About me

Soprano Avé Clyburn is a passionate and dedicated vocalist currently completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where she studies under the tutelage of Michelle Harman-Gulick. With a foundation in musical theatre and a growing operatic repertoire, she brings a dynamic and expressive presence to both the stage and the classroom.

Her operatic credits include performances with the VCU Opera as a member of the chorus in The Magic Flute under the direction of Melanie Day and Kenneth Wood, La Cendrillon, and the company’s 75th Anniversary Gala under the direction of Jessica Harika. In 2023, she made her VCU Opera debut as Susanna in scenes from Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro.

Before transitioning to classical vocal performance, Clyburn studied musical theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) under Heather Petruzelli, where she honed her skills in acting, singing, and dance. This theatrical foundation along with her extensive 10 year experience in musical theatre continues to inform her work both onstage and off. In 2019 Clyburn was nominated for an award at the Kennedy Center for the National Association of Arts and Letters for her performance as the Fairy Godmother from Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Clyburn was set to perform for the same ceremony in 2020. 

In addition to performing, she is an enthusiastic educator and director, teaching music, acting, and dance to young artists. She has worked with several respected organizations, including Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre, Alexandria Children's Theatre, and Adventure Theatre, where she shares her love for the performing arts with the next generation.