Send Hannah to Varna International Music Academy!

Hello! My name is Hannah Cayem and I am a soprano born and raised in New England, currently living in coastal Virginia.

I've been singing for as long as I can remember. Music was so integral to my identity that I decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in music. In 2019, I graduated from the Ithaca College School of Music (summa cum laude) with degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance!

After graduating, I taught elementary music for four years. While doing so, I was fortunate to continue studying voice, sing professionally in a chamber choir and small opera company, and attend summer young artist programs, including Respiro Opera, NYC and Opera Theater of the Rockies!

I left full-time teaching in August of 2023 to pursue music in a greater capacity. And, as many 20-something singers with a passion for performing do, I applied to summer opera programs for Summer 2024.

I'm thrilled to share that I was offered my first full role as Zerlina in Don Giovanni at the Varna International Music Academy this summer!

Having accepted this offer, I'm working hard to fundraise for this endeavor. I'm honored to have received scholarship from Varna in addition to a few local donors in VA. However, the cost is still significant.

Varna is an internationally acclaimed music festival that features conductors, teachers and coaches from the Metropolitan Opera. Not only will I get to perform Zerlina (fully costumed and staged) with a live orchestra, but I will also serve as a soloist in a Broadway Revue and Art Song Recital. In addition to coachings, I will take language courses, sing in masterclasses, and partake workshops in movement, stage techniques, and stage combat.

My goal is to raise $2,500 to help cover the cost of this experience, which I know will propel me towards my career goals. Any contribution will be sincerely appreciated. Thank you so much for your time and consideration!