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 coaching’s 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 and Music Director of the Apprentice Artists), Martha Collins (Apprentice Artists Program stage director), Stephanie Sundine (Apprentice Artists Program 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 to the 2026 Apprentice Artist program are now open. Click here to apply.
2025 Winter Apprentice Artists
MATTEO ADAMS, Tenor
Beaumont, Texas
Sponsored by Margaret Renner
SANDRA ALDAZ MERAZ, Mezzo-Soprano
Chihuahua, Mexico
Sponsored by Les and Carol Brualdi
CHRISTINE ALFANO, Soprano
Boca Raton, Florida
EMILY ANDERSON, Mezzo-Soprano
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Sponsored by Patrick and Ann Kenny
TALAR ARSLANIAN, Soprano
Pasadena, California
The Joey Frye Endowed Apprentice Artist
ADRIEL BARALT JIMENEZ, Tenor
Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic
Sponsored by Irwin and Andra Press
SERAFINA BELLETINI, Mezzo-Soprano
Livonia, Michigan
Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arthur
CHARLES DANIEL, Bass
Birmingham, Alabama
Sponsored by Elaine Keating
CHRISTIAN DAVAKIS, Tenor
Oradell, New Jersey
Sponsored by William and Annette Lloyd
MICHAEL DESHIELD, Tenor
Bloomington, Indiana
Sponsored by James and Stephania McClennen
XOCHITL HERNANDEZ, Mezzo-Soprano
Los Angeles, California
Sponsored by Keith Nelson and Judith Marquis
HENRY HORSTMANN, Bass
Lindenhurst, New York
Sponsored by James and Lorna Mack
TIMOTHY KRUEGER, Bass
Findlay, Ohio
Sponsored by Alan Kesten and Pamela Johnson
ALEXANDRA KZESKI, Soprano
New York, New York
Sponsored by Alan Forrest Crawford
COLLIN LAHOOD, Tenor
Peoria, Illinois
Sponsored by Patrick and Kim Nettles
RACHEL MAGIL, Soprano
Rochester, New York
Sponsored y Janet and Lewis Solomon
VICTORIA MCGRATH, Soprano
Staten Island, New York
The Joel D. and Ellen S. Fedder Endowed Apprentice Artist
MAYA MCGUIRE, Mezzo-Soprano
Washington, D.C.
Sponsored by William and Joyce Fletcher
MARGARET MEIERHENRY, Soprano
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sponsored by Henry and Melinda Foster
ZEKY NADJI, Bass
Interlochen, Michigan
JOSE OLIVARES, Bass
Fort Worth, Texas
Sponsored by Joseph and Pam LoDato
LINDSEY POLCYN, Mezzo-Soprano
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Lynn and Steve Blackledge Endowed Apprentice Artist
WILLIIAM RASKIN, Bass
Milwaukee,Wisconsin
Sponsored by Amanda and Dick Smoot
JACKSON SCHROEDER, Tenor
Brunswick, Georgia
Sponsored by Katherine Benoit and John Brooks