College of Performing Arts Faculty

Profile

Lisbon, Portugal native Sara Serpa is a singer, composer, improviser who implements a unique instrumental approach to her vocal style.  Recognized for her distinctive wordless singing, Serpa has been immersed in the field of jazz, improvised and experimental music since first arriving in New York in 2008. Described by the New York Times as "a singer of silvery poise and cosmopolitan outlook," Serpa started her career with jazz luminaries such as Grammy-nominated pianist Danilo Perez, and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow pianist Ran Blake.   As a leader, she has produced and released eight albums; the latest being Close Up in collaboration with Erik Friedlander (cello) and Ingrid Laubrock (tenor sax). Serpa was voted Rising Star- Female Vocalist by the Downbeat Critics Poll 2019. Serpa is also a member of the We Have Voice Collective, comprised of 14 musicians, scholars and thinkers, determined to promote gender equity in the performing arts.