Dubenion-Smith, Kristen

Kristen Dubenion-Smith

Recognized for her “velvety legato and embracing warmth of sound” (Washington Classical Review) and “lyric-mezzo of uncommon beauty” (The Washington Post,) mezzo soprano Kristen Dubenion-Smith enjoys an active performing career in oratorio and sacred vocal chamber music, specializing in music of the medieval, renaissance and baroque eras.

As a concert soloist, Kristen has earned recognition for her performances of the works of the high baroque, especially Bach and Handel. Highlights from recent seasons include Bach’s St. Matthew Passion with the Washington National Cathedral Baroque Orchestra, Handel’s Messiah with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with The Washington Bach Consort. She also sings on the 2021 Grammy winning recording of The Prison by Ethel Smyth with the Experiential Orchestra and welcomes a new album release with Ensemble Altera, Feminine Voices at Christmas, on the Alpha Classics record label.

Starting in the fall of 2016, Ms. Dubenion-Smith joined the Choir of Men and Boys/Girls at the Washington National Cathedral as the first woman to be offered a position in this choir. She had previously served as cantor since 2011. 2026-2027 solo engagements include performances with The Folger Consort, The Thirteen, The Washington Bach Consort, The Tallahassee Symphony, TENET Vocal Artists, Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival, Bach in Baltimore, Choralis, and The Asheville Symphony.