Turandot is stunning. She has one of the most powerful voices I have ever heard. Her countenance physically changed from cold to hot when she allowed her feelings for Prince Calaf to melt her icy heart."
Princess Turandot / Turandot
broadwayworld.com
-
![]()
Thomson is not only the center of the men's attention, but ours as well, her strong, full-range soprano knocking us out with delightful arabesques and incredibly sustained high notes. Minnie/La Fancuilla del West
Description goes here
-
Nashville Opera
January 22 & 24 202
Kara Shay makes her company debut as Minnie in La Fancuilla del West
-
Lyric Opera of Chicago
November 1,4,7,9,12,15,20,23 - 2025
Making her third appearance at Lyric, Kara Shay will return to cover the role of Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana.
-
Tulsa Opera
July13 -August 11 2025
Kara Shay joins the faculty of Spotlight on Opera to nurture emerging artists through voice lessons, dramatic coachings and career guidance.
-
Tulsa Opera
October 8, 2024
Performing the complete second Act of Tosca, Kara Shay will appear at the Tulsa Opera President’s Council.
-
Central City Opera
July 6, 10, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23, 27, 31; August 3, 2024
Making her role debut as Minnie, Kara Shay returns to this jewel box theater in the gorgeous mountains of Colorado to join the cast of La Fanciulla del West.
-
Pensacola Opera
March 15 & 17, 2024
Returning to one of her favorite comedic roles, Kara Shay returns to Pensacola to portray the role of Rosalinda in their production of Die Fledermaus
-
Lyric Opera of Chicago
November 2023
Tackling the vocally and dramatically challenging character of Kostelnička, Kara Shay returns to Lyric to cover the role in this star studded production of Jenůfa.
-
Opera Colorado
May 6,9,12 & 14 - 2023
Reprising her role as the Ice Princess, Kara Shay joins the cast of Turandot for to close out Opera Colorado’s 40th season.
-
Opera Colorado
February 25,28 & March 3, 5 - 2023
Kara Shay jumps in at the last minute to sing the role of Marie/Marietta in this beautiful production of Korngold’s Die tote Stadt.