Ava Pressman is a mezzo-soprano based in Philadelphia, PA. As an avid choral singer, chamber musician, and soloist, Ava has performed as a soloist with the Swarthmore College Orchestra, Chorus, and Garnet Singers, and as a choral singer with the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia. On Sundays, she sings with the professional choir at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. In 2025, Ava was selected to participate in the Chamber Choir and Choral Conducting Workshop at the Yale School of Music Norfolk Summer Festival, the Northwestern Bach Academy (Young Artist Track), and the Queens College Baroque Opera Workshop. At these programs, she performed vocal music spanning several centuries and styles, including Monteverdi opera scenes, large-scale choral works by Bach and Handel, 20th-century American choral pieces, and several new works, including a world premiere. Originally from New York City, Ava received her B.A. with High Honors from Swarthmore College. She studied music and political science, studying voice with Clara Rottsolk and Nancy Jantsch. Ava served as the alto section leader for Swarthmore’s vocal ensembles and was a frequent participant in the Fetter Chamber Music program, singing in several early music and art song programs. While at Swarthmore, Ava was selected to participate in a vocal masterclass with baritone Roderick Williams, and in January 2025 was a winner of Swarthmore’s annual Concerto Competition, performing Christe Eleison from Bach’s Mass in B Minor (BWV 232) as a featured soloist with the Swarthmore College Orchestra.

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