Birth

:

in State College, PA

 

Sarah Shafer is a renowned American soprano who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 22, 1984, Shafer grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a classical pianist. From a young age, Shafer was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, and she quickly developed a love for singing. Shafer began her formal music education at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, where she studied voice and piano. She later attended the Curtis Institute of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. During her time at Curtis, Shafer studied under the tutelage of renowned soprano Marlena Malas, who helped her develop her vocal technique and stage presence. After graduating from Curtis, Shafer continued her studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she earned a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance. While at Juilliard, Shafer had the opportunity to work with some of the most respected vocal coaches and conductors in the world, including Brian Zeger, Stephen Wadsworth, and James Levine. Shafer's career as a professional opera singer began in 2008, when she made her debut with the Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico. She played the role of Barbarina in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," and her performance was met with critical acclaim. This success led to more opportunities for Shafer, and she soon began performing with some of the most prestigious opera companies in the world. One of Shafer's most notable performances came in 2011, when she played the role of Susanna in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. This was a major milestone in Shafer's career, as the Metropolitan Opera is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious opera companies in the world. Shafer's performance was praised by critics, who noted her "crystalline voice" and "charming stage presence." Shafer has also performed with other major opera companies, including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Houston Grand Opera, and the San Francisco Opera. She has played a wide range of roles, from the innocent and naive Susanna to the seductive and manipulative Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata." Shafer's versatility as a performer has made her a sought-after artist in the world of opera. In addition to her work in opera, Shafer is also an accomplished concert singer. She has performed with some of the most respected orchestras in the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Shafer has also collaborated with some of the most respected conductors in the world, including Alan Gilbert, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and Michael Tilson Thomas. Shafer's talent as a singer has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2010, she was named a winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, which is one of the most prestigious vocal competitions in the world. She was also a recipient of the Richard Tucker Career Grant in 2014, which is awarded to young singers who show exceptional promise in the world of opera. Shafer's success as a performer is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. She continues to push herself to new heights, always striving to improve her vocal technique and stage presence.

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