Michelle ShanShan Ding is a dynamic soprano, pianist and educator whose artistry bridges the worlds of classical music, education, and digital media. Currently pursuing her second Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in Vocal Performance at Michigan State University, Michelle previously earned her DMA in Piano Performance from the same institution in 2019.

As a soprano, Michelle has been featured as a guest artist with the renowned Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival, where she performed leading roles such as Contessa Rosina in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, the Empress in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea, and Public Opinion in Offenbach’s Orphée aux Enfers. In 2023, she appeared as Suzuki’s maid in Madame Butterfly with Detroit Opera, Cincinnati Opera, and Pittsburgh Opera. In 2022, she sang in the choir for Aida in Concert with Detroit Opera. She is a current member of BEYOND, a professional Michigan-based vocal ensemble directed by Brandon Johnson.

An accomplished pianist, Michelle has appeared as soloist in Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in Perugia, Italy, and the Yellow River Piano Concerto in Shanghai, China. She is a sought-after collaborative artist and faculty member at the National Homeschool Music Ensemble, where she performs both piano and violin.

Michelle is equally dedicated to community engagement and education. She serves as soprano section leader and children’s choir director at First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, president of the PTO at her daughter’s school, and sits on the board of a local community music theatre and teachers’ guild.

Michelle continues to inspire audiences through her multidimensional artistry, combining technical excellence, emotional resonance, and a passion for building inclusive and uplifting musical communities.

2024-2025 Ensemble Vocalist