Passionate about exploring the impact of opera in society, Sofia Vaz Silva works as a producer, stage director, performer, and educator, combining artistic vision with practical leadership in opera and music projects.

During her collaboration with Ópera na Academia e na Cidade as Head of Production and Assistant Stage Director, Sofia gained extensive experience in opera management, symphonic concerts, chamber music, and educational initiatives. She oversaw around 50 productions per year across numerous municipalities and cultural institutions in Portugal, developing innovative projects aimed at democratizing access to opera and fostering social connection through music.

Alongside this work, Sofia has developed an international practice as a Stage Director, including collaborations with the Podkarpacka Philharmonic (Rzeszów, Poland) on Eliksiry i namiętności – Chemia i opera and with the Orchestra Filarmonica del Piemonte (Cuneo, Italy) on El Amor Brujo, focusing on the conception and staging of interdisciplinary operatic projects.

In February–March 2026, she undertook a Stage Direction Observership at the Royal Opera House (London), following the rehearsal and staging process of Siegfried (Der Ring des Nibelungen), directed by Barrie Kosky and conducted by Antonio Pappano.

In 2025, she participated in the OPERA America Leadership Launch program, deepening her international engagement in leadership initiatives within the operatic field.

Sofia has also contributed to education and training: she served as teacher and coordinator for the Show Production – Set Design, Costumes, and Props course at Escola de Moda do Porto (2022). As an Artist in Residence, she has led projects that position schools as active cultural hubs, including Opera at School, a project designed for young non-musicians.

She is a founding member of Aeternus Cantabile (2018), a vocal music ensemble performing regularly in Porto and northern Portugal.

Sofia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Voice, postgraduate studies in Voice and Interpretation, and a Master’s degree in Music Education, specializing in Voice. As a performer, she has taken part in choral works such as Dido and Aeneas (Henry Purcell), Die Zauberflöte, Le Nozze di Figaro, Bastien et Bastienne, and Così fan tutte (W. A. Mozart). Her solo roles include Max in The Idea (Gustav Holst), Anita in Brundibár (Hans Krása), Berta in Il Barbiere di Siviglia (G. Rossini), Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro (W. A. Mozart), and highlights from other Mozart operas.