Dr. Tamar Sanikidze

Biography

Tamar Sanikidze is a distinguished music professional with a career that reflects her extensive experience in performance, coaching, and leadership within the opera world. As the Sarah Ernest Butler Endowed Professor of Opera at the University of Texas at Austin, she serves as the Director and Principal Coach of the Butler Opera Center. Her career includes pivotal roles in shaping the next generation of opera professionals through mentorship, education, and performance. Sanikidze is a graduate of renowned young artist programs, including the Cafritz Young Artist Program at the Washington National Opera and the Adler Fellowship at the San Francisco Opera. She has held key music staff positions in prestigious opera houses both in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to her role as an official pianist and Chorus Master at the Operalia World Opera Competition, she has performed on celebrated world stages such as La Scala, the Royal Opera House, and the Hungarian State Opera House. Not only a performer, but she is also a respected coach and educator, collaborating regularly with distinguished young artist programs like the Merola Opera Program and Washington National Opera. Sanikidze is a recipient of the Marilyn Horne Foundation Award for Excellence in Vocal Accompanying. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland and has participated in several prestigious music programs throughout her education.

Research Interests

Courses