Opera San José has revealed its roster of Artists-in-Residence for the 2023-24 season.
The resident company comprises several talented individuals, including Melisa Bonetti (Mezzo-soprano), Michelle Ainna Cuizon (Director), Vartan Gabrielian (Bass-baritone), Johannes Löhner (Conductor), Courtney Miller (Mezzo-soprano), Joshua Sanders (Tenor), and Melissa Sondhi (Soprano). Their introduction will take place through a virtual showcase on August 13, 2023.
Notably, Sondhi has been spotlighted as the inaugural Artist-in-Residence for the Wadhwani Chair for South Asia Artists, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing the exceptional talent within the South Asian opera community. Sondhi, initially a member of the chorus, will now take on leading roles in "Romeo and Juliet," "Rigoletto," and "Florencia en el Amazonas."
Additionally, the other Artists-in-Residence, including Sondhi, will participate in Opera San José's four mainstage productions, concerts, recitals, in-conversations, and "Meet the Artists" events. They will also be involved in workshopping the new opera "Zheng" by Shinki Eshima.
Opera San José's General Director, Shawna Lucey, expressed her excitement about the incoming group of artists, stating, “We are thrilled with the cohort of artists joining us this year. They are each heading into a brilliant career in music, and our audiences will cherish the opportunity to see the international opera stars of tomorrow in our productions this season...from sparkling role debuts, to conducting and directing debuts, our community is the home of these artistic ‘firsts.’ Because our audiences listen with their hearts, our artists learn to fly, and this is the beginning of a deep artistic collaboration between our new company of artists and the audiences and community of San José.”
The new Opera San José season commences on September 9, 2023, with a production of Gounod's "Romeo and Juliette."