Soprano Maureen McKay sings the role of Susanna in Seattle Opera’s Young Artists presentation of Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.”

The performances are at the Theatre at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue on April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10. McKay will sing Susanna on April 2, 8, and 10.

McKay, who lives on Mercer Island with her husband, was one of 10 singers selected out of a national audition for the Seattle Opera 2004/05 Young Artists Program. More than 500 singers applied.

McKay earned a degree in music from Columbus State University in 2001 and a graduate degree in the subject from Ohio State University in 2003.

While studying at Columbus State, McKay performed at the annual opera balls from 1998 to 2001 and in several fully staged productions with orchestra: Prima Sorella Cercatrice in Suor Angelica, Valencienne in Lehár’s Merry Widow, Laetitia in Menotti’s Old Maid and the Thief, and Hope in Anything Goes.

Founded in 1963, Seattle Opera has developed into one of the leading opera companies in the United States. The company is recognized internationally for its theatrically compelling and musically accomplished performances, especially the Opera’s interpretations of the works of Richard Wagner.