Featured Soloists - Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera

Soloists

Awadagin Pratt

Among his generation of concert artists, pianist Awadagin Pratt is acclaimed for his musical insight and intensely involving performances in recital and with symphony orchestras. Born in Pittsburgh, Awadagin Pratt began studying piano and violin at an early age. At the age of 16 he entered the University of Illinois where he studied piano, violin, and conducting. He subsequently enrolled at the Peabody Conservatory of…

Augustin Hadelich

Known for his phenomenal technique, insightful and persuasive interpretations, and ravishing tone, he appears extensively around the world’s foremost concert stages. He has performed with all the major American orchestras as well as the Berliner Philharmoniker, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Concertgebouworkest, London Philharmonic Orchestra, NHK Symphony Orchestra Tokyo, and many other eminent ensembles. In…

Parker Van Ostrand

Parker Van Ostrand currently studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with Garrick Ohlsson and Yoshikazu Nagai. He recently won the 2023 PianoTexas Academy Concerto Competition and performed with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra this past June. In 2022, he won the Gold Medal in the 71st Wideman International Piano Competition and in November, collaborated with Yuja Wang for a two-piano performance at the…

Rhoslyn Jones

Described as a “superb singer and artistic presence,” Rhoslyn Jones has established herself as an important presence on the operatic and concert stages of the world. Equally at home on the stage and in the teaching studio, Rhoslyn is the newly appointed voice teacher for the San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows. She is also on the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Francisco Opera Merola Program,…

Richard Ollarsaba

Mexican-American bass-baritone, Richard Ollarsaba, praised by The Washington Post for his “meltingly smooth bass-baritone” and for “evoking a young Ruggero Raimondi in looks and manner”, represented the USA in the 2019 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition, was a member of the prestigious Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago for three seasons, and a grand finalist in the 2013 Metropolitan Opera…

Kyle Pfortmiller

Kyle Pfortmiller made his Metropolitan Opera debut as the Marquis d’Obigny in a new production of La traviata directed by Willy Decker. Since his debut he has also been heard in Capriccio, Andre Chenier, Faust, La fanciulla del West, The Magic Flute, and as Brian's father in the New York Premiere of Nico Muhly's Two Boys. Some of his most recent roles include a reprise of the role of Mr. XE in the Pulitzer Prize…

Rena Harms

Praised by the San Francisco Chronicle for a “winningly liquid” voice as well as for her “dramatic vividness and vocal flourish,” Santa Fe native Rena Harms recently brought her signature role of Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly to productions at English National Opera, Arizona Opera, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Upcoming engagements in 2024 include Mrs. Ford in the Pocket Opera production of The Merry…

Vanessa Becerra

Peruvian & Mexican American Soprano Vanessa Becerra’s 24/25 season is highlighted by her return to LA Opera for Ainadamar (Nuria). Additional engagements include her house and titular role debut in Paër’s Leonora at Chicago Opera Theater, debuts at UC Davis in Don Pasquale (Norina), Berkshire Opera Festival in La traviata (Violetta) and Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera in Le nozze di Figaro (Susanna). On the…

Ilanna Starr

Praised for her “lovely mezzo voice” (Berkshire Fine Arts) and “dramatically incisive” stage presence (Parterre Box), American-Canadian Ilanna Starr is currently an artist-in-residence with l’Atelier lyrique at l’Opéra de Montréal. She began her 2023/24 season with a “stand out” performance (l’Opéra) as Nerone in L’incoronazione di Poppea with l’Atelier lyrique and l’Orchestre de l’Agora under…

Dale Travis

Dale Travis is among the most sought-after bass-baritones in America today. With a repertoire encompassing over 50 roles in a wide variety of styles from Mozart, Donizetti and Rossini to Strauss, Puccini and Wagner, Mr. Travis has been a frequent guest artist at the most prestigious opera companies in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera,…

Courtney Miller

Opera News aptly praised Courtney Miller’s “fluent musicality.” Known for her “captivating stage presence” and “excellent sense of comic timing,” she excels across genres. In 2022, she made her San Francisco Opera solo debut as Sister St. Charles in DIALOGUES OF THE CARMELITES and returns this fall as Warren's Wife in THE HANDMAID’S TALE. Also this season, she makes company debuts with Sacramento…

Tim Murray

Heralded for his “firm, flexible baritone” (New York Times) and “swaggering, rakish” stage presence (Opera News), baritone Timothy Murray has won recognition in such competitions as the Loren. L. Zachary competition, The Sullivan Foundation, Glyndebourne Opera Cup, and the Mario Lanza competition, and was a Grand Finalist in the Laffont Competition at the Metropolitan Opera. Most recently, he performed in the…

Anthony Reed

American bass, Anthony Reed, makes his debut this season in the title role Le Nozze di Figaro at New Orleans Opera. He recently joined Pacific Symphony under the baton of Carl St. Clair for the role of Ceprano Rigoletto and this summer made a great success of the role of Tchelio The Love for Three Oranges at Des Moines Metro Opera. This season also takes him to France, where he sings the role of Masetto Don Giovanni at…

Aubrey Allicock

Making his debut with the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera, Aubrey Allicock has been hailed by the New York Times as "sturdy", "dynamic", and "excellent" and continues to make his mark among important opera companies and symphonies both at home and abroad. A Grammy nominee for his participation in John Adams's Doctor Atomic as General Groves, Mr. Allicock adds to that nominee list a BBC Music Magazine Award for Opera. Notable…

Edward Graves

Praised by Opera News as a tenor of “stunningly sweet tone,” Edward Graves is a recent graduate of the Adler Fellowship at San Francisco Opera. Bay Area performances included a workshop of Jake Heggie’s opera Intelligence with Houston Grand Opera, as well as Stone/Eunuch in Bright Sheng’s Dreams of the Red Chamber and Gastone in La Traviata at San Francisco Opera. Other San Francisco Opera assignments included…

Zulimar López-Hernández

A native of Puerto Rico, soprano Zulimar López-Hernández has been seen on the stages of Royal Albert Hall in London, Utah Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Nashville Opera, Virginia Opera, and Opera de Puerto Rico, among others. She was a National Semifinalist in the Metropolitan Opera Vocal Competition, Third Place winner in the Palm Beach Opera Vocal Competition and was awarded Radio Choice Audience Favorite in the Giargiari…

Sara Gartland

A passionate interpreter of opera, concert repertoire, and song, soprano Sara Gartland has firmly established herself as an Artist to watch displaying a talent for dramatic storytelling and comedy. Highlights of her 23/24 season include her European debuts with Semperoper Dresden and Oldenburgisches Staatstheater in Die tote Stadt (Marie/Marietta), Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera in Don Giovanni (Donna Elvira), and…

Stefano de Peppo

Stefano de Peppo was born in Italy and began his career as a boy soprano in the Children Chorus of La Scala in Milan. After graduating at Civica Scuola di Musica in Milano, thanks to a scholarship he moved to London and studied at Royal College of Music and with private teachers. He then moved to Mexico City and made his debut as a very young bass-baritone at Bellas Artes Opera House in 1990. In the year 2000…

Jason Ferrante

American tenor and voice teacher JASON FERRANTE has been praised by Opera News for "singing up a stylish storm" and by the Sarasota Herald Tribune as "one of the best voices I have heard in a very long time." In the past two seasons, Ferrante appeared as Beadle Bamford in a new production of Sweeney Todd with Opera Omaha, Don Basilio and Don Curzio in Le Nozze di Figaro in his debut with both Virginia Opera and Knoxville…

Charles Calotta

Tenor Charles Calotta is a gifted artist renowned for his luminous voice, refined musicality, and compelling stage presence. With a versatility that spans repertoire from Baroque to contemporary, he has established himself as a dynamic and engaging performer. In the 2024 season he returns to Opera Neo as Grimoaldo in Rinaldo and Ferrando in Così fan tutte, and Opera Ithaca as Ferrando in Così fan tutte. He debuts with…

Charlie Baad

Sacramento-native Baritone, Charlie Baad, spent his childhood absorbing much of the Gilbert and Sullivan catalog via his parents and the Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento (LOTS). He went on to graduate from The Boston Conservatory of Music and has performed with Sacramento Opera, Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, Virginia Opera, Anchorage Opera, Dayton Opera, Opera North, Quincy Symphony Orchestra,…

Sophia Silvers

Sophia Silvers, a coloratura soprano originally from Fair Oaks, California, recently completed her studies in Vocal Performance at CSU Sacramento, earning her Bachelor's degree in December. Before transferring to Sacramento State, Sophia pursued her musical education at American River College. During her time at CSU Sacramento, Sophia captivated audiences as the Königin der Nacht in Mozart’s Die Zauberflӧte, performed…

Jonathan Saatman

Sacramento-based tenor Jonathan Saatman, hailed for his powerful voice, acting prowess, and uncanny ability to save the day at the 11th hour, performs prolifically with opera companies throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley. Recent operatic highlights include the roles of Sherlock Holmes from Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Fallen Giant by Evan Meier with Opera Modesto, Valentin from Gounod's Faust with…

Kaaron Briscoe

Kaaron Briscoe is a classically trained actor with a background in experimental theater. She has performed on stages in London and Moscow, as well as on screen. She often works with Little Lord and the Working Theater. As a playwright her work has been featured by Project Y, Classical Theater of Harlem, InViolet Theater, and others. She is a former member of Project Y's Playwriting Group. Her play, “Tallahassee”…

Hadleigh Adams

New Zealand baritone Hadleigh Adams has amassed a body of work remarkable in its breadth. Committed to both the concert and opera stage, he has collaborated with some of the world’s finest artists. On the concert stage he has performed as a soloist with the London Philharmonia Orchestra under Esa Pekka Salonen, the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel, the San Francisco Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas,…

Ronny Michael Greenberg

Ronny Michael Greenberg is a Pianist and Producer whose virtuosic talents have graced the stages of esteemed venues across the globe. As founder and CEO of Taste of Talent, a non-profit that showcases the transformative power of Music and Art through innovative cultural programs and promotes entrepreneurial empowerment of Artists, he has established himself as a leading figure in the world of performing arts. Among…

Jana McIntyre

Soprano Jana McIntyre is a George and Nora London Foundation Competition Award Winner as well as a Finalist in The Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. She begins the 23/24 season with a return to Opera Santa Barbara for La Divina: The Art of Maria Callas. Additional season engagements include debuts with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra for Carmina Burana, and Sacramento Choral Society…

Inna Dukach

Russian-American soprano Inna Dukach has been praised for “an immediately appealing, youthfully rich and velvety voice." Most recently, Ms. Dukach made her house and role debut as Matilde Neruda in Virginia Opera’s Il Postino, gave her role debut as Antonia/Giulietta/Stella in Les contes d’Hoffmann with Nashville Opera, sang Countess Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro with Inland Northwest Opera, and appeared on…

Christian Sanders

Christian Sanders has been hailed as a “…voice whose color belies his age. Someone to watch!” (Bill Eadie, SanDiego.com). His operatic repertoire encompasses Tom Rakewell in The Rake’s Progress, the title character in Albert Herring, Fenton in Falstaff, Laurie in Little Women, Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, and Prince Charmant in Cendrillon, as well as a broad range of modern opera and…

Michelle Cann

Lauded as “technically fearless with…an enormous, rich sound” (La Scena Musicale), pianist Michelle Cann made her orchestral debut at age fourteen and has since performed as a soloist with prominent orchestras such as the Atlanta and Cincinnati symphony orchestras, The Cleveland Orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Ms. Cann’s 2022-23 season includes an appearance with the Los…

Zlatomir Fung

The first American in four decades and youngest musician ever to win First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition Cello Division, Zlatomir Fung is poised to become one of the preeminent cellists of our time. Astounding audiences with his boundless virtuosity and exquisite sensitivity, the 23-year-old has already proven himself to be a star among the next generation of world-class musicians. A recipient of…

Joseph Lattanzi

A 2017 recipient of a top prize from the Sullivan Foundation, Joseph Lattanzi established himself as a singer to watch with his portrayal of Hawkins Fuller in the world premiere of Greg Spears’ Fellow Travelers with Cincinnati Opera, followed by further performances for his debut with Lyric Opera of Chicago. Praise for his performances included The New York Times saying “Joseph Lattanzi was splendid as Hawk, his buttery…

Joshua Conyers

A native of Bronx, NY, baritone Joshua Conyers is known for his captivating performances and recognized as one the promising young dramatic voices of today. Conyers’ busy 2022-2023 season includes his debut with English National Opera as Policeman/Congregant 3 in Tesori’s Blue, Reginald in Anthony Davis’ X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X at Opera Omaha, which he has also performed with Detroit Opera and Odyssey…

Daniel Klein

Daniel Klein has been hailed by the New York Times for his “stentorian bassbaritone” with a “dark and steely voice.” Audiences and critics alike have found his performances imaginative, adventurous, and occasionally even downright terrifying. 2023 proved to be a busy year for Daniel, with his debut at Seattle Opera in June singing the roles of Judge Moriarty and Stanley in Huang Ruo’s Bound; a role and company…

Dominick Chenes

Reviewed in the Huffington Post as a “breakout star” and “powerhouse lyric tenor”, Dominick Chenes’ engagements this season include joining the Metropolitan Opera for Tosca, his role debut as Canio in I Pagliacci for the Sacramento Philharmonic, and a return to the Lyric Opera of Chicago for Don Carlos (cover). Future engagements include his debut with Oper Leipzig for Pollione in Norma, a role he recently sang…

Toni Marie Palmertree

Toni Marie Palmertree is an American soprano praised for her tender, expressive voice (SF Examiner). Most recently, appearing in the title role of Luisa Miller, Ms. Palmertree made her house and role debut at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The Chicago Herald wrote, " Palmertree's artistic approach to this challenging role, thoughtful and professional presentation of her vocal part, and the natural beauty of her voice touched…

Christopher Cooper

Christopher Cooper began playing the horn in the public schools of San Jose CA. After a family move to Rockport MA he continued his studies in Boston eventually going to Boston University’s School for the Arts. While studying there Chris became a member of the Empire Brass and began his touring life. Deciding to continue his studies he moved back to California to work with David Krehbiel at the San Francisco…

Nick Phan

Described by the Boston Globe as “one of the world’s most remarkable singers,” American tenor Nicholas Phan is increasingly recognized as an artist of distinction. An artist with an incredibly diverse repertoire that spans nearly 500 years of music, he performs regularly with the world’s leading orchestras and opera companies. Phan is also an avid recitalist and a passionate advocate for art song and vocal chamber…

Narek Hakhnazaryan

Narek's Instagram Narek's Facebook Since winning the Cello First Prize and Gold Medal at the XIV International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2011 at the age of 22, Narek Hakhnazaryan has inspired audiences with his artistry, securing a reputation as one of the world’s foremost cellists. Hakhnazaryan has performed with orchestras across the globe, earning praise from critics as “dazzlingly brilliant” (The Strad)…

Janice Carissa

Janice's Instagram Janice's Facebook Indonesian pianist Janice Carissa has been praised for radiating “the multicolored highlights of a mature pianist” (Philadelphia Inquirer) and having a “fleet-fingered touch that is particularly impressive,” as well as for her artistry that “conveys a vivid story rather than a mere showpiece” (Chicago Classical Review). Recently named a Gilmore Young Artist and winner…

Tai Murray

Tai's Instagram Tai's Facebook Described as “superb” by The New York Times, violinist Tai Murray has established herself a musical voice of a generation.“Technically flawless… vivacious and scintillating… It is without doubt that Murray’s style of playing is more mature than that of many seasoned players… “ (Muso Magazine) Appreciated for her elegance and effortless ability, Murray creates a…

Joo Won Kang

Joo Won Kang, South Korean baritone, made his Metropolitan Opera debut this season as Marcello in La Boheme. He also appeared in the company's new production of Don Carlos. Mr Kang has appeared in leading roles,such as Figaro in The Barber of Seville, Germont in La Traviata, Papageno in The Magic Flute, Dandini in La Cenerentola, Sharpless in Madama Butterfly, the title role in Eugene Onegin and Ping in Turandot…

Raphaella Medina

Mezzo-soprano Raphaella Medina has been consistently praised for her colorful timbre and moving performances. As a 2021-2022 Chrisman Studio Artist with Opera Santa Barbara, Raphaella was hailed by the San Francisco Classical Voice as being “in fine form” for her performance of Diana in the mariachi opera, Cruzar la Cara de la Luna. This summer, she joins Opera Saratoga as a Festival Artist, performing the role of…

Laura Krumm

Praised for her “exceptionally beautiful mezzo,” Iowa native Laura Krumm is a recent graduate of the prestigious Adler Fellowship at the San Francisco Opera. The 2021-2022 season sees her return to The Metropolitan Opera as the cover of Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, her debut with Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera as Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Reno Philharmonic.…

Andrew Bidlack

Featured by Opera News as one of their ‘top 25 brilliant young artists’ (October 2015), tenor Andrew Bidlack’s career highlights include his 2016 and 2018 Metropolitan Opera appearances as Beppe I Pagliacci; the principal tenor role in Iain Bell’s world premiere In Parenthesis at Welsh National Opera with performances at Covent Garden in 2016; and the role of Sprinck in Kevin Puts’s Nobel Prize winning composition…

Alex Soare

Romanian-American Bass, Alex Soare praised as a “stand out”, Opera News and "magnificent”, Talk in Broadway, was recently a Finalist at Francisco Viñas International Singing Competition in Barcelona and received the Third Place Prize at the Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition. In the coming months Alex will perform Leporello in Don Giovanni with Opera Grand Rapids and Opera Carolina. He will also perform…

Hannah Ludwig

The New York Times calls mezzo-soprano Hannah Ludwig “best in show” and further exclaims “Her tone chocolaty and large, yet with focus and agility, she captured the integral aspect of bel canto…expression emerging from a long, intelligently shaped musical line.”  In the 2021-22 season, she makes her debut with Portland Opera as the District Attorney in Davis’ Central Park Five and sings excerpts of Adalgisa…

Madison Leonard

Praised for her “silvery, ethereal-sounding Sophie” by Opera magazine and “lovely vocal delicacy” in The Telegraph, Madison Leonard earned across-the-board rave reviews for her international debut in the summer of 2021 in Der Rosenkavalier at Garsington Opera. In the 2021-22 season, she returns to Austin Opera and makes her debut with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City as Chrisann Brennan in The [R]evolution of Steve…

Kathryn Henry

Hailed for her “clean coloratura and silvery voice”, Kathryn Henry is quickly making a name for herself as one of the most promising young sopranos to watch. A Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions finalist in 2015, she continues to graciously move audiences with her “flawless sense of line” and “shimmering warmth of sound” that “combines dignity and strength with profound sorrow.” This past…

Salvatore Atti

Award winning Tenor, Salvatore Atti, and alumni of San Francisco’s prestigious Merola Opera program is delighted to be joining Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera once again.  While in San Francisco Mr. Atti performed in the Schwabacher summer concert series and the grand finale, singing Edgardo in Lucia di lammermoor and Leicester in Maria Stuarda.  One review read that “the voices soared...it was a gut wrenching…

Elissa Lee Koljonen

Recognized as one of the most celebrated violinists of her generation, Elissa Lee Koljonen has thrilled audiences and critics in over one hundred cities throughout the world. Ms. Koljonen initially received international acclaim when she became the first recipient of the prestigious Henryk Szeryng Foundation Award and silver medalist of the Carl Flesch International Violin Competition. Her playing has been hailed by the…

Louis Schwizgebel

Born in 1987 into a family of artists from Switzerland and China, Louis Schwizgebel is an insightful and poetic musician whose pianism is steeped in imagination, rich in color, and suffused with lyricism, clarity, and refinement. Lauded by The New York Times as “an insightful musician and a genuine virtuoso” and “a spirited young genius with real depth” by Fono Forum, he has recently appeared at the…

James Jones

James Jones has well established himself as a leading Organist and Choral Conductor of his generation. As recitalist, Jones has appeared with Arizona Musicfest, Kotzschmar Organ series, St. Paul Episcopal, Pittsburgh, PA “Rising Star” series, “Piccolo Spoleto” Festival in Charleston, SC, “Music for a Great Space” series Greensboro, NC, Boardwalk Hall (Atlantic City) Organ Series, and on numerous occasions…

Julie Miller

Hailed as possessing a voice of “spell-binding power and intensity” (The Register-Guard), mezzo-soprano Julie Miller has appeared as a soloist with wonderful organizations such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Mozart Players, Grant Park Music Festival and Ravinia Festival. Recently, Ms. Miller appeared with Madison Opera, Lyric Unlimited/Lyric Opera Chicago and English…

Liisa Dávila

Liisa Dávila has gained recognition for her vocal clarity and dazzling coloratura, combined with a richness and depth allowing her to possess a highly desired level of versatility in her work. Heard recently as Kitty Hart in Fresno Grand Opera's critically acclaimed performance of Dead Man Walking, Liisa was also recently seen as Liù in West Bay Opera’s production of Turandot, where "her simple, understated…

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