Artist Biography

Soprano ESTHER RAYO is widely recognized for her passionate expression of Classical Spanish Repertoire, while her artistry also encompasses Opera, Baroque, Oratorio, Sacred Music, and Art Song, reflecting a deep commitment to storytelling through sung poetry. A dedicated and versatile performer, she has appeared with Circa1600 and Sonoma Bach, and as a soloist with the Stanford Symphony Orchestra. A California native, she is also celebrated for her collaborations with LaMusArt, supporting underserved Latino youth in East Los Angeles.

Ms. Rayo earned her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Sonoma State University, where she studied under David Burnakus and Ruth Ann Swenson, and her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from DePaul University. During her graduate studies, she debuted the title role in Suor Angelica to critical acclaim. Her artistry has also taken her to Europe, where she made her debut at Teatro della Fortuna in Fano, Italy, performing Puccini's Tosca and Mimi in La Bohème.

Her honors include numerous awards and scholarships from the Jarvis Conservatory, NATS Vocal Competitions (Redwood Empire, San Francisco Bay Area), East Bay Opera League, DePaul University Kleinman Competition, San Miguel Institute of Bel Canto, and Musica nelle Marche in Italy.

Ms. Rayo recently released her debut album, Estrellita — a collection of Classical Spanish songs recorded with pianist Peter Grunberg. The album has been warmly received, earning rave reviews, including high praise from Fanfare. Huntley Dent writes: "Rayo is a first-rate exponent of this material-to my knowledge, there hasn't been a Spanish song recital of this caliber in along time... Grunberg succeeds in being a strong collaborator, with flashes of keyboard virtuosity." Recent concert engagements include appearances at the San Francisco International Piano Festival, a return to SF Music Day at Herbst Theater, and her recital Sacred Joy, recorded live at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Belvedere, California. This recording of beloved sacred favorites is scheduled for release in late 2026.