Svetlana Stone is a Latvian‐born lyric soprano and a multi‐talented singer and songwriter based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She spent her formative years singing and performing in her native Latvia where she received her first music degree in Music Performance, from
Emilis Melngailis Liepaja Music College. In 2021 she earned a Graduate Certificate in Vocal Music Performance and in 2023 a Master’s degree from the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music at Western Michigan University (WMU).
She studied with Carl Ratner, Professor of Voice and Director of Opera at WMU. She was elected a member of the National Music Honor Society of Pi Kappa Lambda by the Beta Sigma chapter in 2022 for her superior academic accomplishments, her outstanding musical and artistic achievements, and her leadership in musical endeavors and careers.
Svetlana was awarded 3rd prize in the Michigan Chapter of the 2022 National Student Competition, hosted by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
In 2021, she was invited to the XIV International Latvian Young Musicians Master Class and was honored to work with Inga Slubovska‐Kancevica, one of the leading singers of the Latvian National Opera.
She performed at the first U.S. Latvian Song and Dance Festival in Minnesota in Summer 2022 as a member of the Latvian choir of Kalamazoo. Previously, she was invited to perform as a soloist on the internationally televised Christmas Telethon of the Trinity Broadcast Network in New York in 2012.
Svetlana has worked with the internationally renowned jazz vocal ensemble New York Voices coached by world‐class musicians such as Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader, Greg Jasperse, and Peter Eldridge. She participated in WMU’s famous jazz program and performed with Gold Company, the internationally award‐winning vocal jazz ensemble. She currently hosts and produces Artist’s Voices, her new show that raises awareness about the support artists need to succeed and the diverse skills needed behind the scenes.
Among her numerous awards and distinctions, Svetlana has twice received the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable
Foundation Scholarship Awards and grants from Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. She was selected to
receive a semiannual “Make a Difference” award from Western Michigan University in 2022 and nominated for the 2023 “Make a Difference” Annual Award. In 2024, Svetlana was recognized as an Honored Listee by Marquis, WHO’S WHO for her professional accomplishment.
Svetlana blends her classical training with her passion for jazz to create a unique sound, influenced by her coastal hometown of Liepaja and her love of American culture. Svetlana Stone’s passion is to bring people together through her music. “Svetlana possesses an absolutely beautiful lyric soprano voice that she can
adapt to many musical purposes…No matter what she is singing, she always
engages the audience. Svetlana is like a ray of sunshine in any group. She always has a positive attitude and infectious energy.” ‐ Carl Ratner/ Professor Emeritus of Voice and Director of Opera for the Irving S. Gilmore School of
Music at WMU.
“Svetlana sings and writes music the way she lives life; with open arms, a warm heart, and a sparkle in her
eyes. She’s not afraid to share her truth with anyone and everyone willing to listen. It’s time to see her, hear
her, and welcome her. To know her is to love her……..not only a fine musician, but the best of humans.” ‐ Kim
Nazarian/New York Voices
You can find Svetlana’s 20th Century Music Competition 2024 vocal performance here.