Ms Catrin Johnsson

Biography

Catrin Johnsson, ARAM, Dip.RAM, PG.Dip.(Opera), LRAM, B.Mus.Hons.Stockholm, Mezzo soprano, was born in Sweden and trained at the Royal College of Music, Stockholm and at the Royal Academy of Music, London. In 2018 she was awarded an ARAM from the Royal Academy of Music for “significant contribution to the music profession”.
Other awards include the prestigious Christina Nilsson Award.

Catrin has worked as a principal artist for companies such as English National Opera, Opera Holland Park and English Touring Opera. Roles include the title role in The Duchess of Malfi for English National Opera, Medoro in Handel’s Orlando for the Åmot Opera Festival in Norway, Cherubino Le nozze di Figaro, La Ciesca Gianni Schicchi and Dimitri Fedora for Opera Holland Park, Dorabella Così fan tutte,  Orlofsky Die Fledermaus, Dido Dido and Aeneas, Carmen Carmen,  Meg Page Falstaff, Hansel Hansel and Gretel, Second Lady, Third Lady and Third Boy The Magic Flute, Adelberto Ottone and Idelberto Lotario for the London Handel Festival, Nicklausse Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Prince The Happy Prince, Zerlina Don Giovanni. In 2016 Catrin made her debut for NZ Opera in their production of the The Magic Flute as Second Lady, and in 2021 she performed the role of Mum/Granny in NZ Opera’s production of Lucy Mulgan’s RED!.

In concert she has performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and St John's, Smith Square in London.

Catrin is a Performance Teacher at the University of Auckland, where she teaches voice, stagecraft, ensemble leading skills and communication skills for conductors, instrumentalists and singers. As a stage director, she has made full productions of the Master recitals “Your Me” (Amy Jansen) and “Gender Agendas” (Clare Hood). She is also co-director of the annual opera scenes productions. In 2019, Catrin directed a production of “The Little Matchgirl Passion” by David Lang, for the University of Auckland Chamber Choir.

Catrin is language and vocal coach for Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir and the Auckland Chamber Choir. In 2021, Catrin was Chorus Master (Auckland chorus) for New Zealand Opera’s production of Le nozze di Figaro. In 2017, she was National Adjudicator for the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.

Both nationally and internationally, Catrin frequently gives masterclasses, workshops and presentations on vocal technique, acting and creativity. She is also an accomplished organist who began her professional career as a musician at the age of 15 years.

Teaching | Current

Classical vocal performance at undergraduate and postgraduate level, stagecraft, ensemble leading skills and communication skills for musicians.

Distinctions/Honours

ARAM (Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, London)