UNM Alumnus Santiago Alfonzo-Serrano to Join Sarasota Opera’s Apprentice Artists Program

University of New Mexico alumnus Santiago “Santi” Alfonzo-Serrano will join Sarasota Opera’s 2027 Apprentice Artists Program, taking the next step in his professional career through nearly three months of performance, coaching and collaboration in Sarasota, Florida.

The Venezuelan baritone, who earned his Master of Music in Voice Performance at UNM in 2025, will participate in the program from January 4 through March 21, 2027. Established in 1982, the program helps trained singers make the transition from student to professional life through intensive musical preparation and experience with a professional opera company.
“I am very excited about this upcoming program! Getting to meet other colleagues, expanding my musical network, and having dedicated time to focus on my beloved craft for three months is a fantastic opportunity,” Alfonzo-Serrano said.

During the season, Alfonzo-Serrano will cover the role of Dick Deadeye in Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore and perform as a Lackey in Richard Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos. He will also sing in the choruses of Jenůfa, Ariadne auf Naxos, La traviata and H.M.S. Pinafore.

His schedule includes three concerts featuring operatic scenes and arias—two accompanied by piano and one with orchestra. Alongside these performances, the program offers musical and language coaching, master classes, and opportunities to work with company staff, guest artists and fellow emerging professionals.

At UNM, Alfonzo-Serrano studied with Dr. Michael Hixand coached with Dr. Kristin Ditlow. His university opera roles included John Brooke in Mark Adamo’s Little Women and Count Almaviva in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro.

Since graduating, he has remained active in Albuquerque’s musical and theatrical community. He portrayed the Pirate King in Albuquerque Little Theatre’s production of The Pirates of Penzance and has performed with Gonzo Opera, a company focused on the comedic works of local composer Daniel Steven Crafts. He has also sung with local congregations and recently made his debut with the Santa Fe Symphony Chorus in Rachmaninoff’s The Bells.

Before heading to Sarasota, Alfonzo-Serrano will share a program with fellow UNM alumna Mary Brzezinski and current master’s student Maxwell Reilly. Their joint recital will take place November 6 at 6 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, featuring favorite works the singers have studied over the years.

For Alfonzo-Serrano, the Sarasota engagement offers an opportunity to build on those experiences while expanding his artistic community and exploring new stages.
Follow his musical activities on Instagram at @santibaritone.