Faculty, staff and students at Williamsburg Technical College recently packed the College’s auditorium for an impromptu performance by opera star Meloni Mathius.

During her time at the College, Mathius spoke to those in attendance about her climb up the ladder of success and performed several numbers, including “Carmen.” A lyric coloratura, Mathius studied voice in New York under a veteran of the European and the Metropolitan Opera stage.  She is a member of Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity and has studied acting in Los Angeles. She has performed for audiences throughout the United States, Canada and Germany in operas, recitals, musicals, oratorios, and benefit concerts.

She was born in Anderson, South Carolina, where she began singing solos in church. By high school she was an accomplished flutist. A graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Mathius pursued a master’s degree in education at Columbia University Teachers College.  She also studied dance with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and the Dance Theatre of Harlem and was soloist for the Hudson Repertory Dance Theatre.

Prior to her performance at Williamsburg Technical College, Mathius auditioned for and was selected to perform for the 2007 Spoleto Festival in Charleston. She is the daughter of Mrs.Vernelle Starks of Greeleyville.