Passions of an ex opera singer…
Originally pursuing a career as an opera singer, Karlye Whitt gained experience on both sides of the opera table as both artist and staff at Tulsa Opera in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she resided as one of the company’s Resident Artists, Principal Artists, and Development Associates during her 3 year residency. The institutional knowledge obtained during this time inspired the desire to push forward inclusion and equity in the opera industry and be a part of ensuring the future of opera in America, fostering her company Salon Avec Moi - an event experience aimed to create a safe and intimate performance through salons to create access to the classical performing arts that is BIPOC, queer, and financially friendly.
Karlye has earned her B.M. in Vocal Performance from Oklahoma City University under the tutelage of voice instructor, Larry Wade Keller. Outside of work and academia Karlye is a lover of all things Paramore, boba tea, opera, and her fluffy cat Cappi.
Salon Avec Moi Founder Aries, Born Again Opera Girl
A note from Karlye —
During my time on both sides of the table in the opera industry I witnessed the disconnect of community and the classical arts, and to lightly put it, the individuals that world caters and bends itself to. Meanwhile my friends and I indulged in our vices and sang to our own salons at weddings, graduation celebrations, and get togethers. A safe place to run a piece for the first time, a place to sing a role you would never actually perform, to be nostalgic, to be together in the moment. I hope you walk away from the salon feeling like you belong because that's how our salons have always felt to me.
Looking forward to meeting you at the salon.
XOXO, Karlye