Graham, Joy

Mezzo-soprano

Joy Graham joined the San Francisco Opera Chorus in 1987. Born in Butler, PA, she was exposed to an exceptional music program from elementary through high school. Her mother taught elementary vocal music, where Joy had her as a teacher, and was also an established soloist within the community. For many years, Joy and her mother sang side by side. Although her mother played a big part in her musical education and love of music, it was another singer, Evelyn Eichelberger, who took Joy under her wing and became her first voice teacher. Later, after singing for Beatrice Krebs at Carnegie Mellon University, Joy decided to seriously pursue a career in opera.

She attended Youngstown State University - Dana School of Music, Bay View Conservatory of Music, and finished her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance at North Park College and Theological Seminary. Before joining SFO, Joy sang four seasons with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. While at Lyric, she also participated in the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists program for two seasons.

Joy has performed with the New York City Opera National Company, Chamber Opera of Chicago, Berkeley Opera, San Francisco Lyric Opera, Golden Gate Opera, the Butler County Symphony and the Cedar Rapids Symphony.

Operatic roles include Leonora (Fidelio), Frugola (Il Tabarro), Ciesca (Gianni Schicchi), Fidalma (The Secret Marriage), the Witch/Mother (Hansel and Gretel) and the Third Lady (Die Zauberfl&oumlt;e). Joy has covered roles in Die Zauberfl&oumlt;e, Die Walküre, Elektra, Dangerous Liaisons, Der Rosenkavalier and The Ballad of Baby Doe.

Joy lives in San Leandro with her husband, Jeffrey Korst, an Apple computer specialist with Marin Mac Shop in San Rafael and a magician. Other interests include gardening, camping and hiking. When not singing, Joy can be found at her local Curves, where she is a trainer.