Natalie Bodkin-Connor
Natalie Bodkin-Connor is described as “thoughtful”, “open-minded” and “having a beautiful voice” that is a… “huge asset”. (Shawn Roy, Stage Director; Elizabeth Hastings, Stage Director) Originally hailing from Indianapolis, the soprano is promising young artist with her authentic and precise approach to her repertoire, as well as her versatility in several different genres.
Recently, Natalie performed several works by Debussy and Strauss through a concert series sponsored by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Natalie was also recently seen in the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's concert "Pops in the Park," where she performed several Broadway and Gershwin standards.
Natalie has performed in a variety of concert series such as Le Salon Concert Series, as well as performing the role of Christine in a concert highlights version of Phantom of the Opera.
She recently made her role debut as Musetta (La Bohème) with the Midwestern Institute of Opera. In the same season, Natalie sang several works by Clara Schumann as part of the SPARK Campaign, which focuses on the contribution of women in the arts. She enjoyed singing the role of Pamina (Die Zauberflöte) with the New York Lyric Opera Theatre, as well as several concert engagements in venues like Carnegie Hall, National Opera Center, and the Lincoln Center. Natalie recently appeared as the soloist for the New Orleans premiere of the contemporary work Storyville with the University of Louisiana’s Wind Ensemble.
Other notable credits include Adele in Die Fledermaus, 2nd Spirit in Die Zauberflöte, Laetitia in The Old Maid and the Thief, Gretel in Hansel and Gretel, and Norina in Don Pasquale.
Natalie is also active in the competition circuit, having won 1st place at the Living Music Institute’s aria competition and placing as a finalist in the Madame Rose Scholarship Competition and the ULM Concerto Competition.
Natalie earned her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she performed extensive research in voice pedagogy. While in school, she studied under Dr. Kristen Marchiafava and Mrs. Margaret Daniel. Having trained as a pianist for over 10 years, she brings a thorough understanding of music to the world of vocal repertoire.
Ms. Connor focuses on the vocal development of singers through establishing knowledge of healthy vocal technique, performance skills, and an overall appreciation for music. Natalie works with singers in a variety of different vocal styles including pop, opera, country, musical theatre, and jazz. Natalie aims to equip students with knowledge, confidence, and expertise.
Students of Natalie have performed roles such as Scuttle, Allana, and Flounder from Little Mermaid, Ellie and Katherine from Freaky Friday, Grace from Annie, Mortia from Addams Family, Rapunzel from Into the Woods, and Maleficent from Descendants: the Musical, Christine from Phantom of the Opera, Patrick Star from Spongebob Squarepants the Musical, and Glinda from Wizard of Oz. Natalie's students also enjoy concert engagements such as "Scott Billington, Blues Harmonica" and the "Acadiana Talent Concert Series."