Pia Broden Williams, Vocalist - Classical and Jazz

Pia Broden Williams is a talented coloratura soprano, recognized for her powerful and emotive performances. With a rich background rooted in classical and jazz music and an advanced education in classical voice, she brings a unique blend of artistry and skill to any stage – notably jazz, opera, and theater. Her ability to connect with audiences through her captivating, 5-octave voice makes her a standout in the music community. A consummate and passionate professional, Pia is a sought-after artist on the jazz and world music scene.

American soprano Pia Broden Williams has a five octave voice described as "enchanting" and a "sheer beauty of sound." A gifted and versatile musician, Williams has performed with various opera companies and ensembles, musical theater productions, and jazz and gospel ensembles throughout her professional career.

​Williams made her international debut in Limonest, France, where she performed excerpts from Bernstein's Westside Story, Candide; and the Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 by Villa-Lobos with the Orchestre de Limonest Conservatoire. In Austria, she captivated concert audiences with her performance of Olympia’s “Doll Song” from The Tales of Hoffman. And she was a semi-finalist in the annual International Meistersinger Vocal Competition. Williams has enjoyed singing such roles as Olympia, Adina (cover), Serpina, Laetitia, and Lauretta. She has performed with the Flint Symphony Orchestra, the Michigan Opera Theatre, Bel Cantanti, and Regina Opera.

In addition to performing classically, she has appeared in the musical theatre productions, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and All Night Strut. Williams has also been the featured female singer for 1930’s/40’s style big bands throughout her career and has appeared with several jazz ensembles both nationally and internationally.

Williams greatly enjoys collaborating with the skilled musicians around the thriving music community of southeastern Michigan! She currently performs with various metro-Detroit based jazz ensembles. She is one part of a new jazz vocal trio, The Birdland Babes, delivering nostalgic tunes in the Andrews Sisters' style. She is also a part of the jazz trio RPM along with Ray Urena (guitar) and Michelle Urena (woodwinds). Additionally, Williams is the female vocalist for the Stardusters Big Band, 2024 and 2025 winners of the Detroit Battle of the Big Bands, and she is the lead vocalist for the Brazilian Music Collective, Canja de Boa and the North Oakland Dixieland Band.

Besides performing, Pia Broden Williams is a voice instructor and coach. Many of her students have gone on to lead successful careers in music. Williams proudly serves on the voice faculty of the Flint School of Performing Arts, where she has taught students of all ages for over 15 years. She also taught voice at Michigan State University and choir at Mott Middle College.

Soprano Pia Broden Williams holds a master's degree in vocal performance from Michigan State University and two bachelor's degrees from the University of Michigan, in vocal performance and philosophy.