Xiao Xiaowarmth, brilliance & story

Chinese lyric mezzo-soprano Xiao Xiao is gaining recognition for the warmth and brilliance of her voice, her soulful artistry, and a compelling stage presence.

She has appeared with Opera Colorado, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, The Glimmerglass Festival, Houston Grand Opera and Asia Society Texas, and Opera Grand Rapids. She is a District Winner of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and a prizewinner of the Toscanini International Competition and the Orpheus Vocal Competition.

In the 2026–27 season, Xiao joins Opera Colorado as Artist in Residence, singing the Lady-in-Waiting in Macbeth, Maggie in the holiday production The Gift of the Magi, and the Mother in the touring opera Earth to Kenzie, while covering Dorabella in Così fan tutte. In February 2027 she returns to Houston as Snake / Sheep in The Big Swim, commissioned by Houston Grand Opera in partnership with Asia Society Texas to celebrate the Year of the Sheep.

Her roles include the title roles in La Cenerentola and L’Enfant et les sortilèges, Ma Joad in The Grapes of Wrath, the Third Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (in German and in English), Hiroko in An American Dream, Jim in The Gift of the Magi, the Contessa in I due Figaro, and Henrietta Wong in Harvey Milk Reimagined. She has covered Suzuki, Dorabella, Mercédès, and Linfea and Destino in Cavalli’s La Calisto. On the concert stage she has been alto soloist in Handel’s Messiah.

Embracing both traditional and contemporary repertoire, Xiao has taken part in several world premieres and newly commissioned works. From the opera stage to the recital hall, she seeks to bring depth, authenticity and emotional resonance to every audience.

Xiao is a graduate of Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory and China Conservatory of Music, and recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at Michigan State University. She was twice a Gerdine Young Artist at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and twice a Resident Artist at The Glimmerglass Festival.