Meet Colin Aikins, the 16-year old tenor from Pittsburgh whose dream is to become an Opera star. Colin is a sophomore at Central Catholic High School. Colin is also a member of the Central Catholic Crew Team, the Swim Team, Honors Chamber Chorus, and the Liturgical Music Ministry. Colin started to sing at the age of 13, when he asked to take vocal lessons. It was an interesting request, as no one from his family even knew he could sing. His father told him he would entertain his plea for music lessons, but first he wanted to hear Colin sing. He announced that he would sing a song called Nessun Dorma. His parents were brought to tears, and agreed that he needed vocal lessons. Colin was fortunate to start his formal training at the age of 15 under the direction of Maria Spacagna who is currently Chair of the Vocal Music Department at Carnegie Mellon University. Colin is her youngest student.
Colin has performed on stage for local events, fundraisers, and at his high school as the only freshman soloist in his Christmas and Spring Choral concerts. He was even asked to perform for the Pittsburgh Opera as a guest at their board meeting. Colin was selected to attend VOICE Experience under the direction of legendary Metropolitan Opera baritone, Sherill Milnes, who selected Colin as the only high school student to receive a master class from Milnes himself. He achieved First Place in the prestigious Schmidt Vocal Competition at the National Opera Center and the Most Promising Sophomore award. Recently, Colin performed a solo of Do You Hear What I Hear with the River City Brass Band at Carnegie Hall. He was chosen by Smokey Robinson as the winner of the Pittsburgh First Night Sing Off and performed The Prayer at the Benedum on New Year’s Eve. Colin was also selected to participate in the Metropolitan Opera Guild’s High School Intensive Program this February in NYC. Colin looks forward to many more opportunities to develop his talent and share his gift on stage.
