Rachel Sparer Bersier, Soprano, has sung throughout the United States and Europe and has been heralded in the press for her interpretation of Richard Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos” in England: “(Opera Festival) Broomhill was lucky to have Rachel Bersier from New York as Ariadne, for this is an astonishing talent. I have never heard a singer so obviously gifted for roles like Brunnhilde and Isolde, with an attack and timbre like Varnay’s or Nilsson’s… A glorious sound, which made a spell-binding effect.” — Tom Sutcliffe,The Guardian.
PERFORMING CAREER
Leading roles include Turandot, Norma, Donna Anna (Don Giovanni), Elisabeth in Wagner’s Tannhauser and Mathilde from Mascagni’s “Silvano” which she performed to critical acclaim at Carnegie Hall in New York and recorded for Elysium Recordings Inc. Her oratorio and concert works include R. Strauss’ Vier Letzte Lieder, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Dvorak’s Stabat Mater, Elijah; Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, and Verdi’s Requiem which she continues to enjoy performing.
EARLY YEARS
Born and raised in New York City, she was awarded the first prize in the Wagner Division of the Liederkranz Competition and was a finalist in the Lucia Albenese Competition in Los Angelos as well as the Francesco Vinas Competition in Barcelona. Amongst other awards and scholarships she was a regional finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Young Artist Competition
TEACHING ACTIVITY
Rachel, teacher at the Schweizer Akademie für Musik und Musikpädagogik (Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences Switzerland) is regularly invited to give Master Classes across Europe. She teaches in Germany, France, Italy, Montenegro and has recently being invited to teach at the Académie Internationale d’Été de Nice. From her home base of Switzerland, she teaches over 60 private students combined from her studios in Geneva, Lausanne and Fribourg, and organizes regular Opera Workshops as well as audition classes for young professional singers.
TESTIMONIALS
Les conseils de Rachel me sont également très précieux pour mon enseignement au Conservatoire de Genève. Mes élèves bénéficient donc indirectement de son enseignement.“