bio

Kathryn Shuman is a singer/performer/composer based in LA. As a singer, she is recognized for her “striking and clear tone, with excellent attention to detail” (composer/performer Meredith Monk). Her unique ability to sing a variety of styles make her a sought after performing and recording artist. Recent film/tv credits include vocals in Minions 2: Rise of the Guru (2022), Mulan (2020), SCOOB! (2020), Cate Blanchett’s Mrs. America (2020), appearance and vocals in CBS’s Strange Angels (2019).

Kathryn was a featured soloist in the premiere of Juhi Bansal’s opera, We Look to the Stars, commissioned by LA Opera (February 2020), took on the role of “Coyote” in the premiere of The Industry’s opera, Sweet Land (February 2020), by Raven Chacon and Du yun, performed her LA Philharmonic solo debut in Meredith Monk’s opera “ATLAS” at Walt Disney Concert Hall directed by Yuval Sharon (June 2019). Other recent features include the following: Ojai Musical Festival for a West-Coast premiere of John Luther Adams' Sila: Breath of Life, soprano soloist in Earl Kim’s Where Grief Slumbers, Steve Reich’s “Music for 18 Musicians” in Monday Evening Concerts series, Philip Glass’s Another Look at Harmony Pt. 4, with Jacaranda, LA Philharmonic's Green Umbrella Series, Nimbus installation piece, composed by Rand Steiger at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and REDCAT as a part of the “Machines and Strings” and "Hotel Theory" events.

Shuman has performed with companies including LA’s leading avant-garde opera company, The Industry, LA Master Chorale, LA Philharmonic, LA Opera, Jacaranda and has had work commissioned by WildUp.

Kathryn’s music explores and features physical spaces including basement gallery spaces, concert halls, and outdoor environments (canyons and bus stops, etc.) Her upcoming album “Duets for Musicians and Environment” will be released early 2021. An album she released with collaborator and bass player/composer Ben Finley under "Kat & Ben (2018) was described as featuring “ musical shifts [that] frequently follow a certain kind of dream logic — simultaneously disorienting and familiar, surreal and natural” by NEXTBOP. Find other recent releases including from April 2020 here.

With an interest in migratory birds and their decreasing numbers, Kathryn embarked on bike/music tours following migratory bird paths on the east and west coast. She has created songs featuring field recordings from her trips.

Shuman is a dedicated member of the voice faculty at Pasadena City College.