Sofia Gotch
Congratulations to CLA alumna soprano Sofia Gotch, who will be performing the role of Barbarina in Le nozze di Figaro this fall with the San Francisco Opera!
Sofia participated in CLA Italy in both 2022 and 2023 and has been the Programs & Marketing Manager since her first summer with CLA. Her time participating in the CLA programs shaped and strengthened her artistry and has led the way for momentous growth and future milestones in her career.
“I felt that I was able to connect much more deeply with my music during my time in CLA, and this connection has followed me in the weeks since. With the knowledge and experiences I gained through CLA, I feel like I’ve become a much more intentional performer and singer in such a short period of time.”
-Sofia on her time at CLA Italy 2023
Since her time at CLA, Sofia has continued to build an exciting career through some of the country’s leading young artist programs. She was a Renée Fleming Fellow at the Aspen Music Festival and School in 2024, and later joined the Merola Opera Program in 2025, where she performed the role of Alice in Rossini’s Le Comte Ory.
Sofia and the Admin Team, 2025 CLA Gala
Currently, Sofia is an Adler Fellow with the San Francisco Opera, where she continues her artistic development with one of the country’s most celebrated opera companies. This year, Sofia has covered the role of Rosina in Rossini’s Barbiere di Siviglia, and made her official debut with the company singing the role of The Confidante in Strauss’ Elektra. She will go on to sing the role of Pousette in Massenet’s Manon, and will sing Barbarina while covering Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro.
Sofia as The Confidante in Elektra, San Francisco Opera
Alongside her work in leading young artist programs, Sofia has been recognized through several prestigious vocal competitions. In 2025, she was named a Semifinalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and received Third Prize in the Gerda Lissner International Vocal Competition, the Giulio Gari International Vocal Competition, and the James Toland Vocal Arts Competition.
From her first experiences with CLA to her upcoming work with San Francisco Opera, Sofia’s accomplishments reflect the dedication and artistry that defines the CLA community. The CLA Team congratulates Sofia on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to following her continued success!