Soprano Elizabeth Shuman is relishing an increasing number of live concert appearances after years of pandemic performances for her backyard chickens. An enthusiastic networker, she especially enjoys collaboration with other composers, musicians, artists, and community organizations to craft unique and innovative productions. Her audiences are often treated to world premieres.
Recognized for her compelling art song interpretation, Elizabeth is currently featured as the Vocal Chamber Music Fellow with the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago.
Recent appearances include the musical comedy night at the newly reopened Rhapsody Theater where she was featured as "Annie" in the Chicago premiere of Annie and Joshua by Robbie Ellis. She also recently enjoyed a debut performance at The Green Mill premiering the newest baroque aria, Express Lanes written for her by Ellis, celebrating the highs and lows of life on the Kennedy.
Other performance highlights include the role of her doppelganger, Senator Patrick Leahy, in The Gonzales Cantata. She has also enjoyed solo performances at Early Music at the Barn, Friends of the Windows recital series, the Schubertiade festival, Liederstube and early music festivals in Boston and Berkeley.
Her recent choral credits include the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Chicago Choral Artists, and Camerata Chicago.
Elizabeth was raised in rural Colby Kansas, a beautiful small town boasting the only Starbucks in 173 miles, and a motto, “The Oasis on the Plains” which seemed more fitting of the resourceful community before someone installed giant aluminum palm trees at the truck stop.
Elizabeth is an advocate and educator on refugee issues. She lives with her family in Chicago and delights in her orchids, outdoor adventures, and crying at a good organ concert.