Behind the Scenes

       Jessie Massoudi

Iranian American soprano Jessie Massoudi is a native of Southern California, and is best known for her fearless personality on stage. She has been described as having “a young, quirky Elizabeth McGovern quality” in her stage presence and “moves with distinctive personality – finding just the right balance of camp and economy of movement”, (Bruce Fessier, The Desert Sun). 

Jessie has enjoyed playing leading roles in many operas, most notably Musetta (La Bohème – Desert Theatre League Best Supporting Actress award nominee), Miss Silverpeal (The Impresario), Giulietta (Les Contes d’Hoffmann), Nella (Gianni Schicchi), and Dorabella (Così fan tutte). Jessie has also appeared in many musicals and operettas, including Janine (Gunfight at the Not-So-OK Saloon),  Adele and Allie/Alfred (Die Fledermaus), Lisa (The Grand Duke), Lady Angela (Patience – Desert Theatre League Best Supporting Actress award winner), Dorothy (The Wiz), Gertrude McFuzz (Seussical the Musical), Amy March (Little Women the Musical), Evita, and Guys and Dolls. 

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Ms. Massoudi holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Redlands, where she sang in the award winning Chapel Singers chamber ensemble under the direction of Jean-Sebastien Valleé. As a versatile artist, Jessie is also well known as a pop singer with a bluesy quality to her voice, and frequently performs with the jazz band, North Benched.

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As a feminist, bisexual, first generation and mixed-race Iranian American, Jessie is also known for her strong activism in her communities. She has recently become an Elections Coordinator for the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), and has been hard at work ever since, making sure Iranian American voices all across the country are heard. Ms. Massoudi plans to use her voice and performance skills to raise awareness for those who aren't being heard.