Julie’s first opportunity to perform an operatic role was as Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus with The Simsbury Light Opera.  Following this successful experience, she was cast in the role of Mad Margaret in Ruddigore with the Connecticut Gilbert & Sullivan Society.  In response to this performance, one writer’s review stated “Julie Rumbold as Margaret, delivered to my taste, the single best performance in an overall fine cast.  Her lovely mezzo voice and her deliciously droll changes of mood perfectly balanced sobered Despard’s attempts to keep her in line”.  

In 2011 Julie joined the Lollipop Opera, a component of Buffa!. This is a Connecticut-based touring group that brings the excitement of live theater to children with fully staged opera programs. Some of these are original works written with basic story lines known to the children such as The Three Little Pigs, Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood. The goal is to broaden the knowledge of children through this unique experience and exposure to the arts. Julie enjoys introducing this art form to children as it had made such an impact on her when she was young.

As she progressed in interest and ability she later studied and performed various scenes for the New England Intensive Opera program in Boston Ma, The Cambridge Summer Opera program and at the International Music Festival in Vols am Schlern, Italy. These were all valuable experiences where she worked alongside and learned from other talented opera singers.  Beginning in 2015, Julie was offered several roles with Connecticut Lyric Opera including Dorabella in Così fan tutte, Cornelia in Giulio Cesare and Eboli in Don Carlos. In 2019 Julie was cast in the roles of Sally in The Hand of Bridge and Maurya in Riders to the Sea for the Contemporary Theater Company in Rhode Island.  She also debuted the role of Marie-Thérèse in the premier of The Weeping Woman for Greylock Opera Collective and performed as Elle in La voix humaine for Whitney Center for the Arts in the Berkshires.

Over the years Julie has become a proven favorite with audiences.  She has turned in many convincing performances where audience members have provided comments such as “I’m sorry you didn’t end up with the man you wanted.” and “You really made me believe you were Phoebe”.    Following the Iolanthe performance, a critic wrote “Julie Rumbold, in the title role as Iolanthe, brought a richness to the part both vocally and with her dramatic acting style”.  After Princess Ida, the director stated “Julie Rumbold was absolutely stunning as Princess Ida.  Sensational”.

In 2016 Julie auditioned for and was honored to be selected as a finalist in the American Opera Idol Competition, sponsored by Opera Connecticut.

Compassionate and dedicated to the art, Julie has also utilized her talents to help others.  She has proudly organized and performed in fundraisers, one of which was to raise awareness and money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  This provides funds to help research a cure for this devastating disease that does not get enough attention.  After the concert, many glowing comments were provided by audience members about the entire program.  One notable comment was “The highlight of this exceptional, well performed benefit show was when Julie and Daniel performed the final Carmen Duet.” In addition to the benefit shows Julie has organized, she is frequently asked to share her vocal talents and participate in opera concerts around the state to raise funds or to promote other programs.