"Moments of brilliance shone through. Cailin Smith's Oberto, for instance, was a scene-stealer. Her coloratura was clean, her characterization sharp, and she never once dropped focus, even while silently reacting to a lengthy
Alcina aria from a corner of the stage."
ABOUT
Cailin Smith (she/her) is a dynamic soprano, comfortable in both classical and musical theatre, who dares to embrace the uncomfortable and use music as a vehicle for advocacy. Described as a "scene-stealer" and an “intense and moving storyteller,” she amplifies voices and narratives that are often kept in the shadows by programming rarely performed art song and opera. A passionate champion of new music, Cailin actively collaborates and commissions innovative works across these spheres.
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Upcoming engagements include the Winchester Unitarian Society's fall soloists concert and covering the role of Miranda in Eric Sawyer's The Onion. Cailin was recently featured as Oberto in MassOpera’s 2025 production of Alcina and recorded the role of Arabella on the original album of Angels of the House, produced by Ted and Togo Productions. Other recent highlights include Morana in The Haunted Palace and Grackle in The Raven, two new micro-operas, with Ted and Togo Productions; First Spirit in MassOpera’s production of The Magic Flute: Retold; and James Kallembach’s Antigone.
Cailin is a co-founder of Voice of Iris, a groundbreaking collective dedicated to performing staged works exclusively for treble voices while actively dismantling gender disparity in staged vocal works. Voice of Iris’ first season included three staged song cycles and a devised theatre piece to tell the story of Dinah from the Bible. In addition, she sings with the Boston-based Lilith Vocal Ensemble, which empowers women and gender non-conforming musicians by rebelling against societal expectations of traditional gender roles in music.
Cailin holds her Master of Music from the Longy School of Music where she studied with Dr. Dana Lynne Varga. Cailin enjoys her growing opportunities as a librettist of opera and art song while remaining deeply dedicated to vocal pedagogy and amplifying voices through music education.
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MEDIA
OPERA AND ART SONG
I never travel without one...A hand mirror
Dominick Argento, Postcard from Morocco
Barbara! io ben lo so
G.F. Handel, Alcina
CONTEMPORARY AND COLLABORATIONS
Tesla's Pigeon, Movements III and IV
Melissa Dunphy
Call in the Dark (mvt. 3), Where They Hide
E. Isaiah Hopper
MUSICAL THEATRE
Anyway - Tales from the Bad Years, Kerrigan and Lowdermilk
Ring of Keys
Jeanine Tesori, Fun Home
TEACHING STATEMENT
As a teacher, I believe in meeting my students holistically. I take into account all ways students use their voices, both literally and figuratively, and I encourage singing as a basis for confidence-building outside of the studio. Students can expect to receive repertoire assignments previously unfamiliar to them, but they can also expect to have input in what they sing. I believe in helping singers of all ages find freedom in their voices so that they may feel empowered to not only continue in music, but to speak up in class and in their communities as well.
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See my full teaching statement here.
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"Cailin is a wonderful teacher! I can't believe how much my voice has grown in just the last 6 months. I'd recommend her to any student or adult looking to hone their singing skills and have a blast doing so." -Rebecca H.​