Born and raised in the former British colony of Trinidad & Tobago, De Bique’s journey from her Caribbean roots to the world of opera has been nothing short of remarkable.

With a diverse range of talents including acting, dancing, and singing, she initially aspired to become a linguist, historian, or lawyer. However, her passion for music ultimately led her down a different path.

Credit must be given to De Bique’s music teachers in Trinidad and Tobago, who encouraged her to pursue voice and piano lessons. Their own experiences studying in England and Germany opened her eyes to the possibility of a career as a full-time artist. De Bique went on to earn her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Manhattan School of Music, honing her skills and solidifying her dedication to music.

During her studies in New York, De Bique faced a decision between voice and piano, as the school did not allow double majors.

Recognizing that her true creativity was not being fully expressed through the piano, she chose to focus on her vocal talents.

The instrument felt like a barrier, hindering her from fully utilizing her voice, which she believed was her true artistic medium.

This decision allowed her voice to flourish, and she has since gained recognition in both the opera and baroque worlds.

In a standout performance at the Summer Festival at Lincoln Center, De Bique’s rendition of Samuel Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915” garnered high praise from a New York Times critic. Her voice, described as rich, grounded, and with a shimmering quality as it reached its higher range, captivated audiences and showcased her exceptional talent.

Beyond her musical achievements, De Bique is dedicated to making a positive impact through her art. In 2015, she arranged for the World Doctors Orchestra to perform in Barbados, collaborating with the Children’s Opera in the process.

Additionally, she has raised funds to support young people with disabilities in acquiring career-oriented skills and has contributed to the improvement of Barbados’ general hospital.

While her career takes her to various corners of the world, De Bique remains deeply connected to her Trinidadian and Barbadian roots. Her mother moved to Barbados to support her daughter’s education when she started school in New York. De Bique makes it a priority to return to both countries whenever her demanding touring schedule allows.

As a woman traveling alone, De Bique acknowledges the challenges and potential risks involved. She approaches her journeys with humility, recognizing the unsafe nature of the world, not just due to her race but also because of her gender and single status. Nevertheless, her dedication to sharing her gift with others and making a difference through her music remains unwavering.

As Jeanine De Bique’s star continues to rise in the opera world, her talent, passion, and dedication to artistic excellence inspire aspiring musicians and opera enthusiasts worldwide.

With each performance, she breaks barriers, transcends boundaries, and leaves an indelible mark on the world of music and the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness her extraordinary talent.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Jeanine De Bique and Concerto Köln as they bring “Mirrors” to life in La Jolla.