Zen Wu [she/her] is a dramatic coloratura soprano from the San Francisco Bay. Trained as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist in a wide range of genres, she collaborates on a variety of projects from the opera and concert stages to chamber music and movie soundtracks. Wu performs and records as a soloist and guest musician with many groups including the New York Philharmonic, LA Philharmonic, San Diego Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Beth Morrison Projects, Musica Sacra, Cathedral Choir of St. John the Divine, SEM Ensemble, Ensemble Ipse, and Ghostlight Chorus.

She began her music studies in piano and violin before joining the Crystal Children’s Choir at the age of 6, with which she sang for twelve years, performing at choral festivals and conferences across Asia, Australia, North America, and Europe throughout her childhood and adolescence. She studied biochemistry and began her formal studies in classical voice at the University of California San Diego, where she was immersed in contemporary and experimental performance in addition to her training in traditional bel canto repertoire and technique. Wu sang two seasons with the San Diego Opera Chorus before making her professional mainstage debut as Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi and moving to New York, where she is currently based as a freelance classical artist. Recent solo engagements include the Czech premier of Luigi Nono’s Prometeo and the New York premier of Max Duykers’ Both Eyes Open.

Wu is lauded for her interpretations of canon works as well as her fearless championing of 20th century and new music. In addition to her performance and recording activities, she directs sacred vocal music, plays the organ, teaches private lessons, and contracts singers on behalf of churches and instrumental ensembles. Wu studied jazz and holds a degree in political science from Columbia University and writes extensively on the intersections of human rights, politics, performance art, race, and ethics in her spare time.

full bio/discography/CV available by request