Julie Wright-Costa

Julie Wright-Costa is a tenured Professor of Voice at the University of Utah School of Music, where she has served since 1994, progressing from Assistant Professor (1994-2001) to Associate Professor (2001-2008) and ultimately to Professor (2008-present). She served as Voice Area Head for sixteen years and maintains an active private studio teaching undergraduate and graduate voice students. Professionally, she is celebrated as Associate Artistic Director of the Ohio Light Opera, where she has performed for 32 seasons, sung over 80 roles, and directed more than 20 productions.

Her educational background includes a Master of Music from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts from Pfeiffer College in North Carolina. As a distinguished soprano, Wright-Costa has performed with major opera companies including Utah Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, and Cleveland Opera, while also appearing as a soloist with numerous symphony orchestras across the United States.

Wright-Costa's research bridges performance practice and vocal science, with particular focus on operetta interpretation and vocal health. Her scholarly work examines practical applications for singers, as demonstrated in her 2010 publication on laryngeal hydration techniques for classically trained sopranos. She frequently integrates her professional performance and directing experiences into her pedagogy, creating unique opportunities for students to transition from academic training to professional performance settings.

Her performance career spans opera, musical theatre, oratorio, recital, and concert works, with special recognition as one of the country's outstanding interpreters of operetta. The New York Times has praised her singing as "glorious," while Opera News noted her as "first rate" in leading roles. She has appeared on multiple compact disc recordings for labels including Albany Records, Operetta Archives, and Newport Classics.

As an educator, Wright-Costa teaches a comprehensive curriculum covering vocal technique, multiple languages (English, French, German, Italian), International Phonetic Alphabet, interpretation, role study, and physical alignment. She has developed innovative programming for voice students including voice area recitals, studio classes, and vocal quartets. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the lifelong learning process of vocal development and the importance of drawing out each student's unique artistic potential.

Wright-Costa maintains an active performance and directing schedule alongside her academic responsibilities, recently serving as stage director for Western Plains Opera's production of La Bohème (2024) and performing in the Sundays@7 Spotlight Concert at the University of Utah (2024). She resides in Salt Lake City with her husband, composer John Vasconcelos Costa, and their dachshunds.