In honor of Women’s History Month, celebrating Indian American soprano Tiara Thankam Abraham, who is Indiana University’s youngest Ph.D. student, is set to give her first doctoral voice recital on Friday, March 14, at the Simon Music Center in IU Bloomington
Tiara, who made history last May becoming the youngest student in all the IU campuses to receive her graduate degree after earning her Master of Music degree at only 18-years-old, played her first main stage role in IU Opera on March 8. With an impressive operatic repertoire, she appeared in the IU Opera in Benjamin Britten’s ‘Turn of the Screw’ at the Musical Arts Center in IU Bloomington.
Tiara made her operatic debut at just 17 as Zerlina in Don Giovanni, for the summer opera program in Florence, Italy, followed by her portrayal of Belinda in Dido & Aeneas at Chicago Summer Opera the next year.
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Her extraordinary accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Tiara was honored with an award named after her, The Tiara Abraham Achievement Award from Kiwanis South Central Indiana, recognizing her as a role model for young musicians and scholars and for her volunteerism.
This award highlights her dedication, talent, and perseverance in achieving milestones at an unprecedented age. Tiara is looking forward to presenting her namesake award to a deserving individual this year.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Tiara’s journey reminds us of the power of perseverance and passion, standing as a model of inspiration, breaking barriers in both academia and opera.
Coming May, this 19-year-old is set to complete her first year of the Doctor of Music degree at the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, having enrolled as the youngest doctoral student at 18.
Tiara’s path to success was not without challenges. She became a certified child genius after she was invited to join Mensa at just four. While homeschooled, she simultaneously enrolled in campus college classes.
Beginning college at 7, she faced skepticism due to her young age and faced hurdles during her radically accelerated education. Many doubted her ability to thrive in an academic environment far beyond her years, but she persevered with resilience and determination.
Similarly, in the world of opera, she encountered age-related biases and challenges, struggling to be taken seriously despite her extraordinary talent. Yet, through unwavering dedication and passion for her craft, she overcame these barriers, proving that age is no limitation to excellence.
From a 3-year-old who sat in her older brother, Tanishq Abraham’s, San Francisco Boys Chorus weekly lessons—where their mother, Dr. Taji Abraham, volunteered in the classes—learning all their repertoire, to now a 19-year-old opera singer and doctor of music student, Tiara has come a long way in her musical journey.
Tiara recently represented Indiana University on the global stage at XPANSE2024 in Abu Dhabi, an international TED-like event attended by over 3,500 people.
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Sharing the stage with scientists like Nobel laureate former Under Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu and notable artists, Tiara captivated audiences with her talk, “When AI Meets Opera,” exploring the intersection of technology and classical music, followed by a stunning performance of several operatic arias.
With her prodigious talent, Tiara has won competitions and received invitations to sing at Carnegie Hall, Vatican, Musikverien in Vienna to singing the national anthem around the country including twice for San Francisco Giants and commencement ceremonies at her alma mater University of California Davis and IU Bloomington.
Whether singing at memory care and senior care centers, raising funds for a good cause, as a choral scholar at the local church choir, or volunteering at her university, Tiara finds happiness in helping others and bringing smiles to people.

