Rachel Schlesinger, a Slovak-American soprano from New York, is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the guidance of César Ulloa. She has
performed a diverse range of roles, including Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), Noemie (Cendrillon), and will portray
Dorinda (Orlando) in the spring of 2025. With a deep passion for both Slavic and French repertoire, Rachel is
drawn to the rich lyricism and expressive storytelling of composers such as Dvorak, Smetana, Rachmaninoff, Bizet, and Gounod. Her dedication to linguistic authenticity and stylistic nuance allows her to bring these works to life with sincerity and depth.
Rachel has honed her craft through renowned young artist programs such as Classical Lyric Arts (CLA) in Italy and France, the Sewanee Music Festival, and the International Summer Festival of Morelia. Her dedication has been recognized in national competitions, earning her a National Encouragement Award from the Shirley Rabb Winston Voice Scholarship, First Place in the NATS Central Region Lower Classical Division, and an Honorable Mention in the Hal Leonard Art Song Vocal Competition.
Rachel’s artistry reflects a profound connection to her Slavic heritage, which fuels her passion for exploring the rich vocal traditions of Czech, Slovak, Polish, and Russian repertoire. She is particularly drawn to the expressive lyricism and nuanced storytelling of composers such as Dvorak, Smetana, Janaçek, Moniuszko, and Rachmaninoff. With a commitment to technical precision, linguistic authenticity, and emotional depth, she actively studies the nuances of Slavic diction and phrasing to honor the cultural and poetic essence of these pieces. As she continues to expand her repertoire, Rachel seeks to bring greater awareness to the beauty and significance of Slavic vocal music, ensuring its place in the broader operatic canon while remaining true to her artistic and personal heritage.
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