Praised for her “rich” and “coruscating” voice, Soprano Nicole Woodward captivates audiences with her compelling stage presence and dramatic depth.

During the 2017–2018 season, Nicole was a Studio Artist with Sarasota Opera, where she performed key supporting roles including Flora in La Traviata, Mercedes in Carmen, and Clotilde in Norma. Her performance as Clotilde drew acclaim from Nino Pantano of Brooklyn Discovery, who described her as “noticeable” and praised her “rich mezzo” as “ear worthy and savored.”

Nicole was also a member of the prestigious 2015 Merola Opera Program, where she sang the demanding role of Madame Flora (Baba) in Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Medium. Her portrayal earned widespread critical praise: The San Francisco Chronicle called her performance “first-rate,” while The Opera Tattler described it as “impressively unhinged,” highlighting her “rich” vocal timbre.

With a growing reputation for emotional intensity and vocal nuance, Nicole brings authenticity and power to every role she performs.

Nicole has brought vivid portrayals to opera houses and concert halls across the U.S. and abroad. In addition to young artist residencies with Sarasota Opera and the Merola Opera Program, Nicole has apprenticed with Central City Opera and Opera in the Ozarks. As a concert soloist, Nicole has appeared with the San Antonio Symphony, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, North State Symphony, and Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church.

A Mid-South Regional Finalist in the 2016 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Nicole continues to gain recognition on national and international stages. She was awarded First Place in the 2021 AIMS Vocal Competition and placed Fourth in Opera Columbus’ Cooper-Bing Competition. In 2022, she made her Austrian debut under the baton of Lukas Beikircher at the 50 Jahre AIMS in Graz Gala Concert and earned Second Place in the 40th Annual Meistersinger Competition.

Recent operatic highlights include covering the title role in Tosca with St. Pete Opera, singing Blanche DuBois in André Previn’s A Streetcar Named Desire as a Visiting Guest Artist with Florida State Opera, and debuting the role of the Foreign Princess in Rusalka with Gulfshore Opera.

Originally from Quincy, Florida, Nicole holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance with honors from Florida State University and a Master of Music and Performer’s Certificate from the University of Houston. While at UH, she studied under Melanie Sonnenberg and worked with director Buck Ross. It was there she developed a deep passion for new American opera, working alongside influential composers such as Carlisle Floyd and Thomas Pasatieri.

Nicole began her transition to soprano repertoire following her 2018–2019 season with Sarasota Opera. She continues to refine her artistry under the mentorship of Sharon Sweet.

Nicole is represented by Wade Artist Management.