About
“ I thoroughly enjoyed her music making, and elegant presence.” -Sally Burgess
Since the age of eight, Adja has been exposed to the realm of classical music. Learning how to play both the cello and the steel drum, a native instrument to the island of Trinidad and Tobago, Adja has always been an advocate and an aficionado for the arts and music education. However, it was not until age of fourteen where her focus was redirected into the operatic sphere through the New York State School Music Association.
Adja began studying operatic repertoire intensively at the Westminster Choir College as a solo vocal artist in 2017. During the program she studied the prayer scene from Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel and was later awarded the Nassau Music Educators Association Scholarship. From there, she began studying privately with Amy Zorn and later got into the Manhattan School of Music with her direction to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
As a young professional, Adja has performed in several masterclasses which were conducted by Audra McDonald, Aprile Millo, Manny Perez, Amanda Roocroft and Kenneth Benson to name a few. Additionally, she has recently performed as a soloist in the Bach Magnificat with the Aspen Chamber Symphony under the baton of Nicholas McGegan in 2023.
Moreover, Ms. Thomas-Mbaye is currently a second-year master’s student at the Royal College of Music in London, studying classical voice with Patricia Rozario. She is a Sir Gordon Palmer Scholarship recipient supported by Mr and Mrs. Palmer and enjoys gastronomy, shopping for vintage designer clothing and watching reality tv in her leisure.
