“Akama-Makia shone like burnished metal in both the meditative “If Singing is Free” by Mason Bynes and the program’s closing piece, the especially appropriate “Golden Days” by William Grant Still.”
Cameroonian-Ugandan-American mezzo-soprano Veena Akama-Makia, praised for her voice “like burnished metal” (The Theatre Times) and its “clarity” (Operawire), is currently a Jette Parker Artist at the Royal Opera House. In the 2024-25 season, she captivates audiences with roles such as Annina (La Traviata), Mércèdes (Carmen), and Inès (Il Trovatore), while covering roles like La Voix and La Muse (Les Contes d’Hoffmann) and the Witch (Hansel and Gretel). Her 2023-24 debut season at the Royal Opera House featured roles in Rigoletto, Elektra, and Madama Butterfly, alongside her Royal Philharmonic debut as Marta (Iolanta). Previously, she shone as a Young Artist with the Chicago Opera Theater, Des Moines Metro Opera, and the Merola Opera Program, earning accolades for roles in Carmen, Die Zauberflöte, and Quamino’s Map. A celebrated competition finalist and award winner, including the 2023 American Opera Society of Chicago Best Vocal Artist Award.
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