Denise Rivera holds a masters degree in vocal performance from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities, where she worked closely as a teaching assistant to her advisor and mentor, Glenda Maurice.  In addition to her work as a teaching assistant, she understudied the role of “Susanna” in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and served as the stage director for UMN’s production of Weil’s Street Scene, both under the tutelage of David Walsh.  She received her bachelor’s in music from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI.
Denise taught private lessons in Lino Lakes, MN at Northern Pines Studio and regionally as part of the Saint Paul community education program.  She co-founded and performed as a member of a piano/voice duo called “après un rêve”, with pianist Alexander Kraker, at venues such as the Acadia Café in Minneapolis, private concerts, weddings, and art exhibitions in the Twin Cities area.
While studying at UMN, she also had the unique opportunity to work part time with Grammy- award winning composer, Libby Larsen (whose personality exceeds her stellar reputation); and acclaimed tenor (and good friend), Brad Bradshaw, who is producing a new opera about Ladysmith, WI.  You can visit the website at www.ladysmithstory.org.
            She has performed with the Rochester Aria Group in scenes as “Nannetta” from Verdi’s Falstaff, and “Blonde” from Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio.  Her oratorio repertoire includes Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Magnificat, and Haydn’s The Creation.  Denise sang with the Basilica Choir in Minneapolis at St. Mary’s and cantored church services in the Twin Cities.  She currently volunteers as a choir member of the Cathedral Choir at St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse, WI, and lives in Onalaska with her husband and son.

For questions or to arrange for teaching:
my phone is 608-738-5276.
To reschedule or report lateness:
my e-mail, dbirdsoprano.com, reaches me immediately.

More News from Denise Rivera
Beginning Sunday, July 11th Denise will be cantoring regularly at The Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, Lacrosse, and also at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Cathedral Gallery Singers, a group of which I am a part, will be participating in the Installation Mass for our new bishop.
when: August 11th, at 2:00 PM
where: The Cathedral of St Joseph the Workman

"...For Thou hast been my help, and in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy."
Psalm 65. vs.7