Mezzo-soprano Renée Hites grew up in Oakland, CA where she began her music career taking piano lessons. When she was 11 years old she joined the San Francisco Girls Chorus and thus began her love of singing.

In 1999 she began her vocal studies at The Royal Conservatory of Brussels where she received a 1st Prize in music. Upon completion of her studies in Belgium, Ms. Hites returned to the United States to attend the Boston Conservatory where she received a Bachelor and Master of Music in Vocal Performance. While at the conservatory, Ms. Hites performed scenes from Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda (Maria) and Robert Ward’s The Crucible (Abigail). During this time she was also an alto section leader at the First Parish in Brookline as well as performed as a featured soloist for many engagements in the surrounding area.

Ms. Hites most recently performed the role of Oberto in Handel’s Alcina with Boston Opera Collaborative. Other appearances with BOC include the role of Mother Marie in Dialogues of the Carmelites and Rosina in The Countess of Seville. She also covered the role of Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni.

Upcoming engagements: Ms. Hites will be appearing in BOC’s upcoming performance of Tonight, Tonight at the end of April. She will then perform a recital in May at The Church on the Hill. This summer, Ms. Hites will be traveling to Fidenza, Italy to sing the roles of La Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi and La Badessa in Suor Angelica. She will also be performing in concerts in and around the city of Fidenza with the Flagstaff in Fidenza.

After serving for two years as Membership Chair, Ms. Hites took on the role of BOC’s president in 2009. She is very much enjoying her term as President!