Faculty Instructor

[Jennifer Eckes, Vocalist/Actor/Choreographer and Cabaret Impresario for St. Croix Valley Opera]
Jennifer Eckes (she/her) sings professionally throughout the Twin Cities, whether on stage in theatrical productions or as a soloist in concerts and cabarets. She has performed in leading roles and ensembles alike with companies such as the Ordway Center, Artistry Theater, Plymouth Playhouse, Skylark Opera Theatre, Mill City Summer Opera, and many others, including over 30 productions with the Minnesota Opera. As a versatile vocalist, Eckes has found many musical revues, concerts and cabaret opportunities throughout the region, at venues such as the Hastings Arts Center, Hanifl Performing Arts Center, Phipps Center for the Arts, Bloomington Center for the Arts, The Hive Collaborative, Bryant-Lake Bowl, Honey Lounge, Crooners, Nicollet Island Inn, and the MetroNOME. Her voice has been called "crystalline" and "rock solid", by reviewers, often praised for her warm stage presence and her “engaging gift for song”. Jennifer holds a B.A. in vocal performance from Luther College and was twice a fellow of the Cabaret Conference at Yale University, where she developed her passion for the Great American Songbook and the art of song interpretation. For the past several years, she has worked for the St. Croix Valley Opera company as their Cabaret Impresario, has hosted their Opera on the River Grand Concerts, and sung in numerous other SCVO concerts. This is her 4th year on the faculty for the Summer Vocal Institute.