Bio

Inducted as part of Marian's charter hall of fame classes in 1993, Mary Callaghan is one of the school's most accomplished graduates in the field of performing arts. 

Growing up as the 14th of 18 children to parents Mary (O'Brien) and John Callaghan, music has always been in Mary's blood. Mary's father taught at Marygrove College and was the music director at St. Bernard's & St. Catherine's of Detroit and Holy Name Parish in Birmingham. Callaghan inherited her fine soprano voice from mother, Mary and has taught and performed herself for over 30 years. 

A graduate of Marian (1973) and Marygrove College (1977) with a bachelor's degree in fine arts (BFA), Phillips also attended the University of Michigan. Since 1975, Callaghan has performed in over 30 productions as a freelance operatic performer. Additionally, Callaghan was also credited with being Aretha Franklin's operatic voice coach. 

In 2001, Callaghan started the Motor City Lyric Opera, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings the transformative art form of opera (with a message) to inner-city kids, free of charge. We are currently bringing an anti-bullying opera to 10,000 students annually via our Opera on Wheels outreach program.