Hitting the High Notes

Feature Story

How a chance discovery at SFA led Amanda Sheriff to some of opera's biggest stages

Story by Robbie Goodrich '82

Becoming an opera singer was never Amanda Sheriff's goal when she left her Houston home and came to SFA to major in music education.

In fact, she didn't know what opera was until she performed in one as an SFA student. And yet, Sheriff has made an impressive, albeit demanding, career that's taken her to stages across the nation.

"Opera found me," Sheriff said, "which is a blessing that I can never take for granted in the midst of rejection and long hours. I am so grateful that SFA saw my potential and for Debbie Berry (SFA voice instructor) for giving me such a strong vocal foundation."

Since graduating from SFA — twice actually, in 2016 and 2018 — Sheriff has performed at more renowned venues and in more inspirational productions than she could have imagined, like the Atlanta Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, Opera Philadelphia and more. And finding her voice at SFA translated into swift successes.

Sheriff said she has "never felt more beautiful in a costume" as in the role of Countess Ceprano in "Rigoletto" with The Atlanta Opera, adding the role is "rather small, but she makes an entrance!" Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Opera
Sheriff said she has "never felt more beautiful in a costume" as in the role of Countess Ceprano in "Rigoletto" with The Atlanta Opera, adding the role is "rather small, but she makes an entrance!" Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Opera

Within just four years of graduation, Sheriff was awarded first prize in the prestigious and highly competitive 2022 Lotte Lenya Competition in New York City. She debuted her first Musetta role in Giacomo Puccini's "La Bohéme" at Opera Montana last April. She will conclude her residency at Atlanta Opera this summer.

She's accomplishing all this while balancing the demands and rewards of having a family in Smyrna, Delaware, and a career in the spotlight on stages across America.

Among her favorite performances was the role of Miss Lightfoot in "Fellow Travelers" by Gregory Spears at Des Moines Metro Opera, an opera that addresses the Lavender Scare during the McCarthy era.

"The career is nothing like I thought it would be," Sheriff said. "SFA told me that it would be challenging and fulfilling, but similarly to marriage, you can't understand the complexities — good or bad — unless you are actively in it."

Sheriff's favorite modern opera, "Fellow Travelers," explores the complex issues surrounding the Lavender Scare in America during the 1950s, a period in the United States when thousands of gay and lesbian people were forced out of the government. Singing the role of Miss Lightfoot, Sheriff said it was a character who stands in dark contrast to the "girlish roles" she typically plays. "It was a different kind of performance for me, and I relished the opportunity to break from my usual character types and dive into the darker side of the story," she said. Photo courtesy of Duane Tinkey with Des Moines Metro Opera
Sheriff's favorite modern opera, "Fellow Travelers," explores the complex issues surrounding the Lavender Scare in America during the 1950s, a period in the United States when thousands of gay and lesbian people were forced out of the government. Singing the role of Miss Lightfoot, Sheriff said it was a character who stands in dark contrast to the "girlish roles" she typically plays. "It was a different kind of performance for me, and I relished the opportunity to break from my usual character types and dive into the darker side of the story," she said. Photo courtesy of Duane Tinkey with Des Moines Metro Opera

Sheriff decided to come to Nacogdoches and SFA "mainly by luck." As a first-generation student, applying to college was a little mystifying. "I applied merely on a whim and then realized my favorite high school choir director, Deidre Douglas, was an SFA alum, and that sold it for me."

With an initial intent to major in music education, Sheriff learned that she would have to take classical voice lessons as part of the curriculum.

"I didn't even know what opera was! I had never seen an opera until I was in one at SFA," she said. "My voice teacher, Debbie Berry, believed that I had something special. I couldn't see my potential, and if it wasn't for her support in me (and the entire music faculty), I would not be an opera singer."

Sheriff said the most enjoyable part of her job is creating humanity on stage and sharing that vulnerability with audiences.

"When I am on stage, I try to be as vulnerable as possible, and I know that vulnerability speaks to the audience," she said. "There is nothing better than finishing a show and hearing how touched the audience felt! In a way, they are getting to experience my vulnerability as much as I do."

The role of Despina in "Così fan tutte" aligns closely with types Sheriff typically portrays — "young, feisty and full of cleverness," she explained. Despina is a witty and resourceful maid, and in this scene, she advises two noble ladies on how to get men "wrapped around their fingers," showcasing the character's knack for outsmarting those around her. Photo courtesy of Moonloop Photography with Opera Delaware
The role of Despina in "Così fan tutte" aligns closely with types Sheriff typically portrays — "young, feisty and full of cleverness," she explained. Despina is a witty and resourceful maid, and in this scene, she advises two noble ladies on how to get men "wrapped around their fingers," showcasing the character's knack for outsmarting those around her. Photo courtesy of Moonloop Photography with Opera Delaware

It's also a job that keeps her from living at home. "I spend most of my year on contracts far away from home, and while my husband and stepson fully support my career, I miss a lot while I'm gone," she said.

A typical day for Sheriff depends on if she's fulfilling a contract, or if she's fulfilling her roles as wife and stepmom.

"It is very rare for me to be on a contract and simultaneously at home," she explained. "When I am home, I do not work, which is a huge privilege. I am usually prepping music for my upcoming contracts, taking much-needed relaxation, and being a full-time wife and stepmom.

"When I am on contract, I usually have around eight hours of rehearsals spaced out throughout the day. I do that six days a week for about four weeks, and then on the fifth week, I will have between two to four performances on alternating days."

Sheriff admitted the career is not an easy one — that it can be lonely and sometimes infuriating.

"But all of that disappears when I walk on stage," she said. "It's still worth it, but the day it's not, I will quit. I thank God for guiding me in this career and thank my husband, James, for being my No. 1 cheerleader. Without him, I would not financially or emotionally handle the business."

She credits SFA for making her "a smart musician and a reliable colleague."

"Those are crucial skills and the attributes that will get you hired back," Sheriff said. "SFA showed me how to be an artist and not just a singer, which I don't think is a priority for many colleges and conservatories."

Giving her best advice to young students studying opera, Sheriff suggested "understand that this is a business, and you're selling your voice as a product. The rejection and criticism are not personal, and you don't have to 'people please.' They will either love the product or they won't; and regardless of opinions, you are valuable! The second thing I would suggest is to have a team of people who support you and not just your product."

Visit amandasheriff-soprano.com.

"The Magic Flute" is Sheriff's most performed opera. While a voice student at SFA, she sang Pamina in "The Magic Flute," and later as Papagena, the bird lady, for The Atlanta Opera. Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Opera
"The Magic Flute" is Sheriff's most performed opera. While a voice student at SFA, she sang Pamina in "The Magic Flute," and later as Papagena, the bird lady, for The Atlanta Opera.  Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Opera