Hire Jessica

“Jessica Ann Best as Mrs. Otis showed just how magnificent and commanding a mezzo-soprano can be.”

-Laurence Vittes, Bachtrack
The Canterville Ghost (Mrs. Otis), LA OPERA 2018.

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"We create because it allows us to open up our souls and give life. Artists breathe life into the world by exposing their deepest sentiments and realizing their need to connect."

Event Schedule

Apr 4, 2024
Stage Director, Opera Scenes, The Magic of Mozart and More!
Nazareth University
Apr 28, 2024
The Ilse Newell Tribute Concert to Carol Guild. Recital, assisted by pianist, Rob Goodling.
Applachiocola, Florida
May 8, 2024
Guest Artist: V.O.IC.Experience! Gala: Honoring Deborah Voigt
Harmonice Club, NYC
May 24, 2024
A Night of Jazz with Alan Jones at the Rochester Academy of Medicine
Rochester Academy of Medicine
Jun 21, 2024
Artist and Stage Director, Buffalo Opera Unlimited
Buffalo Opera Unlimited: To Be Announced Soon!

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As the Stepmother in Lady swanwhite, Opera Tampa, 2019.
“Mezzo-Soprano Jessica Best gives the show’s best performance as the stepmother, who spends most of the play terrorizing Swanwhite and her servants. In her role, those unexpected melodic leaps made sense, and her paranoia and grief over a long-ago death dominate the stage.” 
-Andrew Meacham,
Tampa Bay Times

News & Press

September 5, 2022

Summer and Fall 2022!

It has been a very busy few months!

In June I performed two amazing pieces at The Lineup With Susie Mosher at Birdland Jazz in New York! I had the incredible privilege of singing "I Love a Piano," and "Our Love is Here To Stay" with the amazing Billy Stritch, Sean Harkness, and The Lineup Band. Susie always has a wonderful show and it's always such a thrill to sing at Birdland. You can view some of the videos on my video page!

Soon after, I performed a wonderful concert with Michael Lasser and Alan Jones at the JCC Rochester Canalside Stage! We did favorites from Gershwin, Berlin, Arlen, and more!

In July I lead Camp VOICE; part of the VOICExperience Foundation's training program for young singers. This year, we held our week long workshops and performances at Iowa State University!

Soon after, I completed a recital with my dear friend, Yoshiko Arahata, singing operatic selections from my favorite arias, and several pieces from musical theater and Jazz!

August was extremely busy! I spent three weeks in Savannah! I recreated my role of Alice, in Michael Ching's opera, Alice Ryley. I also performed the role of Lucy, in Anna Hunter, while covering the role of Louise. The next day I performed several beautiful pieces in our Sacred Song concert, followed by some outreach events, and finished with our beautiful gala, in honor of the most wonderful and beautiful mezzo-soprano, Frederica von Stade. It was a dream. I also covered Marthe in Faust, and assisted in the final performances.

It is September now! I am now at Nazareth College, where I teach voice, Song Literature and....I'm newly the Artistic Director of the Opera! I love stage directing! I am working our students on a new setting of Viardot's Cendrillon; and blending some other wonderful surprises with a Cinderella theme! We call it, Cinderella's Royal Ball: A Multiverse Experience! You can expect to see that onstage in January 2023!

In a few weeks, I begin some of my tour with radio host, Michael Lasser and pianist, Alan Jones. We begin in New England and tour the Great American Songbook!  I always love singing these beautiful pieces! Keep a look out for new music and new posts!

Happy Fall!

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April 22, 2022

Jessica to release singles with BestEverProductions!

Jessica is working with BestEverProductions to release new singles this summer! Check back on the details! Producer and Arranger: Greg Best!

Jessica is working with her brother, composer and producer, Greg Best, to bring new music in Fall 2022! Check back for more information soon!

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