Amanda Silliker Mezzo-soprano

Amanda Silliker, the American dramatic mezzo-soprano, has been called a “brilliant and captivating” performer with “evocative power and subtlety” (Centre Daily Times, 10/26/14), offering “memorable…performances” with her “voluptuous voice” (Voices of Central Pennsylvania, 12/3/12). A warm, engaging and personable performer, she captivates audiences as a “supreme artist of the music who…comes at it from a story-telling perspective.” (Richard Biever, as quoted in the CDT).
Silliker, after her vocal performance studies at Penn State University, has gained the respect and coached with great artists around the world.  A multi-talented artist, she performs a wide range of repertoire from Wagner’s Liebestod, Verdi’s Requiem (both with the PSU Philharmonic), and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (Nittany Valley Symphony) to Vivaldi’s Gloria (Williamsport Chamber Choir and Orchestra) and Mozart’s Requiem (Johnstown Symphony Orchestra).  In demand regularly as an oratorio performer, Silliker’s true love is opera. Previously a full-bodied lyric soprano during college, Silliker’s performing experiences as The Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors and Dido in Dido and Æneas have helped her transition into her true repertoire - where Azucena (Il Trovatore, Verdi), Ortrud (Lohengrin, Wagner), and other dramatic mezzo roles are a perfect fit for her both in voice and personality.
Silliker is also sought out to present solo recitals.  She carefully crafts and presents programs, offering a diversity of repertoire often overlooked in traditional recitals. Richard Biever (CDT) says she is “a rarity: a classically trained opera singer equally adept at show tunes and standards.”  Notable upcoming performances include singing Granados art songs in a recital for the Goya “Los Caprichos” exhibition opening in the Palmer Museum of Art (February 2015), and DeFalla’s Three-Cornered Hat with the NVS (April 2015).
Silliker, also an esteemed private music teacher in her hometown of Bellefonte, PA (voice/piano/theory/sight-singing) specializes in preparing high school students for college auditions. She works regularly as a guest musician in local churches, intermittently serves as Music/Vocal Director for several musical theater companies, and directs “The Accidentals” - an open women’s choir focusing on experiential singing versus performing.
When asked what she wants of her career, Silliker replies “I simply want to sing; to perform to the depth of my ability; to work with people of the highest caliber; to both tell a story and be part of a larger story; to embody my roles fully; to take others on the journey with me; and to move people through the power of music.”

http://www.centredaily.com/2014/10/26/4423714/chris-rosenblum-bellefonte-singer.html (10/26/14)
http://reggielutz.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-spotty-blog-interview-meet-amanda.html (1/21/14)