Ballet dancer gone opera singer, soprano Emily Renee Cheney ventured into the classical music scene at age eighteen when, on a whim, she auditioned for a music scholarship at Utah Valley University and was invited to join the vocal performance program. With twelve years of piano lessons, at least a million hours singing along with Taylor Swift, and extensive ballet and performing training to give her a jumpstart, Emily quickly developed a vibrant classical voice while studying at UVU and privately with Serena Kanig Benish.

Noted for her elegant and charming stage presence, lush middle voice, and lively upper range, Emily is described as a dedicated musician who is constantly improving. Favorite opera roles include: chorus member in Die Fledermaus, and chorus and Stella in Tales of Hoffmann.

A longtime soprano in UVU's Chamber Choir, Emily looks forward to performing under the direction of Dr. Reed Criddle at the National ACDA conference in 2023. She is currently preparing the role Belinda from Dido and Aeneas for UVU's upcoming production in April, as well as planning her Senior Recital upon graduating in 2024.