Apprentice Artists
The Sarasota Opera Apprentice Artists Program was started in 1982. Like similar programs throughout the country, it is meant to help trained singers in the important transition from student to professional life.
The program functions within the aesthetic of Sarasota Opera by focusing on the standard operatic repertoire from Mozart to Puccini.
The company provides many performing opportunities throughout its winter season. The training aspect of the program focuses on encouraging singers to give impassioned performances through vocal expression with an understanding of the meaning of the text, the poetry, and the music. In private coachings and classes, acting is approached through an efficiency of movement that brings out the meaning of the work rather than obscuring it.
The company aims for a consistent teaching approach that is supported by the artistic staff and the productions we produce on our stage.
The program runs from January 5 through March 30, 2026, and includes participating in the chorus of the main stage productions.
In addition, Apprentice Artists will:
- Participate in classes given by Victor DeRenzi (Artistic Director of Sarasota Opera), Arthur Bosarge (Artistic Administrator), Artyom Pak (Music Director of the Apprentice Artists program), Martha Collins (stage director), Stephanie Sundine (stage director), and other members of the Sarasota Opera staff.
- Coach music with members of the music staff
- Coach foreign languages with native-born speakers
- Participate in master classes
- Network with experienced colleagues
- Perform at concerts during the season
- Perform and cover main stage roles.
Applications for the 2026 Apprentice Artists Program are closed. Please check back in April for the 2027 application.
2026 Winter Apprentice Artists
SERAFINA BELLETINI, Mezzo-Soprano
Livonia, Michigan
Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arthur
CHRISTINE BYRNE, Mezzo-Soprano
Valley Cottage, New York
Sponsored by Anonymous
ALEJANDRO CUELLAR, Bass
San Antonio, Texas
Sponsored by Dr. Lynne Harrison
ALICIA ESMERALDA, Mezzo-Soprano
Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Sponsored by Ruth B. Kreindler
AGNESE GALLENZI, Soprano
Urbisaglia, Italy
Sponsored by Elaine Keating
ABBY GUIDO, Soprano
Boynton Beach, Florida
Sponsored by Flora Garsten
JORDAN HAMMONS, Tenor
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Sponsored by Forrest S. Crawford
HENRY HORSTMANN, Bariton
Lindenhurst, New York
Sponsored by Katherine Benoit
and John Brooks
KONSTANTIN JAN, Tenor
Prague, Czech Republic
Sponsored by James and Lorna Mack
KEVIN JASAITIS, Baritone
Point Pleasant, New Jersey
The Joel D. and Ellen S. Fedder
Endowed Apprentice Artist
DEIRDRE LAHIFF, Mezzo-Soprano
Goshen, New York
Sponsored by Andra and Irwin Press
GABRIEL LOCKHEIMER TOSO, Bass
Plymouth, Minnesota
Sponsored by Thomas and Linda Garden
JEREMY LUIS LOPEZ, Tenor
Long Island, New York
Sponsored by William C.
and Joyce K. Fletcher
SAMANTHA MCGONIGAL, Mezzo-Soprano
Marysville, Ohio
Sponsored by Hank and Melinda Foster
SPENCER MCINTIRE, Baritone
Kansas City, Missouri
Sponsored by Alan Kesten
and Pamela Johnson
KAT NORMAN, Soprano
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sponsored by Kim and Patrick Nettles
ANTHONY PILCHER, Baritone
Buffalo, New York
Sponsored by Anonymous
HANNAH REICH, Mezzo-Soprano
Atlanta, Georgia
Sponsored by Margaret Renner
FERNANDO SILVA GORBEA, Tenor
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Sponsored by Dean Scarborough
and Janice Bini
UMA SINGH, Soprano
Cleveland, Ohio
Sponsored by Judith Sear
SAMANTHA SOSA, Soprano
Caracas, Venezuela
The Lynn and Steve Blackledge
Endowed Apprentice Artist
SARAH STEMBEL, Soprano
New Orleans, Louisiana
Sponsored by Joan Mathews
THOMAS VALENTI, Tenor
Boston, Massachusetts
Sponsored by Stephania
and James McClennen
MICHAEL VARILLA, Tenor
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Sponsored by Amanda and Dick Smoot