A Brazilian Music Collective
Soprano Pia Broden Williams studied at the University of Michigan, where she received a bachelors degree in vocal performance, as well as a dachelors degree in philosophy; and completed her studies at Michigan State University, earning her masters degree in voice.
With a voice described as "enchanting" and a "sheer beauty of sound" (Syracuse Post-Standard), the Flint native has since gone on to sing with various opera companies and ensembles around the country including the Flint Symphony Orchestra and Michigan Opera Theatre. Ms. Williams has had the honor of instructing scores of talented students at the Flint School of Performing Arts, where she was on the voice faculty for over 15 years.
In concert, Ms. Williams regularly performs in recital, oratorio, and other works. She made her European orchestral debut in France and in Austria, where she captivated concert audiences with her interpretation of Olympia from The Tales of Hoffman and was a semi-finalist in the International Meistersinger Vocal Competition.
Favorite roles that she has sung are Olympia, Adina (cover), Serpina, Laetitia, and Lauretta.
In addition to classical voice, she has appeared on stage in such theatre productions as Ain’t Misbehavin’ and All Night Strut. She was the female singer for 1930’s/40’s big bands, The Night Lights and the Tuxedo Junction and has appeared with several jazz ensembles and jazz festivals, both nationally and internationally.
As vocalist for the Brazilian music collective, Canja de Boa, Ms. Williams enjoys performing Brazilian jazz, folk, and popular music both in Portuguese and in English.