Hip Hop Orchestra Experience (featured singer, with Ensemble Mik Nawooj) Fairfield, IA
“Featuring members of Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra (SEISO) alongside San Francisco’s Ensemble Mik Nawooj, the Hip Hop Orchestra Experience is part concert, dance party, and club night featuring original music that samples from classical and hip-hop—all presented in an underground setting like the New York scene that birthed hip-hop. The music uniquely challenges the MCs and classical musicians pushing the boundaries of both hip-hop and concert music, creating something completely new. The program includes seminal works of Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven, deconstructed and reimagined with funky rhythms and rapid-fire rhymes.”
The George Shirley Competition Semi Finals
“The George Shirley Vocal Competition: African American Vocal Repertoire (GSVC) is an annual competition, held at The University of Michigan. The competition offers singers and composers the opportunity to work with and receive feedback from world-renowned judges, including George Shirley. More than $30,000 in prizes are awarded annually. The competition is open to singers and composers of all races and ethnicities, ages 14-32 for vocalists and 18-35 for composers.”
The Barber of Seville (Ensemble) Des Moines Metro Opera
“Get ready for a rollicking fiesta of sunny Seville madness as Rossini’s celebrated, razor-sharp comedy returns to our stage in riotous technicolor. Featuring some of opera’s most familiar and show-stopping tunes, The Barber of Seville is a must-see treat for the eyes and ears!”
American Apollo (Isabella Stewart Gardner, cover) Des Moines Metro Opera
“Damien Geter and Lila Palmer's American Apollo gives voice to a pivotal figure in American art: Thomas Eugene McKeller, a Black hotel worker who served as model and muse for famous portraitist John Singer Sargent. Themes of erasure, the white gaze and the nature of the relationship between the two men are explored in this powerful new work which makes its full-length world premiere at Des Moines Metro Opera in 2024.”
Beauty & the Beast (Belle) Des Moines Metro Opera
“Enjoy a twist on the classic fairytale with the world premiere tour of Grétry and Borths' Beauty and the Beast! The characters of Belle’s world are obsessed with how they are perceived by the world around them. The Prince was the worst example of this until the Spirit of the Rose cursed him so that his body would reflect his soul, and everyone would see him for the beast he truly was. With the help of Belle, the Spirit of the Rose, and a magic mirror, the Beast will try to change his heart and break the curse.”
Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing (The Clown) Des Moines Metro Opera
Various dates, tickets N/A
“Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing is the story of a serpent in the circus who longs for more than just slithering in and out of his basket—he wants to sing! His efforts to find a singing style suitable to a snake are hilarious and this wonderful little opera has become our most requested opera for children! In addition to this performance, a school residency includes access to OPERA Iowa's Virtual Opera Curriculum and in-person workshops on the day of your performance.”
War & Remembrance Recital (with Ethan Elsbernd, baritone), Cedar Rapids Opera
“Join us on Saturday, November 11th at Cedar Memorial Chapel to celebrate Veterans Day with Cedar Rapids Opera. The magnetic voices of Ethan Elsbernd, baritone, and Sarah Rosales, soprano, with Nathan Carterette, pianist, explore haunting lyrics and arresting melodies in a concert honoring the men and women who have served our country. This free, public event has limited seating, so please click below to reserve your seats!”
The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition
Sarah Rosales received an encouragement award this year for her performance at the Kentucky district of the Laffont Competition.
She Breathes Fire (world premiere)
“She Breathes Fire” is a world premiere collaboration with composer Stacy Busch, No Divide KC, & Owen-Cox Dance Group. Inspired by folklore, fantasy and nature, “She Breathes Fire” offers its own folkloric tale seen through the eyes of women.”
Lauretta/Nan Wood Graham, Gianni Schicchi/American Gothical (Cedar Rapids Opera)
“Imposters and hijinks abound in Puccini's charming one-act farce Gianni Schicchi (sung in English). After intermission, Robert Lindsey-Nassif's American Gothical takes center stage as a love letter to one of Iowa's most famous paintings.”
Josette/Spirit of the Rose, Beauty & The Beast (Des Moines Metro Opera)
“Enjoy a twist on the classic fairytale with the world premiere tour of Grétry and Borths' Beauty and the Beast! The characters of Belle’s world are obsessed with how they are perceived by the world around them. The Prince was the worst example of this until the Spirit of the Rose cursed him so that his body would reflect his soul, and everyone would see him for the beast he truly was. With the help of Belle, the Spirit of the Rose, and a magic mirror, the Beast will try to change his heart and break the curse.”
Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Upper Midwest Regionals
Sarah received one of two encouragement awards at the Upper Midwest Regionals of the Laffont Competition.
Camera Operator/Ensemble, Così fan tutte (Cedar Rapids Opera)
“Quiet on the set! Così fan tutte... take 2! 🎬 Set in front of (and behind!) the cameras of a 1980s soap opera, this star-studded and shoulder-padded production empowers Mozart’s female characters like never before. With stage direction by Benjamin Robinson, this show delivers an unforgettable evening of drama, laughter and Mozart’s most magical melodies. Daniel Kleinknecht conducts the illustrious musicians of Orchestra Iowa.
Don’t miss the show before the show! 45 minutes before curtain, join University of Iowa Professor Anna Barker for a pre-opera talk in the Encore Lounge about the history of Mozart, the opera, and its glorious score.”
The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (Iowa District)
Sarah Rosales advanced in the Laffont Competition after being awarded a winner at the Iowa District in January of 2023.
