Profile

• M.M. Indiana University (Jacob’s School of Music)
• B.M. (University) of NC School of the Arts

Simone Vigilante joined the music faculty at Mars Hill in the Fall of 2019. Lauded by the Asheville Citizen-Times as a, “beautiful dramatic soprano capable of some awesome fireworks,” she has appeared in recitals and competitions, with opera companies, and orchestras throughout the United States and Europe.

Ms. Vigilante has lived in the Asheville area since 2001. While here, she has sung numerous leading roles with Asheville Lyric Opera, Opera Creations, and The Modern American Music Project. She has performed as soloist with the Asheville Symphony, Asheville Symphony Chorus, Asheville Choral Society, Amici Music, Asheville Area Piano Forum, Asheville Village String Quartet, Allegro Music, the Asheville String Trio, the Asheville Symphony Chamber Players, Echo Early Music, and the Brevard Chamber Orchestra. She has also performed as a guest artist on area concert series. Ms. Vigilante has a solo album, Love, Look Away with pianist David Troy Francis, a dynamic collaboration with selections from opera, classical, gospel, folk, and musical theater genres (audio clips available at simonevigilante.com).

Ms. Vigilante attended the Eastman School of Music beginning her studies in piano. She furthered her studies in vocal performance with Dr. Marilyn Taylor at the (University of) North Carolina School of the Arts (BM 1997), and continued her studies at Indiana University, where she worked primarily with Virginia Zeani, and Paul Kiesgan (MM2000 and doctoral work started 2001). After graduating from IU Ms. Vigilante traveled to Europe where she studied and performed with La Scala coach and accompanist, Enza Ferrari.

Ms. Vigilante has taught voice throughout the United Stated for 20+ years. She is a certified member of National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), North Carolina Music Teachers Association (NCMTA), and Asheville Area Piano Forum (AAPF). Learn more about Ms. Vigilante through her website https://www.simonevigilante.com/.