Paula Murrihy

Paula Murrihy, mezzo-soprano (Sesto)

Irish mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy enjoys a busy career working at the highest level in both Europe and the United States. Previously a member of Oper Frankfurt’s ensemble, she has since appeared on major international stages including Covent Garden, the Metropolitan Opera, Opéra de Paris, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Zurich Opera, the Bolshoi Theatre, and the Salzburg Festival.

Last season, Murrihy made an acclaimed role and company debut at the Komische Oper Berlin as Dejanira in Handel’s Hercules in a new production by Barrie Kosky. She returned to the Paris Opera as Prince Charmant in Massenet’s Cendrillon and to Santa Fe Opera as Octavian in Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier. Concert appearances included Didon in Berlioz’ Les Troyens with the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra in Paris, Berlin, and at the BBC Proms, and Marguerite in Berlioz’ Damnation de Faust with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.

Highlights of the current season include a return to Frankfurt Opera as Dejanira; Waitress in a new production of Kaija Saariaho’s Innocence at the Semperoper Dresden; Béatrice in Berlioz’ Béatrice et Bénédict at Irish National Opera; Komponist in Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos at the Opéra de Rouen; Fox in Janáček’s Cunning Little Vixen at the Opéra de Paris; and her current tour as Sesto in Handel’s Giulio Cesare with Harry Bicket and the English Concert.

An accomplished recitalist, Murrihy has appeared at London’s Wigmore Hall, the Oxford Lieder Festival, the Aldeburgh Festival, and for Performance Santa Fe. Her debut solo album I will walk with my love was released in 2020 on Orchid Classics.