About the Performers
Sarah Stembel
Lyric soprano Sarah Stembel, a native of New Orleans, has captivated audiences across the Gulf South and beyond with her radiant voice and versatile performances. Most recently, she was an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera, performing in Carmen, Lucia di Lammermoor, and Luisa Miller. She has also appeared as Edith in The Pirates of Penzance with MiOpera and as Doris Parker in Charlie Parker’s Yardbird with Dayton Opera, where she was a Resident Artist in 2022.
Sarah earned her Master of Music in Opera Performance at the Maryland Opera Studio in 2021, performing roles such as Violante in La finta giardiniera and Miss Wingrave in Owen Wingrave. A 2018 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, she starred in roles including Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera and Yum-Yum in The Mikado. She also performed in the ensembles of Turandot, Rigoletto, and Carmen with Opera Mississippi and the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company.
A decorated competitor, Sarah has won the Gulf Coast Steinway Vocal Competition and earned top prizes in several national competitions. With her compelling stage presence and vocal artistry, she is emerging as a rising star in the operatic world.
John Christopher Adams
John Christopher Adams is a gifted and versatile performer, whose musical repertoire spans opera, jazz, gospel, and musical theater. He has graced stages around the globe, performing in notable venues across Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, and various U.S. cities including Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, and Seattle. Born and raised in Fannin, Mississippi, John developed his foundational skills in theater and music under the expert guidance of Mrs. Karen Streit and Ms. Helen G. Morgan, who left an indelible mark on his artistic journey.
John pursued higher education in his craft, earning degrees in Vocal Performance and Opera from Mississippi College followed by advanced studies at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music. Beyond the stage, he channels his leadership and community engagement skills into his business, operating the John C. Adams State Farm Agency in Gadsden, Alabama. This role allows him to integrate his passion for the arts with his commitment to serving his community.
Victoria Thomasch
Originally from a small town in Texas, mezzo-soprano Victoria Thomasch is now making her mark as a performer and educator in New York City and internationally. Most recently, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by singing the title role of Carmen with Lighthouse Opera. Last season, she made her debut with Opera Mississippi at their “Broadway Meets the Met” gala and appeared in various concerts with Metro Opera Tech and SAS Performing Arts Company in New York City.
Among her career highlights, Victoria counts performing the title role of Cendrillon with the Miami Music Festival, singing in televised opera galas at the Teatro Degollado in Guadalajara, making her European debut as Mercédès in a cabaret-style Carmen, and leading the U.S. National Anthem at a Blue Jays vs. Yankees baseball game in Toronto. Her diverse repertoire also includes roles such as Annio in La clemenza di Tito, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Dorabella in Così fan tutte, Flora in The Enchanted Pig, Giulio Cesare in Giulio Cesare, Jennie in Down in the Valley, Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, Orsini in Lucrezia Borgia, and Ottavia in L’incoronazione di Poppea.
Victoria has participated in young artist residencies with Sarasota Opera, Finger Lakes Opera, and the Australian Contemporary Opera Company. She earned her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from New York University and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music from Baylor University.
Miguel Pedroza
Venezuelan bass-baritone Miguel Pedroza has brought his rich voice and commanding stage presence to the stages of esteemed companies such as Opera Columbus, Opera Maine, Opera Southwest, and Opera on the James, among others. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and the University of Houston, Miguel has earned recognition for his versatility and depth in a wide range of roles.
Recent highlights of his career include his portrayals of Masetto in Don Giovanni, Colline in La bohème, Marco in Gianni Schicchi, Randy Curtis in Lady in the Dark, Marchese d’Obigny in La Traviata, and Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro. In addition to his solo work, Miguel has been an integral part of the choruses at both Cincinnati Opera and Houston Grand Opera, further honing his skills alongside world-class performers.
This season, Miguel is excited to join Opera Mississippi, where he will perform the role of Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, showcasing his rich, resonant bass voice in this iconic role. With a growing reputation for his artistry and powerful performances, Miguel continues to captivate audiences across the operatic stage.
Dr. Theresa Sanchez
Dr. Theresa Sanchez, pianist, has served on the Jones College faculty since 1995, and is a past president of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association. She has received numerous teaching awards, and in 2024 was named a Fellow of the Music Teachers National Association. She performs regularly as a chamber musician with the Impromptu Piano Trio, and as a symphony pianist. She has served as Music Coordinator for FestivalSouth since its inception in 2010.