American mezzo-soprano Erin Alford is currently an Artist in Residence with Pensacola Opera, scheduled to perform Mercédès in Carmen (while covering the title role), Cousin Hebe in H.M.S. Pinafore, Giannetta in L'elisir d'amore, as well as the title role in the education production Cinderella, featuring music of the Rossini and Massenet operas. In the 2019-20 season, Erin sang the role of Nurse/A&R Rep in Orpheus with LA Opera Connects, as well as joined the LA Opera Chorus for La Bohème, Resident Artist Matthew Aucoin's Eurydice (world-premiere), and Roberto Devereux. Named the 2019 "Young Artist of the Year" by the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Erin presented a recital in October, co-sponsored by NATS-LA and her alma mater, the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSULB. In 2020, Erin received the Bonnie Bell Encouragement Award from the James Toland Vocal Arts Competition, and in 2019, Erin was given an Encouragement Award and the Audience Choice Award by the San Diego District of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Favorite roles include Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking (Miami Music Festival), the title role in Chérubin (CSULB Opera), and Dorabella (Teatro Nuovo). When not performing, you can find Erin doing yoga, taking a long walk in the sun, or binge-watching Netflix with her cat, Mandy.