Artistic Biography of Elizabeth Williams-Taylor
Elizabeth Williams-Taylor , soprano and actress, enjoys a professional career in opera, musical theater, classical/pop concert stage, and television. Her most recent performance was in 2021, where she (a former Miss North Carolina), sang the opening tribute for the Miss North Carolina Pageant. She was also the soloist Miss North Carolina Christmas Spectacular at McGregor Hall in 2020, which was a virtual, live streamed concert. In 2013-2014, Elizabeth was the soprano soloist at the Broadway Blockbuster NC Summer Concert Series with the North Carolina Symphony at Koka Booth Amphitheater.
During 2009-2010, Elizabeth performed in Greensboro Opera’s production of Lucy in Menotti’s “The Telephone,” Long Leaf Opera Festival’s “American Voices” concert, performed as Violetta/Annina in “La Traviata” acted as Donna Anna in Triangle Opera Studios rendition of “Don Giovanni”, and lastly, performed as Musetta in “La Boheme” with Opera Carolina in Charlotte, NC.
In 2008, Elizabeth made her international debut as Grace Kelly in Michael Daughtery’s American opera, “Jackie O” at the Teatro Rossini di Lugo and also the Teatro Comunale di Bologna. She also made her debut with Augusta Opera as Guenevere in “Camelot.” Other performances she participated in were the: “Countess Ceprano/Gilda” cover in Greensboro Opera’s "Rigoletto.” She was also a soprano soloist for Fayetteville Symphony’s “Holiday Pops” concert, as well as a soloist for Carmina Burana with CHCC and Symphony at UNC’s Memorial Hall. To close out the season, Elizabeth performed as a guest soprano soloist with the Durham Symphony in their “Holiday Pops” concert and returned to CHCC and Symphony at UNC to perform Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and Respighi’s “Laud to the Nativity.”
Her versatility in singing and acting has allowed her to play roles such as Eliza in “My Fair Lady,” Laurie in “Oaklahoma,” Maria in “The Sound of Music,” and Marsinah in “Kismet” to name a few. Her most memorable role was starring as “Guenevere,” opposite Richard Harris as King Arthur in the Broadway National tour of “Camelot.” Reviewers said “Elizabeth is a beautiful Guinevere in face, figure, and vocal ability. Her singing reminds of the young Julie Andrews.” The Pittsburgh Press said: “She is one of the few opera trained voices one hears these days in musical theater. The voice was velvety and rich-sounding.”
Elizabeth debuted with the Opera Co. of North Carolina in 2005 as Valencienne in “The Merry Widow” and The News and Observer noted her “clear, easily produced soprano voice that soared through the lilting music. In 2006, she also performed in OCNC’s “Don Giovanni” as Donna Anna, as well as debuted as Kate Pinkerton in Greensboro Opera’s production of “Madama Butterfly.” The following year, in 2007, Elizabeth was cast as Musetta in the OCNC’s showing “La Boheme,” which was described as “a world class production with an outstanding cast” by a reviewer from the Classical Voice of North Carolina.
Elizabeth’s other operatic credits include: Jackie Kennedy Onassis in Michael Daughtery’s “Jackie O” in 2003 as well as being cast as the role of Ariel in Lee Hoiby’s “The Tempest” in 2004 alongside Long Leaf Opera in Chapel Hill.
Elizabeth was also allowed the privilege to perform the “Southern Premiere” of American opera composer Jake Heggie’s “At the Statue of Venus,” with Jake accompanying her on the piano. The 22 minute opera scene for the soprano soloist and pianist were performed at UNC Memorial Hall’s Long Leaf Opera Summer Festival in 2007.
As a concert stage performer, Elizabeth has performed as a soprano soloist with the Milwaukee “Music Under the Stars” Symphony in Washington Park and sang Italian and French excerpts from “Madama Butterfly,” “Rigoletto,” II Barbiere Di Siviglia,” “Faust,” “Romeo and Juliette,” and “Lakme” along with other Broadway hits.
She has also sung as a soprano soloist with the Durham Choral Society and the North Carolina Symphony in their production of Haydn’s “Mass In Time of War” and Vaughn-Williams’ “Dons Nobis Pacem.” Other performances of Elizabeth’s include a “Holiday Pops” concert with the Asheville Symphony and she was a soprano soloist in Greensboro Oratorio Society and Symphony’s rendition of Handel’s “Messiah.”
Elizabeth inspires others with her musicality, talent, and kindness. She resides in Durham, NC with her husband enjoys teaching voice, mentoring young singers, and assisting individuals in living healthier and happier lives.