Shira Renee Thomas is the Co-Founder and Artistic and General Director of Valley Opera & Performing Arts located in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. Currently in its 17th season, VOPA presents fully staged operas and musicals, as well as performances of other musical genres, both in its mainstage productions and for underserved communities as a part of its vast outreach programs. Shira has performed as a principal cast member with such renowned artists as Ana Maria Martinez, Quinn Kelsey, Christian Van Horn, Milena Kitic, and Nicole Cabell. With her “perfect intonation, elegant control, and artistic phrasing” (The Press Enterprise), she has performed such leading roles as Juliette, Violetta, Lucia, Marguerite, Gilda, and Adina, as well as many others. Among the numerous awards earned by Ms. Thomas, she was awarded 1st prize in the prestigious Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Vocal Solo Competition in North Wales, which has hosted such competitors as Luciano Pavarotti and Bryn Terfel in past years.
VOPA 