Janet Pohli is an accomplished soprano known for her “light and emotionally poignant” sound, performing a variety of styles. Comfortable with many formats, from cabarets, concerts, or fully-stage productions, Janet specializes in opera and musical theater. Janet has graced the stage in numerous musical theater roles, most recently appearing as Marion in The Music Man at the Concord Players, having last trod their boards as Lily Crane in The Secret Garden under Julia Deter. Additionally seen as Clara in Theater Uncorked’s Passion, and other roles include Inga in Young Frankenstein, Sibella in Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Fantine in Les Misérables, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, Laurey in Oklahoma! Little Red Riding Hood in Little Red Riding Hood, and Martha Jefferson in 1776. A fan of Gilbert and Sullivan’s repertoire, Janet has had the pleasure to portray Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore, and Elsie in Yeomen of the Guard. Originating her technique in the bel canto style, operatic role highlights have been Gretel in Hansel and Gretel, and Baby Doe in The Ballad of Baby Doe.
Originally from New Jersey, Janet now considers New England her home. She is also a passionate gardener listening to audiobooks as she weeds and can yodel honoring her a "Swiss Miss" heritage. She received both her graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Connecticut and serves as a Soprano Soloist for the Catholic Dioceses throughout Eastern Massachusetts, the Nahant Village Church, Christian Science Church in Lynn-Swampscott.
Janet approaches every performance and teaching opportunity with intensity, truthfulness, and striving to embody each character fully. Janet teaches locally where her teaching philosophy emphasizes support—emotional, pedagogical, and physical—with a focus on personal growth through individual accountability. She aims to build confidence, musicality, musicianship, characterization, and presence tailored to each student's goals. He believes passionately in the importance of sight-singing and the benefits of being able to read music to improve her student’s comprehension of a work.
