Jeremiah Sanders
Jeremiah Sanders grew up singing in church choir with their madea (great grandmother) and is now described as "a hulk with robust voice and a flair for comedy." Sanders has performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Lima Symphony Orchestra, Lakes Area Music Festival, Lyric Opera of the North, Opera Saratoga, Des Moines Metro Opera, Minnesota Opera, and Union Avenue Opera. Previously, Sanders secured district wins in the prestigious Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition, won the Kurt Weill award in the Lotte Lenya Competition and the Raphael Bundage Young Artist award in the Orpheus National Vocal Competition, was 1st place winner in the Opera Ebony Competition and the Friends of the Symphony (Lima Symphony Orchestra) Young Artist Competition, and 2nd place with the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Competition.
A budding Verdi Baritone, Sanders' training has centered on an Italianate, Bel canto style. Sanders repertoire includes 25 roles across the canon. Notable previous roles include: Falstaff and Ford in Falstaff, Father in Hänsel und Gretel, and Marcello in La bohème which Sanders performed recently in Minnesota Opera's 2024 production. An avid recitalist, Sanders has a substantial interest in Romantic, 20th, and contemporary composers. Sanders regularly participates in workshops and premieres for new operas and songs and particularly enjoys interpreting works by composers with marginalized identities.
A native Hoosier, Sanders has taught at Indiana University, Butler University, Manchester University, Kabarak University (Kenya), and with the Detroit Opera. Sanders was founder and artistic director of the Celebration of African American Music Concert Series at Butler University. An active performer, guest artist teacher and lecturer, Sanders has presented on “Empowering Black Students: Youth Development and College Readiness,” “Synergy for Survival: Collaborations Between Commercial Music and Traditional Opera Programs in Higher Education,” “Expanding the Lens of Opera,” “Diversifying Canon,” and “African American Composers and the Operatic Canon.” Dr. Sanders received a DM, Vocology Certificate and Performer's Diploma in Voice from Indiana University, Master's degree in Vocal Performance from Butler University, and Bachelor of Arts degree at Manchester University. Dr. Sanders is currently a Resident Artist with the Minnesota Opera.
- Voice and opera