NATS-LA PRESENTS
The Gwendolyn Roberts Young Artist Auditions (YAA)
Winner’s Recital
Featuring
AGNESE GALLENZI
Soprano
Student of
Diane Ketchie-Saar
with
Collaborative Pianist
Brendan White
Sunday, September 27, 2026
3:00 PM
The Church of Our Saviour
535 W Roses Rd
san gabriel, ca 91775
Reception to follow
Free Admission
AGNESE GALLENZI, NATS-LA YAA Singer of the Year, 2026
An honor recipient of several prizes including the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, soprano Agnese Gallenzi was described as a “propelling force” by the Austrian magazine Kleine Zeitung as she mesmerizes the audience with her poignant interpretation of the female operatic characters.
On the mainstage, Gallenzi made her international debut at State Opera Stara Zagora (BLG) with the role of Adina in L’Elisir d’Amore and received national critical acclaim for the role of Queen of the Night in the staged production of Die Zauberflöte, Stefaniensaal (AUST), 2024. Other operatic roles include Susanna (Le Nozze di Figaro), Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Musetta and Mimì (La Bohème), Micaëla (Carmen), Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), Agrippina (Agrippina), and Rosalinda (Die Fledermaus). On the concert stage, she has performed major works including Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, and Mozart’s Requiem.
Gallenzi graduated at the Conservatory G. B Pergolesi di Fermo (ITA) with high honors and earned her master’s degree at California State University Northridge (CA). Her accolades include Honorable Mention at the Meistersinger Vocal Competition Finals (AUS), Audience Choice Award as a finalist at the Palm Springs Vocal Competition, Career Grant recipient in the Pasadena Vocal Competition and Metropolitan Laffont Competition District.
Agnese debuted as an Apprentice Artist at Sarasota Opera for the 2026 season and she will return at the House debuting the role of Echo in Ariadne of Naxos as well as covering the role of Violetta cover in La Traviata in the 2027 winter season.
Signore Ascolta | Turandot | Giacomo Puccini - Agnese Gallenzi, Soprano
Brendan White, Collaborative Pianist
Brendan White is an award-winning pianist who has performed across the US and in Europe. Originally from Tennessee but currently based in Southern California, Brendan frequently appears in solo recitals, as soloist with orchestras, and as a recording artist. Known for his broad repertoire, he enjoys playing music by living composers and lesser-known composers in addition to the classical standards. Brendan has collaborated with well-known composers such as Thomas Adès and Danaë Xanthe Vlasse, with whom he worked on her Grammy Award-winning album, Mythologies. He has performed as soloist with orchestras including the Vicente Chamber Orchestra, the Eastman School’s Musica Nova ensemble, Symphony of the Verdugos, Crown City Symphony, Jackson Symphony, and the Delta Symphony.
Locally in Southern California, Brendan has been a Piano Spheres Emerging Artist and winner of the prestigious Beverly Hills Auditions. He is an original member of the annual Sunset Chamberfest in Los Angeles. He studied at the Eastman School of Music and the Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California.
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