Dr. S Joshua Sheppard is an internationally acclaimed operatic bass-baritone praised for his “Italianate tone and compelling interpretation” across traditional and contemporary repertoire. His 2025 season includes Jose Tripaldi in Golijov’s Ainadamar with Eastman Opera Theatre, Vivier’s Kopernikus with chamber ensemble Meridionalis in Bogotá, Colombia, bass soloist in Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis at Rochester’s Kodak Hall, and his second-place finish in the prestigious Jessie Kneisel Lieder Competition.

With over 30 productions performed with world-class organizations including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Prague’s historic Estates Theater, Sheppard brings equally compelling artistry to masterworks and contemporary premieres. Recent highlights include Pizarro and Fernando in Beethoven’s Fidelio with the Opera Company of Middlebury, Count Ceprano and Usciere in Verdi’s Rigoletto with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and his New York debut in Gluck’s Orfeo at La Mama theater. His commitment to new music includes works by living composers Missy Mazzoli, Anthony Davis, Kevin Puts, and Paola Prestini.

Dr. Sheppard earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Grammy Award-winning tenor Anthony Dean Griffey. As an award-winning pedagogue with dual teaching excellence awards from Eastman institutions, his innovative cross-genre methods inspired by Moshe Feldenkrais have guided students to prestigious programs including Jacobs School of Music, Mannes, and the University of Michigan.