“Phenomenal mezzo-soprano Monica Ruggiero” (Stage Whispers, 2024) has been praised for her “extremely poised vocal ability and flexibility” (Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, 2024) and her “outstanding stage presence and mix of elegance and humor” (Lindy Hume, 2024). The Italian- Australian mezzo-soprano made her professional debut in 2024, performing the role of Kate in The Pirates of Penzance at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre Concert Hall. 

 

Ruggiero has been awarded the Sir Mostyn Hanger Opera Scholarship (2024), and the Griffith University Academic Excellence Award (2024-2021). 

 

Ruggiero has displayed outstanding theatrical versatility and vocal diversity in roles performed to date and has worked alongside esteemed directors such as Stuart Maunder, Lindy Hume, Constantine Costi, and Michael Gow. In 2024, she appeared as La Ciesca in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and in Voxalis’s production of Hansel and Gretel at the Tyalgum Music Festival. Between 2023 and 2021, Ruggiero performed a variety of roles including Susanna in scenes from Le Nozze Di Figaro, Venus from Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, and Mustardseed in Britten’s Midsummer Night's Dream. 

 

Additionally to opera, Ruggiero has organised and performed a series of recitals nationally and internationally. She performs and composes frequently with collaborative guitarist and composer Tara Lynam and is looking forward to an upcoming recording project together. Ruggiero has performed in a series of solo recitals across Melbourne and Brisbane, including an intimate recital in her home town of Milan (2025), headlining at St John’s Fete (2024), and regularly singing at retirement villages and nursing homes to bring the beauty of opera and classical music to the community. 

 

In addition to her work as an artist, Ruggiero promotes a holistic approach to singing at her private studio, as her students excel at institutions like the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Queensland Ballet Academy, JMI Academy, and the Young Australian Broadway Chorus.

 

Ruggiero’s diversity as a performer shines through her work with organizations like Prospero Arts, VOXALIS Opera, Victorian Opera, Springboard Opera, and the Melbourne Baroque Ensemble. In 2024 she was presented with a Bachelor of Music in operatic performance with Honours IIB from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University under the tutelage of Associate Professor Margaret Schindler and Dr Ron Morris. Monica is looking forward to upcoming projects in 2025, including an international opera young artist program, role debuts, and metropolitan and regional recitals.