they are
Nikola Printz, artist and performer is known for their dark velvety voice, charismatic stage presence and artistic fearlessness. They most recently were seen playing the title roles of Orfeo ed Euridice (with West Edge Opera) and Carmen (with Opera Modesto), one of their signature roles. Nikola has made many other house and role debuts in the past two years, singing Rosina, Cherubino, Isabella (L'italiana in Algeri) and much more with Opera Memphis, where they spent two years as a company resident artist. It was also in Memphis where they became an aerialist, training specifically in the Static and Dance trapeze medium--premiering a new act singing the final aria of Strauss' Salome in a trapeze with (you guessed it) a severed head.Originally making their musical home in jazz and cabaret music, Nikola is well-versed in cross-over styles of singing. In addition to singing in such clubs as The Viracocha lounge, Yoshis jazz lounge, and Club 1923, Nikola also created the role of Velma Louise Cole in Boxcar Theater's "Speakeasy SF," an immersive musical theater production that originally opened January of 2014 until June 2014, a role they reprised in the summer of 2017. Nikola is also an avid performer of recitals and new music, having made two concert debuts with After Everything ensemble based in San Francisco, premiering and showcasing works of composers within the last 10 years.
Nikola is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music vocal program in 2013, where they studied under the tutelage of Patricia Craig.
In addition to singing, Nikola frequents dance classes, having studied Flamenco and Spanish movement, hip hop, and modern dance. They supplement this with Yoga and Aerial Acrobatics, focusing their training at the SF Circus Center. In their free time, they study piano, listen to Nina Hagen and rides their motorcycle--for which Nikola has been featured in arts campaigns such as Arts Memphis in 2017 and Motorcyclist Magazine in 2019.
people say
Renee Batti, Mountain View Voice, review of Carmen with West Bay Opera:
The dark palette Printz calls upon both vocally and in her acting draws out the menace of a reckless and dangerous woman. Her portrayal colors the story with undertones of destructive energy. This is not a Carmen whose actions might be excused as youthful foolishness. Printz gives a stellar performance in this production.
Adam Broner, Repeat Performances, review of Carmen with West Bay Opera:
Nikola Printz starred as Carmen, the Gypsy whose heart was as unfettered as the breezes, singing with a mesmerizing and earthy mezzo. There was a streak of cruelty in her freedom, in her faithfulness to her own heart. She inhabited a passion that was completely without compassion... but fiery! Her big top notes burned down into soft embers that penetrated right through us.
Charlise Tee, KQED Arts, review of Erling Wold's Uksus:
The talented cast, which includes both the inimitable soprano Laura Bohn as Fefjulka and the rich-voiced mezzo Nikola Printz as Our Mama (and in the last act, Stalin), performs the work's many duets and trios with precision and passion.
Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, review of Cunning Little Vixen with West Edge Opera:
Mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz gave a silky, insinuating performance as the fox who winds up as Sharp-Ears' husband and the father of her kits.
Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle review of Vanessa with West Edge Opera:
...her singing was first-rate, a rich and lustrous combination of shapely phrasing and expressive urgency.
Jason Victor Serinus, San Francisco Classical Voice:
...impressively rich mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz made a winning Mercedes.
Axel Feldheim, Not For Fun Only:
...convincingly ambitious and intimidating as the villain Polinesso. Her voice was commanding, and her low notes had strength.
edgeSF review of Speakeasy:
Nikola Printz serves up hauteur and diva hissy in generous and entertaining doses, she knocks her opera numbers out of the park..."
see them
Upcoming engagements include:Aldonza in Man of La Mancha with Shreveport Opera on November 9, 2019.
Ermelinda in Ermelinda (by Domenico Freschi) with Ars Minvera, November 21-23rd, 2019 at ODC theater in San Francisco, CA.
Alto Soloist, Handel'sMessiah, Auburn Symphony, Dec 2-3rd, 2019.
Suzanna de Obragon (workshop) in Zorro (Hector Armienta), Opera Cultura, Dec 19-20th, MACLA, in San Jose, CA.
Mezzo Soloist, Violins of Hope (Jake Heggie), Music at Kohl Mansion on Jan 27th, Feb 9th, and February 21st in San Francisco, CA.