Zen Wu [she/her] is a soprano from the San Francisco Bay. Trained as a multi-instrumentalist in a wide range of genres, she collaborates both as a soloist and as a guest musician with many groups including the New York Philharmonic, LA Philharmonic, San Diego Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Musica Sacra, Cathedral Choir of St. John the Divine, SEM Ensemble, and Ensemble Ipse. Wu began her formal studies in classical voice at UC San Diego, where she was immersed in contemporary and experimental performance in addition to training in traditional vocal repertoire and technique. Wu sang two seasons with the San Diego Opera Chorus before making her professional mainstage debut and moving to New York, where she is currently based as a freelance classical artist. She is lauded for her interpretations of canon works as well as her fearless championing of 20th century and new music. Wu studied jazz and holds a degree in political science from Columbia University and writes extensively on the intersections of human rights, politics, performance art, race, and ethics in her spare time. Her 2024-25 season solo engagements included Beth Morrison Projects’ NEXTGEN3 presented at National Sawdust, Florence Price’s Abraham Lincoln Walks At Midnight with the Dessoff Choirs, Max Duykers’ Both Eyes Open at UC Berkeley, and the St. Matthew Passion at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Summer Chamber Music Workshop Participants
“I learned how to listen, how to be helpful, and how to be accepting at Apple Hill.”
“I liked the opportunity to play chamber music with talented musicians and excellent coaches in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.”
