Amelia performs on Show 432.

Amelia Reines (soprano), 17, is a high school senior from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she attends The Ellis School. At the age of 8, Amelia began her musical training with the Judah Project, an after-school program at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. There she worked with gospel singer and recording artist, Reverend Nicol Porter. It is with Reverend Porter that Amelia discovered her enduring love for Ella Fitzgerald and a passion for classical music. More recently, Amelia has worked with accomplished Classical vocalist, Kara Cornell. It is when singing opera that Amelia’s heart and voice most truly soar.

Amelia is a member of a number of choirs. In addition to her school’s Glee Club with director and vocalist Gail Mosites, she is a chorister with the Pittsburgh Girls Choir. Under the direction of Kathryn Barnard, Amelia sings in both the Concentio choir and the Honors Chamber choir. In summer 2022, Amelia toured Ireland with the Pittsburgh Girls Choir and greatly enjoyed singing in Ireland’s beautiful cathedrals! In junior year she was selected for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Honors Choir. In her first year participating, she progressed to District, Regional, and ultimately All State. In July of 2022, Amelia attended the Summer Classical Opera Program at the Eastman School of Music. This summer Amelia will attend Tanglewood Institute’s Young Artist Vocal Program.

Amelia also enjoys taking part in musical theater and has performed lead roles in numerous school productions, including Hello, Dolly!, The Music Man, and Shrek: The Musical. Outside of school productions she was the Witch in Into The Woods with the Riverfront Theater Company. Amelia sits on the Youth Board of RTC.

Amelia’s senior recital was a benefit for the restoration project of the National Opera House, the original home of the National Negro Opera Company (founded by Mary Cardwell Dawson) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In her first year participating, Amelia was a finalist in the 2023 Schmidt Vocal Competition. Amelia will continue her music education at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, in the studio of Salvatore Champagne.

Receiving the Award will allow Amelia to attend the Tanglewood Institute and help cover private lesson costs. The scholarship funds also covered her college audition travel and recording fees