Multi-genre vocalist Sara Bielanski sings repertoire that encompasses jazz, gospel, R&B, opera and art song, and improvisation. Her voice has been described by critics as "resplendent", and her contemporary interpretations as "unforgettable", "the real thing", and "mystifying and beautiful"(artfuse.org 2012).
An avid jazz musician, Sara has performed with legends Sheila Jordan, Ra-Kalam Bob Moses, Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely, Stan Strickland, and Peter Cassino, and had the distinct pleasure of studying with the late Charlie Banacos. Bielanski studied at the esteemed Jazz in July program at UMass Amherst, as well as the Lake Placid Jazz Institute in upstate New York. She has sung at major Boston and New York venues, most notably at RegattaBar, Ryles, Acton Jazz Cafe, Top of the Hub, the Boston Esplanade, Club OBERON, and in New York at the JP Morgan Penthouse.
Bielanski's collaborations in the classical genre have most notably included Opera Boston (now Odyssey Opera), Tuscia Opera Festival in Rome, Boston Ballet, MassOpera (formerly MetroWest Opera), Chorus Pro Musica, Commonwealth Opera, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Masterworks Chorale, Juventas New Music Ensemble, Holyoke Civic Symphony, and the Boston Pops Chorus.
In the past, Bielanski participated in several distinguished vocal competitions, placing first in the Boston NATS Competition in the Professional Division. She was a finalist in the Peter Elvins Competition for Professional Singers, and a national semi-finalist in the Lois Alba Vocal Competition in Houston, Texas.
Recording projects include a demo of opera choruses for BOSE, ensemble work with Boston Modern Orchestra Project, a Bob Dylan project for WICN radio, and her debut album, From The Heart.
Bielanski is a founding member of the Boston-based classical improvisation group The Meltdown Incentive and also collaborates with THE VORTEX (a series for new and improvised music).
A passionate educator, Bielanski is an Assistant Professor of Voice at Berklee College of Music. In addition, she teaches at the Longy School of Music of Bard College, and the Tufts University Community Music Program.
