Kess's early music influences were in the folk/country vein. Songs that told stories, lyrics that took the listener on a journey of the heart - the core of progressive folk and country music-inspired and galvanized her own musical odyssey.

Kess is a classically trained vocalist (soprano) whose repertoire includes songs from the canon of American musical theatre and works from  classic and modern opera and operetta, including Rigoletto, Le Noz de Figuro, Hansel and Gretal,The Medium, Martha, La Perichole, Eugene Onegin, La Traviata! and Romeo & Juliet, among others. She has appeared with the Hawaii Opera Theatre, members of the Hawaii Symphony, and in venues throughout Honolulu.

Music is a passion that fuels the soul...

Copyright 2022 © Kess O'Halloran

Trained in Theater Arts at the University of Massachusetts and Smith College, Kess also studied improvisation/acting with the  legendary acting coach Gary Austin, founder of the Groundling Theater in Los Angeles. Gary Austin's students included Academy award winner Helen Hunt, Tony winner Lillias White, Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman), and Pat Morita (The Karate Kid). Auston is credited with launching the careers of many of the original cast of SNL.

A highly versatile singer, Kess is also at home with the Western canon of sacred music and is in demand as  a singer for masses, weddings, tributes and memorial services. Prior to moving to the Chicago area in July 2019, she was a soloist with the historic Kawaiaha'o Church Choir in Honolulu, where she sang Hawaiian sacred choral music under the musical direction of Nola A. Nahulu and organist Buddy Nalua'i.

Update November 2022

Two years after the pandemic and I have found myself back in my native New England! New York is not far away, and Connecticut has a thriving theatre scene as well... As thanksgiving draws near, I remain forever grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with such talented people over many years.

Be well during this holiday season, and beyond! Joy to you and yours.

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