BACKSTORY: Svetlana blends her classical training with the energy and expression of jazz to create a unique sound, influenced by her homeland, her adopted homeland, and love of American culture. To celebrate this newfound synergy, Svetlana Stone has recorded her DEBUT JAZZ album The Girl from Liepāja. It was released December 21, 2021.
PASSION AND INTERCULTURAL EXPRESSION: Jazz has given Svetlana a new freedom to express the cultural connection through her life’s experience between Latvia and America. The historical foundation of jazz is a story of victory over oppression that promotes peace, freedom of expression, and diversity. She believes it is important to educate and bring awareness to people that jazz is not just beautiful music, it also has the power to unite people. Her goal is to promote cross-cultural connection and artistic diplomacy between American and Latvian culture through the uniquely American art form of jazz.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Svetlana is a Latvian-born lyric soprano and a multi-talented international singer and songwriter based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She is also the host and producer of her new show, Artist’s Voices, raising awareness about the support artists need to succeed and the diverse skills needed behind the scenes. Svetlana is a unique artist who sings in many languages, styles and genres including opera, jazz and contemporary Christian music. Her passion is to bring people together through her music. She received her first music degree in Music Performance, from Emilis Melngailis Liepaja Music College in Latvia. In 2021 she earned a Graduate Certificate in Music Performance and in 2023 a Master's degree in Vocal Music Performance from the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music at Western Michigan University (WMU).
- 2026 Encuentro de Pianistas Costa Rica: Spanish Music Festival - presented a program of works by Fernando J. Obradors at Sala María Clara Cullell, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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2026 Sound & Spirit, Michigan Festival of Sacred Music - presented a program of works by Fernando J. Obradors, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
- First Prize winner of the 2024, 6th SWISS International MUSIC Competition in the Opera Singers’ category, by TIZIANO ROSSETTI International Music Academy, Lugano, Switzerland.
- Third Prize winner of the 2024, 20th Century Music Competition, in the Voice category, by Charleston International Music Competition, North Charleston, South Carolina
- Third Prize winner in the Michigan Chapter of the 2022 National Student Competition, by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Second Prize in the Vocal Duets National Competition in Latvia.
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2024 Marquis Who’s Who Listee, recognized for professional achievements.
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2023 Power of Voice Award recipient from Public Media Network for Artist Voices, a program Svetlana produces and hosts, highlighting artists' stories and the challenges of being a musician today.
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2022 Elected Member of Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society for outstanding academic, musical, and artistic achievements.
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2022 Member of Western Michigan University’s Gold Company (GC II), an internationally award-winning vocal jazz ensemble.
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Twice recipient of the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation Scholarship Awards and grants from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Svetlana has also worked with the New York Voices, coached by world-class musicians such as Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader, Greg Jasperse, and Peter Eldridge.
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2022 “Make a Difference” Award Recipient from Western Michigan University, nominated by students, and nominated for the 2023 “Make a Difference” Annual Award.
- XIV International Latvian Young Musicians Master Class - advanced vocal studies with Inga Slubovska-Kancevica of the Latvian National Opera.
- 2022 U.S. Latvian Song and Dance Festival - performed with the Latvian Choir of Kalamazoo at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St. Paul, Minnesota.
