Diana Monacelli

Diana Monacelli is a Chicago-based operatic soprano celebrated for her resonant voice, powerful high register, and warm tone. She is an active performer both in the United States and internationally, with appearances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, and performances in Los Angeles, Italy, and Austria.

Diana is particularly noted for her interpretations of Mozart, having portrayed roles such as Despina in Così fan tutte, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and Bastienne in Bastien und Bastienne. A versatile artist, she is also passionate about contemporary American opera and was the first female to perform the role of the Jumper in Zach Redler’s The Falling and the Rising. Her oratorio work includes serving as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah.

Dedicated to cultural diversity in music, Diana has performed repertoire from Latin America, Spain, and Ukraine in various recital settings. She also recently expanded her work in opera production, serving as Assistant Director for Le Nozze di Figaro with Windy City Operafest. Additionally, she serves as Children’s Choir Meister with Chicago Opera Productions, where she directed the children’s chorus in Carmen and is currently preparing the ensemble for a production of Eugene Onegin.

Diana holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from North Park University. She has also completed role study training through The Vincero Academy and earned a certificate from the Zarzuela USA workshops. Her talent has been recognized with several awards, including first prize in North Park University’s Chamber Music Competition (2018) and second prize in the Graduate Division of the University’s Performance Awards Competition (2021).

In addition to performing, Diana is a passionate educator. Since 2016, she has taught private voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele throughout the Chicagoland area, specializing in classical and contemporary vocal techniques. She works with students of all ages—including children as young as two—and currently directs a children’s choir and two plucked-string ensembles in Niles, IL. Her students have gone on to excel in their instruments, many winning top honors in competitions.

When not singing or teaching, Diana enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, Forrest, as well as cooking, reading, and painting!