ABOUT
Nicole Marie Gassé, soprano, is a graduate of the D'Angelo Department of Music at Mercyhurst College. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Nicole Marie has displayed a passion for opera beginning at a young age. Currently residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nicole Marie continues to pursue her dream of becoming a professional opera singer.

While at Mercyhurst College Nicole Marie graced the stage in several productions with the D'Angelo Opera Theatre including, The Tales of Hoffman (Antonia), The Mikado, Die Zauberflöte, Falstaff (Alice), and Dialogues of the Carmelites (Blanche). Recently Nicole Marie has been seen in the role of Elisabetta with Pittsburgh's Undercroft Opera in their production of Don Carlo. In 2005, Nicole Marie world premiered the role of Minerva in Seymour Barab's zarzuela License to Marry, directed by renowned stage director, Dorothy Danner.

In October 2004, at the age of 18, Nicole Marie made her New York City debut with the After Dinner Opera Company where she performed the role of Madame in Seymour Barab's Opera "The Ruined Maid". She later returned to New York City to perform in two more of Barab's one-act operas in 2005 and was reviewed by the New York Times as a "strong contribution" to the shows.

Also in 2004 and 2005 Nicole Marie performed with the Erie Opera Theatre in their productions of Carmen and La Cenerentola, under the baton of Bruce Morton Wright. As a soloist, Nicole Marie has appeared with the Mercyhurst College Concert Choir for several major works including Handle's Messiah, Caldara's Stabat Mater, Faure's Requiem, and Bach's B Minor Mass under the direction of Mrs. Rebecca Ryan. Nicole Marie has traveled abroad to several countries including Italy, Poland, Canada, and Malta where she has performed a mass at the Vatican, sung for the Polish radio, and performed for several conductors.

Nicole Marie also holds a degree in Music Education from Mercyhurst College; teaching music classes during the day while continuing to pursue and pass along her passion for opera. In November 2008, Nicole Marie will be welcoming the Christmas season with the release of her first solo Christmas album entitled "Christmas Joy".