Laurel Semerdjian is an up and coming mezzo-soprano of Armenian descent. She was recently hailed as "a dramatic and musical tour de force" (Pittsburgh Tribune) for her portrayal of Asakir in Mohammed Fairouz's Sumeida's Song with Pittsburgh Opera. Praised for a voice with "guttural low notes" (Pittsburgh Post Gazette) and "appealing weight, intensity and flexibility", she is quickly making a name for herself across the country.