Artistic Leader. Creative Producer. Speaker. Consultant.
About
Sarah Williams is an acclaimed leader in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary arts, widely recognized for her bold curatorial vision, commitment to innovation, and deep dedication to expanding the boundaries of artistic practice. Renowned for cultivating the unexpected and revitalizing institutions with global resonance, she is a driving force in transforming how art is created, experienced, and shared. Sarah was honored as one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s Women of Distinction and named one of Musical America’s Top 30 Professionals of the Year, celebrated for her “well-earned reputation as a savvy commissioner of new works.” Opera Magazine has commended her efforts to “broaden the demographics of creators, practitioners, and audiences,” while Opera News hailed her as a “tirelessly inventive curator of New Work.”
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Since joining Opera Philadelphia as Director of New Works & Creative Producer, Sarah has helped redefine the company's artistic vision. When she arrived, the company hadn’t commissioned a world premiere in nearly 30 years; under her stewardship, it has become a recognized industry leader in commissioning and producing groundbreaking new works for both stage and digital platforms. Her projects have garnered widespread acclaim, including multiple Music Critics Association of North America Awards, Grammy nominations, recognition among The New York Times’ top musical performances, and the distinction of producing the first American opera to win the Fedora Generali Prize. She also transformed the Composer in Residence program into a nationally recognized, deeply personalized professional development model. As part of Opera Philadelphia’s artistic leadership, she drives strategic program design and planning, championing works that honor the art form’s history while pushing it into new territory.
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Beyond her work in opera, Sarah is a sought-after creative producer and consultant across artistic disciplines. She has collaborated with a wide range of artists and institutions, producing and advising on projects that span genres and mediums. A frequent speaker and lecturer, she has recently shared her insights at the University of Pennsylvania, Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, the New York Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, The New School, The Hart Institute for Women Conductors, The Dramatists Guild, and the So Percussion Institute. She is a mentor with Opera America’s Mentorship Program and served on the inaugural panel for its IDEA grant, supporting composers and librettists of color. Her producing credits also include a six-day global film festival and leadership roles such as Interim General Manager of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
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Sarah holds a Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music, a Bachelor of Music from Westminster Choir college, and a certificate in Entrepreneurship from Cornell University. She serves on the boards of American Composers Forum and Wildflower Composers.
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