AJ Rivera-Johnson is a classical mezzo-soprano and conductor from Berkeley, California who recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Classical Voice from the Manhattan School of Music (2026). AJ performed operatic roles in Europe singing Cherubino in “Le Nozze di Figaro” with the Prague Summer Nights Festival (2024) at the Estate Theater in Prague, Czech Republic; Cherubino and Zweite Dame with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar (2023 and 2024); and Sesto in “La Clemenza di Tito” with the Croatian Opera Academy (2025) in Novi Marof, Croatia. During her time at MSM, AJ performed the role of Florian in “Princess Ida: The Glow Up” (2025) and Panatellas in “La Perichole”(2026). 

AJ is honored to serve as the conducting fellow for the premier ensemble, where her love for classical music began (SFGC Laureate 2022). AJ has always had a passion for conducting, and is proud to encourage the members of the premier ensemble to become conductors, composers, and continue their love of singing. 

AJ graduated from the SFGC chorus school in 2017 and spent 5 years in the premier ensemble and 4 years studying with Silvie Jensen in Soloist Intensive . At the Manhattan School of music, she studied privately with Baritone Sidney Outlaw.