Dr. Allison Holmes-Bendixen, soprano, joined the voice faculty at Kirkwood Community College in 2006 and teaches Applied Voice, Voice Performance Seminar, and Opera Workshop. She has been featured as an opera singer and concert soloist in the United States and Europe and has presented research, recitals, and masterclasses throughout the United States. Allison was recently seen as the soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts; upcoming projects include a recital of works by contemporary female composers, a collaborative recital of opera and musical theatre repertoire, a recital of works for soprano and clarinet, and collaborative vocal pedagogy research at the National Center for Voice and Speech. Previous performing credits include leading roles in productions of Don Giovanni (Donna Elvira), The Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), Candide (Cunegonde), Hansel and Gretel (Gretel), The Tender Land (Laurie), La Bohème (Musetta), The Marriage Contract (Fanny), The Impresario (Madame Goldentrill), and The Magic Flute (Queen of the Night). Allison’s collaboration with living composers has led to performances of leading roles in the World Premieres of two operas (Paradises Lost and La Herida Desvela), as well as chamber works for coloratura soprano with the Illinois New Music Ensemble.

While at the University of Iowa, Allison studied voice with Dr. Rachel Joselson and was a graduate teaching assistant for Applied Voice for Non-Majors, Undergraduate Diction I and II, and Graduate Diction courses. Allison also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Simpson College, a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from The University of Illinois, and a Certificate in Vocology from the National Center for Voice and Speech. She is a member of the voice faculties at Kirkwood Community College and Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA.