Dr. Caroline O’Dwyer is a mezzo-soprano from Connecticut with a passion for both performance and pedagogy. As an active concert soloist, Caroline has performed with numerous ensembles, including the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and Greater Middletown Chorale, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and the Waterbury Chorale, the Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra, the Eastman Philharmonia, the Cordancia Chamber Orchestra, the Warwick Symphony Orchestra, the Skidmore Orchestra, and the Park Church Chamber Orchestra.
On the operatic stage, Caroline debuted the role of Miriam “Ma” Ferguson in the world premiere of Douglas Buchanan’s Sackler Award-winning opera, Bessie and Ma (University of Connecticut, 2019). Other roles include: Prince Charmant (Cendrillon), Catherine (Le Mariage aux lanternes), the Abbess (Suor Angelica), Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro), Cousin Hebe (H.M.S. Pinafore), Hansel (Hansel and Gretel), and Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus).
Equally recognized for her sensitive interpretation of art song, in 2018, Caroline was a national semi-finalist for the prestigious NATS Artist Award. She holds degrees from the University of Connecticut (B.M. and D.M.A.) and the Eastman School of Music (M.M.), and has been an Artist/Teacher of classical voice at the University of Rhode Island since 2018. At URI, she is a three-time recipient of the University Artist Series grant, which supports innovative faculty performances. She has been a guest clinician and performer at Bowling Green State University (2024), and has served as a judge for the Rhode Island Civic Orchestra Vocal Competition and the Connecticut NATS Student auditions.
Caroline also maintains a private voice studio and teaches yoga in Connecticut, where she resides with her husband, Steve and their cat, Harry. For more information, please visit www.carolineodwyer.com.
