American soprano, Mahari Freeman has been praised for her vocal beauty, eloquent musical interpretations, and lively spirit.

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Mahari developed herself as a performer and local talent. She made her film debut as Kyndra Kent in the 2007 film, The Great World of Sound. Mahari continued to do print modeling for magazines such as Discovery Girls, as well as commercials for major companies such as NASCAR. 

Mahari’s musical talents were noticed at a very young age. She began playing piano at age six and singing at age eight. Throughout her childhood, she frequently performed vocal and piano solos within her community. At age thirteen, Mahari began teaching private piano lessons to other children in her community. This grew into a successful business that continued for several years and allowed Mahari to realize her passion for both teaching and performing music. In 2012, she was ranked the number one soprano in the state of North Carolina. In 2019, Mahari received the Recognition Award at the Metropolitan District Council Auditions.

Mahari earned a Bachelor’s of Music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s of Music from the University of Michigan, both in Vocal Performance. Mahari completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of South Carolina. She is a versatile performer with experience in opera, oratorio, art song, and contemporary works.

Mahari has performed as a soprano soloist in numerous oratorio works including Handel’s Messiah and Dixit Dominus, Bach’s Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht (Coffee Cantata) and Cantata’s 51 and 61, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and J.C. Bach’s Magnificat. 

Mahari recently performed the role of Susanna in the University of Michigan’s production of Le Nozze di Figaro. She also performed the title role of Cendrillon in Pauline Viardot’s Cendrillon. Mahari has performed in various operas include La clemenza di Tito, La traviata, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 

In 2017, Mahari had the unique opportunity to premiere Hyo-Won Woo’s composition, Requiem aeterman, as soloist in concert with the Sistine Chapel Choir. Mahari has participated in several young artist programs including the Aspen Music School and Festival, where she was an Aspen Fellow; as well as the Le Chiavi Institute of Bel Canto Studies at the Texas Music Festival. In 2021, Mahari was a finalist in the Audrey Rooney Vocal Competition.

Mahari was a Resident Artist with Opera Carolina until 2021, performing in various community events. She is an avid soloist, having recently been the featured soloist during the Pride Symphonic Band’s Decembern 2021 and 2022 holiday concert. Other recent performances include concerts with the UNC Charlotte Orchestra and the Harvey Gantt Center in Charlotte, NC.

Mahari currently lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband and son. When she is not performing, she enjoys teaching serves as Professor of Voice at Central Piedmont Community College and Music Department Chair.

The short version….

Dr. Mahari Freeman received her Masters’s of Music in Voice Performance from the University of Michigan, under the direction of Dr. Louise Toppin. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Mahari is frequently sought after to perform at events across the Carolinas. Her “pure and effortless singing” has been positively received by journals such as Classical Voice of North Carolina. Most recently, Mahari was a fellow in the Aspen Music Festival's Opera Center. In 2018, she performed the starring role of Susanna in the University of Michigan’s production of Le Nozze di Figaro. In 2021, Mahari was a finalist in the Audrey Rooney Vocal Competition. She is an avid soloist, having recently been the featured soloist during the Charlotte Pride Symphonic Band’s December 2022 concert. Other recent engagements include performances with the UNC Charlotte Orchestra, Harvey Gantt Center in Charlotte, NC, as well as faculty and lecture recitals at Central Piedmont. Mahari is also a passionate music educator who had her first student at age thirteen. Mahari completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of South Carolina School of Music. Dr. Freeman is currently on the voice faculty at Central Piedmont Community College where she serves as Music Department chair.