Biographies - 23.03.2023
Catrin Johnsson
Catrin Johnsson ARAM, Dip.RAM., is one of New Zealand’s most highly skilled musicians. Originally from Sweden, she is a professional opera singer, organist, voice teacher, conductor and vocal coach to leading choral ensembles.
Trained at the Royal College of Music, Stockholm and at the Royal Academy of Music, London, Catrin has received a number of awards including the prestigious Christina Nilsson Award. Catrin has worked as a principal artist for companies such as English National Opera and Opera Holland Park. She has sung a number of roles for NZ Opera and was chorus master for Le Nozze di Figaro (2021). She also conducted Hineraukatauri – New Zealand’s contribution to World Opera Day 2021.
Catrin is a language and vocal coach for Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir. In 2017, she was National Adjudicator for the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition. Both nationally and internationally, Catrin frequently gives masterclasses, workshops and presentations on vocal technique and acting. In concert she has performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and St John’s, Smith Square in London. Catrin has made several recordings including Sit Down With Me Awhile by Janet Jennings (Voices of Women, Atoll Records).
Catrin is a Performance Teacher at the University of Auckland, where she teaches voice, stagecraft, ensemble leading skills and communication skills for conductors, pianists and string players. As a stage director, she has made full productions of several master recitals and has also co-directed the annual opera scenes productions. In 2019, Catrin directed a production of “The Little Matchgirl Passion” by David Lang, for the University of Auckland Chamber Choir.