Mitzi Holmes, lyric soprano, is a regular soloist throughout the Mid-Columbia region. She is the Artistic Director and performs regularly with Mid-Columbia Opera on the Vine. In 2013, she performed with both the Mid-Columbia Symphony, the role of Mimi in the Act I finale of La Boheme, and with the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers as the soprano soloist for Handel's Messiah. Opera credits include the role of First Lady in Mozart’s Die ZauberflÖte with Yakima Valley Opera Company in 2012. In 2009, Mitzi had the privilege of singing on stage with Broadway composer/producer Neil Berg, with his “101 Years of Broadway” production at the Fox Theatre in Spokane after winning first runner-up in an online competition.  

 

In addition to solo opportunities, Mitzi has been involved with the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers since 2008, singing with select groups, also serving a four-year term on the organization’s Board of Directors. Mitzi attended Walla Walla College with a major in Vocal Music Performance. She currently studies with voice teacher, Reginald Unterseher, of Kennewick, Washington.

 

In June 2019, Mitzi retired from a 27-year career working in medical billing and administration.  She is excited to be able to dedicate more of her time to her musical interests and other hobbies which include performing with Opera on the Vine, ballroom dancing with her husband Glenn and spending time with their four grandchildren and their two Balinese kitties, Fiona and Bocelli. 

​

Mitzi's dream is to establish a Foundation to benefit children in grades 3-12 who are unable to afford private music and dance lessons.  As Mitzi describes it, "this Foundation is near and dear to my heart as my folks provided me every opportunity to study music from a very young age, whether it was piano or voice lessons, clarinet, flute and organ.  I was very blessed!  I remember going to voice lessons with my Mom and the first classical singer she ever talked about was Thomas Hampson.”  Mitzi lost her Mom to cancer in 1995 and her Dad in 2013. Mitzi says, "I've always wanted to honor my folks in some way, and also to give back to others that may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue something they are really passionate about.  They may never know what is possible if not given the opportunity. I want to give them that opportunity."