Pien Smeets grew up with Bach in the stroller and Pien Smeets grew up with Bach in the stroller and discovered her passion for classical singing at a young age. She recently completed her master’s degree at Codarts Rotterdam and currently studies with Eva Maria Westbroek.

Pien has a broad repertoire ranging from Baroque to contemporary music, with a special love for bel canto opera and art song. She has performed roles such as the Second Woman and Second Witch in Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas and sang Despina’s arias from Mozart’s Così fan tutte under the direction of Chloe Rooke with the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century.

She attended international masterclasses with renowned singers such as Eva Maria Westbroek, Frank van Aken, Margreet Honig, Henk Neven, Marcel Reijans, and Jaap Smit, as well as coaches David Bollen, Amy Chang, and Daan Boertien.

Her oratorio repertoire includes works such as Mozart’s and Brahms’ Requiem, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, Bach’s Lukas-Passion, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, Mendelssohn’s Hör mein Bitten and Psalm 42, and Schubert’s Mass in G.

Together with pianist Adelina Gansvind, she forms a song duo focusing on theatrical art songs, with music composed by and about women, bringing their stories to life in a theatrical way.

Currently, Pien is embarking on a new Rotterdam-based project with The Road, with performances including the Rotterdam Opera Festival. She is also working toward her own theatre production planned for 2027.

With her fresh, expressive singing and heartfelt storytelling, Pien aims to reach a broad and diverse audience. She continuously seeks new artistic challenges and develops as a versatile singer who brings opera, oratorio, and art song to life in a contemporary way. Opera is a party, and you’re invited!