Salvadoran-American coloratura soprano Sarah Rosales is notably known for her performance of the U.S national anthem for the 7th Democratic Presidential Debate in the 2020 election cycle. The event led her to make history, becoming the first Salvadoran individual to sing on CNN LIVE International. Opera career highlights include covering the role Isabella Stewart Gardner in the world premiere of Damien Geter’s American Apollo (Des Moines Metro Opera), Belle (Beauty & the Beast, Des Moines Metro Opera’s Opera Iowa program), & Lauretta/Nan Wood Graham (Gianni Schicchi/American Gothical, Cedar Rapids Opera).
In addition to opera, Sarah frequently performs musical theater, pop, and cumbia repertoire through concert and cabaret work. She is the recipient of numerous awards from organizations such as Opera Mississippi, The Schubert Club, National Society of Arts & Letters, Musicians Club of Women, the Edvard Grieg Society of Minnesota/the Dakotas, multiple awards at the district and regional levels of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, & The George Shirley Vocal Competition.
In spring of 2025, Sarah will premiere a new art song by Dr. Maria Thompson Corley at The George Shirley Vocal Competition as part of her awards won during the 2024 competition cycle, generously sponsored by Grammy Award winning soprano Karen Slack. In summer of 2025 she will appear as a young artist with The Glimmerglass Festival, performing as Alícia in the world premiere of The House on Mango Street by Derek Bermel and Sandra Cisneros, as well as appearing in the ensemble of The Rake’s Progress.
Social media: @sarahraerosalesofficial
Photo by Miles Fritz Photography