CLARISSA SINCENO

Clarissa Sinceno is a Harlem native whose musical journey has been deeply influenced by legendary artists such as Jessye Norman, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mahalia Jackson. These icons helped shape her distinctive performance style, blending classical training with the soulful traditions of jazz and gospel. Clarissa began her formal voice training and classical music studies at the Harlem School of the Arts under the tutelage of Athena Lampropoulous, Frederick Gamble, and Betty Allen. She further honed her vocal abilities working with Director and vocal coach Bettye F. Forbes, founder of The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble Inc., whose mentorship refined Clarissa’s vocal technique and artistic expression.

Continuing her studies, Clarissa attended the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Manhattan School of Music. Driven by a deep commitment to helping others, she pursued a Master of Social Work (MSW) at Fordham University, a journey she will complete in December 2025. This chapter reflects her dedication to bridging the arts with social justice, aiming to foster emotional and mental well-being through her work in both music and advocacy.

At just 17, Clarissa made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera, marking the beginning of a successful and diverse career. Her performances at renowned jazz venues such as the Blue Note, Birdland, and the Sugar Bar expanded her musical repertoire, blending genres and showcasing her versatility. In 1995, she toured Japan with the Yusuke Hirado Trio, receiving glowing reviews from the Japanese press. Five years later, she toured North and South Korea with the Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble under Bettye F. Forbes’ direction, further solidifying her global presence.

Clarissa's stage credits include performing excerpts from Porgy and Bess and Children's Requiem at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher and Alice Tully Hall. She debuted as Mary in Nativity: A Life Story in 2003, joining a stellar cast. Clarissa also recorded the voice of Eve in Paradise Lost and contributed to projects like Stop By, Lord from the African American Church music series and Garagista Music's Not Just Another Holiday CD. Her versatility as a performer extended to commercial work, including jingles for Master Charge and McDonald’s, as well as acting in productions like For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf (directed by award-winning Mel Williams) and Coming Home to Christmas with Pamela V. Eatman Skinner.

Her album releases include A Spirit Sings (a cappella), Live Recording at Ridgeway, and Simply Me. Clarissa has also toured with the Tony and Kennedy Award-winning Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in the production Fondly Do We Hope . . . Fervently Do We Pray . . .

Clarissa co-produced Nativity: A Life Story from 2011 to 2013 with Saint Christopher Wilkerson, featuring a star-studded cast including Lillias White, Ebony Jo-Ann, Alyson Williams, Priscilla Baskerville, Lou Myers, Cheryl Pepsi Riley, and Maurice Lauchner.

In 2007, she founded CSONG Inc. Productions, later expanding the company to include CSONG Inc. Marketing and CSONG LLC.

Currently, Clarissa performs live with her band aah fro blú, relishing the opportunity to explore every genre of music under the sun and sharing her passion with audiences worldwide.