Biography
Laurel Semerdjian is a second-year Resident Artist with Pittsburgh Opera, who is seen in 2015-16 as Fenena/NABUCCO, Meg/LITTLE WOMEN, Gertrude Stein/27, and Mother Goose/THE RAKE’S PROGRESS. She appeared in 2014-15 as Emilia/Otello, Eduige/Rodelinda, and Asakir/Sumeida’s Song.
In Summer 2015, Ms. Semerdjian made her Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra debut as part of Three Rivers Arts Festival, was featured in Pittsburgh Opera’s free concerts at Hartwood Acres and Chatham University’s Eden Hall campus, and portrayed Cherubino/Le nozze di Figaro at Bellevue City Opera. She also performed opera favorites at fundraisers for Tacoma Opera and Seattle Opera.
Ms. Semerdjian has performed the roles of Julia Child/Bon Appétit, Veronica/Dr. Miracle, Gertrude/Roméo et Juliette, Ruth/Pirates of Penzance, Ganymede/My Fair Galatea, 3rd Lady/Die Zauberflöte, Mrs. Herring/Albert Herring, and Rosa Gonzalez/Summer and Smoke. She was recently an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera, covering the role of Inez/Il trovatore. In Summer 2014 she performed the role of Mercedes/Carmen as a vocal fellow at Marilyn Horne’s Music Academy of the West. From 2012-2013 Ms. Semerdjian was an Emerging Artist with The Dallas Opera, where she reprised Veronica/Dr. Miracle in outreach at schools as well as at the Winspear Opera House with the Dallas Opera Orchestra. She also covered the role of Sonia in The Dallas Opera’s The Aspern Papers. As a Tacoma Opera Young Artist in 2010, she performed in the Young Artist Showcase and covered the role of Cherubino/Le nozze di Figaro.
Ms. Semerdjian received her Bachelor’s degree in vocal arts with a minor in music industry from the University of Southern California in 2010 and her Master’s degree in the fall of 2013 from the University of North Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Traina generously sponsor Ms. Semerdjian’s residency.