Deborah Ann Polkinghorn, an Illinois native, was born into a musical family. From the time she first sang at two years of age, through her university years, Deborah dreamed of one thing: becoming a professional singer. The practical side of her artistic nature led her first to McPherson College where she toured Europe and performed as a soloist at numerous benefit concerts.  She finished her undergraduate years with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. She won the hearts of judges and her audience after singing the German National Anthem and was named Oktoberfest Queen of Southwest Florida in 2002.

In 2006, she auditioned for the New England Conservatory of Music's Summer Opera Institute and was chosen to participate in this prestigious and rigorous program.  This proved to be a pivotal point in her life as it resulted in a greater demand for her voice in recital, oratorio and opera.

She is currently a student of world renowned Mezzo Soprano, Rosemarie Freni-Molinari, resident teacher of the Sarasota Opera.  Ms. Freni describes Deborah as "possessing a full, rich voice with excellent range...A true talent on stage."

She has won acclaim for performances that range from the exuberance of ‘Annie Get Your Gun' to the dramatic depths of Wagner, the solemnity of Brahms and the joy of Mozart.  Her voice, in combination with her sparkling personality, assured stage presence, and the ability to don the persona of tragedy or comedy with equal aplomb has brought a vitality and acclaim to every performance.

Described as commanding an impressively rich and full voice, Deborah was hailed by the conductor of the North Port Orchestra, Sasha Von Dassow as "a rare breed of singer.  A diva on stage who is funny, can act, sings a variety of styles from opera to pop with equal skill, and is a pleasure to work with...She is a virtuosic performer."

Her performances include appearances with the Gulf Coast Symphony, Gulf Coast Opera Company, New England Conservatory, Sarasota Pops Orchestra, North Port Symphony Orchestra, New Century Opera Company, WoodWorks Marimba Ensemble, and a soloist with many Churches and Temples.  Some of her 2009 performances included the Fine Arts Series at Redeemer Church in Sarasota, Florida where Ms. Polkinghorn performed the Brahms Alto Rhapsodie with male chorus and orchestra.  Additionally, she was recognized as the recital soloist for the Young Artist Program under the direction of Dr. Daniel Moe, and alto soloist for the Sarasota Choral Society's Messiah. In 2010, she was a featured soloist for the American Guild of Organist’s Convention performing in a Requiem by Cynthia Roberts-Greene.

Ms. Polkinghorn completed her Master's Degree program in 2010 at the University of South Florida in Music Education. She has studied conducting with Dr. Daniel Moe. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Music Education. Deborah is married to timpanist and composer, Thomas E. Suta and resides in Bradenton, Florida.