Specializing in early music, soprano Melanie Downie Robinson is active around the country as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician. She recently made her solo debut with the Portland Baroque Orchestra and has appeared as a Guest Artist with many ensembles including Musica Maestrale and the Wildwood Consort. On the other end of the spectrum, Mel is well-known in the arena of new music and collaborates frequently with regional composers to present and promote their work. She enjoys the creative process of bringing new compositions to life. Additionally, she has been recognized for her excellent command of the French language and style, captivating audiences with her intimate, sensual and nuanced interpretations of French repertoire from the Baroque through the present day. Also in high demand for small ensemble work, Mel is a founding member of The Ensemble and has performed and recorded with Cappella Romana, Portland Vocal Consort, Resonance Ensemble, The Julians, the Sometime Quartet, Third Angle New Music Ensemble, Cantores in Ecclesia and the annual William Byrd Festival, Oregon Catholic Press and the prestigious Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati. Ms. Downie Robinson has a degree in Vocal Performance from the DePauw University School of Music in Indiana and has studied with many world-renowned coaches including Nancy Zylstra, Stephen Stubbs, Webb Wiggins, Penelope Jensen, William Sharp, Grant Herreid, Lucas Harris and Mark Bailey. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Portland Vocal Consort and Choro in Schola, an emerging nonprofit that seeks to promote choral music in the public schools.