Rhys
Stermer
My name is Rhys Stermer, I am an American - Tenor living in New York City; but originally from a small cattle farm in up-state NY.
I strive for excellence and by listening to others, I find the most productive educational experiences. I would love to bring what I have to offer as a musician, and gain the opportunity to learn from others within your company.
Biography
Rhys Stermer
American ~ Tenor
[rhysstermer@gmail.com] | [YouTube - https://youtube.com/@rhysstermer2002]
Rhys Stermer is a dynamic tenor whose voice carries both the precision of classical training and the vibrant expressiveness of the stage. Holding a Bachelor of Music and currently attaining his Master of Music in Voice & Opera Studies from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Opera, Rhys has cultivated a versatile career spanning opera, musical theatre, and concert performance—and showcasing his dynamic range in both comedic and lyrical repertoire.
Rhys has brought to life roles ranging from the cunning Arnalta in Monteverdi’s L’INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA (2025) to the mysterious Kaspar in Menotti’s AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS (2024). His portrayal of Tamino in Mozart’s DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE (2023) showcased his lyrical agility, while his turn as the Hexe in HÄNSEL UND GRETEL (2023) revealed a flair for dramatic character work. Coupled with his lighter French qualities with Läerte in Thomas’s HAMLET.
A graduate of SUNY Purchase Conservatory with a Bachelor and completing his Master of Music degrees in Voice & Opera Studies, Stermer has worked under the mentorship of renowned artists such as Jacque Trussel, Hugh Murphy, Bonnie Hamilton, Djordje Nesic, Dr. Sherry Overholt, and Dr. Deborrah Montgomery. His operatic scene work includes leading roles like Otello in Otello and Alfredo in La Traviata (Verdi), Rodolfo in La bohème, Fidelio in Fidelio (Beethoven), and Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore (Donizetti), demonstrating his command across genres. Whether in opera, sacred music, or theatrical productions, Rhys Stermer’s artistry is defined by its warmth, versatility, and unwavering passion for storytelling through song.
Press & Performances:
- L’incoronazione di Poppea at Purchase Opera
(https://operawire.com/purchase-opera-to-present-lincoronazione-di-poppea/)
- Amahl and the Night Visitors
Kaspar - (https://www.youtube.com/live/sEXrw_67vkQ)
- Hamlet
Läerte - (https://youtu.be/kzyVf-dpFo8)
- Opera Wire https://operawire.com/purchase-opera-to-present-lincoronazione-di-poppea/
Awards & Links:
Claude Debussy Competition, Paris 2025 - https://debussycompetitionparis.org/voice-2025/
Northrup Fine Arts Scholorship Recipient, 2020-202
