Cynthia Donnell

Cynthia Donnell serves as an Associate Professor of Voice and Lyric Diction in the Department of Music at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Her educational background includes:

• Master of Music (M.M.) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Bachelor of Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

As a mezzo-soprano, Professor Donnell maintains an active performance career spanning recital, opera, choral, oratorio, and orchestral repertoire. Her expertise centers on vocal technique, linguistic precision in singing, and classical interpretation across diverse musical traditions. She has performed with major ensembles including the North Carolina Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Virginia Opera, and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.

Her professional recognition includes winning the Seventh International Sterling Staff Competition, which facilitated over 25 solo recitals nationwide.

She actively contributes to music education through leadership in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), having served as officer and board member for the Virginia Chapter.