Musician/CEO/Founder
Mela Sarajane Dailey is a Grammy-winning international vocal performer celebrated for her versatility, artistry, and profound ability to connect with audiences. With a career spanning opera, oratorio, musical theater, jazz, gospel, country, and popular music, she has captivated fans and critics alike with her dynamic stage presence and vocal mastery.
A 2014 Grammy winner and ten-time nominee with Conspirare, Dailey has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, David Geffen Hall, the Washington National Cathedral, and Ravinia. She has shared the stage with premier orchestras such as the Florida and Detroit Symphony Orchestras, Austin Opera, and symphonies in Edmonton, Vancouver, Grand Rapids, and Rochester, among many others. Her operatic highlights include starring as Mimì and Musetta in La Bohème and performing as the soprano soloist in masterworks like Verdi’s Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem, Brahms’ Requiem, and Poulenc’s Gloria.
Beyond live performance, Dailey’s artistry extends to film, television, and radio. She has recorded major motion picture soundtracks at Skywalker Ranch Studios, collaborating with composer Hanan Townshend on Heaven Sent and The Vessel. Her discography includes the solo album Shelter with cellist Scott Kluksdahl and pianist Rick Rowley, as well as Steal Away: The African American Concert Spiritual with Seraphic Fire. She was a soloist and fundraiser for Conspirare’s acclaimed Considering Matthew Shepard. She also co-hosted the popular radio show ICONS of Broadway.
Leadership & Philanthropy
In addition to her distinguished performance career, Dailey serves as the CEO and founder of American Artists Project (AAP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding and creating opportunities for underrepresented artists. Under her leadership, AAP has developed and produced programs such as The Greg Easley-Bryant Young Artist Program, Somos, Broadway Brunch, Sing Joy, and Variations, all designed to nurture emerging talent and bring diverse voices to the forefront of the arts community. www.americanartistsproject.org
Dailey is also the founder and CEO of Merick Strategies, a consulting and production agency that spearheaded the landmark staging of Leonard Bernstein’s MASS—Austin’s largest-ever performing arts production and worldwide collaboration. The production’s success enabled grants to 31 nonprofit collaborators, further solidifying her impact on arts philanthropy and community engagement.
A passionate advocate for the arts, human rights, and the LGBTQ+ community, Dailey dedicates her time to mentoring emerging artists, fundraising, and public speaking.
Mela Sarajane Dailey resides in Texas with her husband, Peter Bay, Music Director and Conductor of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and their son.
For upcoming performances and more information, visit www.meladailey.com and find her on social media @melasarajanedailey.