Maria Thomas

Dr. Maria Elise Thomas is a performer and voice teacher from New Orleans, Louisiana. She has performed many leading roles, including Mimì (La bohème), the Countess (Le nozze di Figaro), and the title roles in Vanessa, Susannah, and Suor Angelica. She spent two seasons with Des Moines Metro Opera, and recent appearances include María Josefa in Griffin Candey’s La casa de Bernarda Alba with LSU Opera and Agnes in Tchaikovsky’s The Maid of Orleans with Verismo Opera. Described by critics as a “thoughtful, powerful and thrilling” singer, she has received awards from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the Lois Alba Aria Competition, NATS, and Festival Note d’estate a Campolieto.

Building on her performance career, Dr. Thomas focuses her scholarly research on anatomically informed vocal pedagogy, vocal health and efficiency, and inclusive, whole-student approaches to voice teaching. In this area of her work, she has particular interests in teaching neurodivergent learners and affirming pedagogy for LGBTQ+ singers. Her additional interests include Sappho’s poetry, place in the history of music, and Ancient Greek philology.
Dr. Thomas is also the founder of Rolling River Rescue, a New Orleans-area animal welfare organization.