Brooklyn, New York native soprano Cherisse Williams is a doctoral student and graduate assistant at the University of North Texas. In performance with UNT Opera, she performed the role of Adina (L’elisir d’amore) this past Spring. Last season Ms. Williams sung the role of Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute with Once Upon an Opera. Past roles include Gretel (Hansel and Gretel) with Once Upon an Opera, Nannetta (Falstaff) with the Midwest Institute of Opera, the Princess (L’enfant et les Sortilèges) and Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro scene) with The Manhattan School of Music. Ms. Williams sang the role of Sally Hemings in the world premiere of Dana Wilson's The Wolf by the Ears. Her other credits include Beth (cover) in (Little Women), and Mademoiselle Silberklang in (The Impresario). Ms. Williams holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from Westminster Choir College, a Master of Music from Ithaca College, and a Professional Studies Certificate in opera from The Manhattan School of Music. She is a volunteer artist for Sing for Hope and is one of the owners of the Sparkle Twins. In addition to singing, Ms. Williams is a professional commercial and print model, and a former preschool teacher. She most recently starred in the national Verizon Holiday commercial along with her identical twin sister. Which received over 2 million views worldwide.