Irish Mezzo-Soprano Paula Murrihy enjoys a busy career working at the highest level in both Europe and the US. Previously a member of Oper Frankfurt’s ensemble, her many roles in Frankfurt included Dido Dido and Aeneas, Lazuli L’étoile, Octavian Der Rosenkavalier, Medoro Orlando Furioso, and creating the role of Carmen in Barrie Kosky’s iconic production, which she also reprised in Frankfurt for their 2020 revival. She has since appeared on the world’s major stages including Covent Garden, the Metropolitan Opera, Opéra de Paris, the Bolshoi Theatre, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Zurich Opera and the Salzburg Festival.

Last season, Paula made an acclaimed role and company debut at the Komische Oper Berlin as Dejanira in Handel's Hercules in a new production by Barrie Kosky. She returned to the Paris Opera as Prince Charmant in Massenet’s Cendrillon and to Santa Fe Opera as Octavian. Concert appearances included Didon in Berlioz’ Les Troyens with the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra in Paris, Berlin and at the BBC Proms.

Highlights of the 2024-25 season include a return to Frankfurt Opera as Dejanira, Waitress in a new production of Kaija Saariaho's Innocence at the Semperoper Dresden, Béatrice in Berlioz' Béatrice et Bénédict at Irish National Opera, Komponist in Strauss' Ariadne auf Naxos at the Opéra de Rouen, Fox in Janacek's Cunning Little Vixen at the Opéra de Paris and Sesto in Handel's Giulio Cesare on tour in the US with Harry Bicket and The English Concert Orchestra.

An accomplished recitalist, Paula has appeared at London’s Wigmore Hall, Oxford Lieder Festival, Aldeburgh Festival and for Performance Santa Fe. Her debut solo album I will walk with my love was released in 2020 on Orchid Classics.

Paula received her Bachelor of Music from DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama in Dublin before continuing her studies in North America at the New England Conservatory.

Photo credit: Barbara Aumüller