THE ARTIST
Imara Thomas, a talented opera singer born and raised in Amsterdam, has had a remarkable career marked by extraordinary performances and prestigious coaching. After completing her opera studies in Maastricht, she received mentorship from the legendary opera singer Montserrat Caballé in Spain—a pivotal moment that shaped her musical journey.
Recently, Imara captivated an audience of 16,000 people at Ahoy Rotterdam, starring in two tribute shows for Queen Must Go On. During these performances, she beautifully sang the iconic song “Barcelona,” famously premiered by Montserrat Caballé and Freddie Mercury at the 1992 Olympic opening ceremony.
Imara’s admiration for Caballé runs deep. She had the honor of meeting and receiving coaching from the opera legend in 2013. Reflecting on her experience performing in front of over 30,000 people in tribute to Caballé and Mercury, Imara shares, “The moment I stepped on stage and heard the crowd cheering, I thought of how Montserrat must have felt standing next to Freddie Mercury. Singing ‘Barcelona’ was magical, and the love we received was overwhelming. I want to share this song with as many people as possible and honor Montserrat’s legacy.”
In 2022, Imara made her highly anticipated debut at The Concertgebouw, performing “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess. In 2023, she sold out another concert at The Concertgebouw, blending opera with Caribbean classical music and drawing a fresh, diverse audience.
Imara’s musical journey began at just 12 years old when she performed with the Amsterdam Promenade Orchestra at The Doelen in Rotterdam. Her powerful voice and deep passion for music continue to inspire audiences worldwide, as she carries forward the legacy of the greats who have influenced her.