LEWISTON — Soprano Karen Pierce will kick off a free noonday summer concert series at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Wednesday, July 18.

Pierce, who says she thinks of singing as painting with sound, has performed in concert and recital in Maine and New York, as well as in Italy, Austria and Asia. As guest artist at the University of Melbourne (Australia), she presented an “American Songs” concert and taught a master class for singers.

Formerly on the voice faculty of Bowdoin, Bates and Colby colleges, she has also maintained a private voice studio for more than 20 years.

Pierce has extensive experience as a church musician, both as a soloist and a director. She also works as a clinician, designing and leading retreats and workshops for both choirs and individual singers.

She has studied with retired Metropolitan Opera coach Millard Altman since 1996.

The concert will be from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. at the church at 122 Ash St.