(Photo credit: Kristen Loken)

On Sept. 9, Opera San José will open its 40th anniversary with a new production of Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette” by Shawna Lucey. The production will mark the role debuts of several artists who are also rising stars in the opera world. One of those artists is Joshua Sanders who will take on the lead role of Romeo for the first time.

Sanders is a rising star having already performed at the Palm Beach Opera, Teatro Regio di Torino, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Berkshire Oper Festival, Wolf Trap Opera, Madison Opera, and Washington Concert Opera, among others. His repertoire is varied having performed roles by Verdi, Mozart, Monteverdi, Puccini, Strauss, Sondheim, and Berlioz, among others.

Regarding this upcoming opening night, Sanders told OperaWire, “I am filled with gratitude to be opening Opera San José’s 40th anniversary season. The gift of singing one of the most iconic characters in the history of storytelling, has pushed me artistically as an actor as well as a singer. I’m thankful to OSJ for giving me this platform, and for their incredible support during the process of discovering Roméo as a fully realized human being.”

And for those not in San José for opening night, the tenor will continue in the city for a production of “The Barber of Seville” and will also perform in Nashville’s production of “The Magic Flute.”

Recordings

For those who want to get familiar with his voice, the tenor is on a recording of “I Lombardi” from Torino. Here are also some performances of him in Rossini and Strauss arias.