BIO
Mezzo-soprano Cora Grace Winstead was described by the Dallas Morning News as “possessing a radiance that makes you catch your breath” (Nancy Churnin). A proud crossover artist, she has performed professionally across the country in opera, oratorio, and musical theatre. Some of her performing highlights include her international debut as Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro (MusicFest Perugia), Girl in Once, Skeeter in Last One Nighter on the Night Trail, Ariadne in The Minotaur (Theatre Three, Dallas), Margaret in The Light in the Piazza, Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, Tonina in Prima la musica, e poi le parole (Texas State University Opera Theatre), and Tzeitel in the ASL premiere of Fiddler on the Roof (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma). In competition, Cora has placed as a Semifinalist in the NATS Advanced Treble category, and was the 2022 winner of the Texas State Symphony Aria & Concerto competition. In concert, she has also sung the Alto Soloist in Handel’s Messiah three times, and joined Tabernacle Presbyterian’s concert of Vivaldi’s Gloria as the Alto Soloist. She was the Mezzo-Soprano Soloist in the world premiere of James Stephenson’s Symphony No. 2 “Voices” for Orchestra.
Cora has been teaching music since 2016. She takes after her mother, who was an opera singer and voice teacher herself. An avid lifelong learner, Cora incorporates science-based pedagogy and the joy of making music into each of her lessons. One of her philosophies is to teach students life skills through music skills, and she knows no greater pride than witnessing her students grow into incredible musicians, but more so into extraordinary world citizens.
Cora holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Texas State University, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University. She is currently pursuing a Performer Diploma in Voice Performance at Indiana University, where she studies under Deanne Meek.
Upcoming Performances
April 15, 2025: Solo Recital “The Things We Lost” 5:00pm ET