Wijnands is a singer and visual artist based in NYC. Now a recent graduate and the Ella Fitzgerald scholar at the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase, Wijnands has been named the 1st place winner of the 4th annual 2021 Ella Fitzgerald Vocal Competition. Wijnands has been described as “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist” in Downbeat Magazine.

​

Wijnands believes singing is her calling, and storytelling is her passion. Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, she got her start performing with her father, master of stride piano, Bram Wijnands. Wijnands savored the moments she spent time in the Missouri countryside, as it allowed her to curiously try and capture these moments of rawness and beauty in her music. Wijnands aspires to create similar moments of wonderment for others by combining her visual art with her singing. 

 

To Wijnands, the uncontrolled, exuberant and intuitive nature of her painting has unlocked liberating impulses in her singing. Together, Wijnands believes this combustible mix can bring to life the range of human impulses that exist in all of us. 

​

The synthesis of painting and singing is the driving force of Wijnands’ vision, as she believes it can open up a world of exploration, curiosity and healing. Wijnands aspires to magnify the importance of interdisciplinary art around the world by continuing to sing, share and create.