Elizabeth Saunders Log Cabin Retreats

Elizabeth Saunders’ voice and artistic command are described by reviewers as “formidable”, “spectacular,” “creamy,” “sensuous,” “powerful,” “sweet,” and “perfect.” An uncommonly versatile singer-actress with eclectic artistic passions, Elizabeth is widely recognized by international Ives scholars as one of the most compelling interpreters of Charles Ives’ songs today. Her powerful and nuanced performances of Ives’ music also caught the attention of jazz legend, MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient, and 2014 NEA Jazz Master awardee Anthony Braxton. Braxton invited her to join his musical world—one that blends avant-garde jazz with conceptual composition. Elizabeth now performs as a core member of the 12-singer ensemble dedicated to Braxton’s work, participating in both recordings and live performances of his Trillium Cycle of “restructuralist” operas, as well as his Syntactical Ghost Trance Music. In addition to performing principal roles in traditional opera across the U.S., Europe, and Japan, Elizabeth has also brought her talents to the musical theatre stage. Her musical theatre credits include roles such as the Old Lady in Bernstein’s Candide, Cousin Hebe in H.M.S. Pinafore, and Meg in Brigadoon. She has also appeared as a soloist in Pops concerts with esteemed ensembles including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra, and the Unified Jazz Ensemble. Her international operatic appearances are extensive and varied. Highlights include the title role in Carmen in Osaka, Japan, Florence Pike in Albert Herring in Tokyo, and Anna in Kurt Weill’s Die Bürgschaft in Germany. She also performed the role of La Voce in Respighi’s Lucrezia in Italy, showcasing her versatility and global artistic reach. Elizabeth has performed as a mezzo soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Carnegie Hall with the American Composers Orchestra, at Lincoln Center with Broadway composer and conductor Phil Hall, and at Le Poisson Rouge with Joseph Kubera, one of the world’s leading interpreters of contemporary music at the piano. Now enjoying non-musical performances both in the theater and on camera, Elizabeth has continued to expand her creative work beyond opera. She premiered the role of Mrs. Vaughn in Nathan Wright’s Peninsula as part of the Manhattan Repertory Theater’s New Works Plays Series and brought the role of Joan to life in Derek Nicoletto’s Brunch in Babel for the New York Theater Festival. Her recent screen work includes playing Kate opposite Jeff Daniels in the 9/11 political drama miniseries The Looming Tower on Hulu, as well as appearing in Bravo’s comedy series Odd Mom Out. Elizabeth continues to explore diverse roles that showcase her range and emotional depth. She also played Ellen in the award-winning film One Angry Black Man, directed by Oscar and Emmy nominee Hans Charles, which was released via Video on Demand in Summer 2019. Additionally, she appeared in the comedy Noah Wise, further demonstrating her versatility across genres.