Heidi Shea is a dynamic soprano who is passionate about singing. As a half-Korean woman who grew up in Western culture, Heidi continually explores what it means to be both Caucasian and Asian, and how that relates to her musical journey and singing experience. Because of her multi-ethnic and many mixed experiences, Heidi has developed a strong empathetic instinct which, coupled with her profound desire to communicate, enables her to connect deeply with the character(s) and the story she and her fellow singers are bringing to life on stage.

While the COVID pandemic brought many difficult challenges, Heidi continued to pursue what opera and performing opportunities she could. Heidi placed second in the NATS Chicago chapter in the spring of 2020, which was completed in an online format and in 2021, Heidi performed the role of Musetta in an online version of La bohème with the Midwest Opera. In March of 2022, Heidi played the role of Despina (Così fan tutte) at the UMKC conservatory, and is currently preparing the role of L’Ensoleillad (Massenet’s Chérubin) to be performed in November of 2022.

A lover of new works, Heidi has premiered several new choral and solo works alike including Sing Dumb (2016) for SATB choir by Shawn Okpebholo, with whom Heidi worked directly. She also performed in several recitals for fellow composer classmates, most notably the song cycle dream nos. 1, 2, and 4 (2019) composed by Katrina DiCrasto. Most recently, Heidi collaborated with fellow artists Emily Lynn (soprano), and Dr. Debra Lynn (composer) on a duet entitled “Sigh no more, ladies” (2021).

As well as classical music, Heidi delights trying out different styles of singing, including jazz, or even R&B and Rock. During her undergraduate degree, Heidi and a few of her friends formed the first vocal jazz group at Wheaton College directed by Katie Ernst. Under the kind tutelage and influence of jazz pianist Bradley Williams, Heidi released her first solo album of jazz tunes titled Her name is Heidi (which can be purchased upon request). At the start of 2022, Heidi began getting involved in a music outreach program called Musicambia that partners with prisons to help members of the class have a platform to present their musical ideas. In May of 2022, Heidi performed on the Lansing Correctional Facility concert, and sang backup vocals on new songs in various genres, including Rap, Pop, Country, etc.

Heidi received her Master of Music in Vocal Performance in May 2022 from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, where she studied under the renowned Maria Kanyova. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Wheaton College Conservatory with Sarah Holman.