Roger Freitas

Roger Freitas is Professor of Musicology at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, and Faculty Associate at the Susan B. Anthony Institute for Gender and Women’s Studies. He has held leadership roles including Acting Chair of the Musicology Department (Fall 2023) and Chair (2012–16). His academic journey includes a PhD in music history from Yale University, an MM in early music from Indiana University, and a BM in vocal performance from Dominican College.

Research focuses on 17th-century Italian vocal music, particularly cantatas and operas from Rome, exploring intersections of gender construction, patronage systems, and performance practice. Notable works include the award-winning book Portrait of a Castrato and critical editions of Atto Melani’s cantatas. Current projects involve a critical edition of Luigi Rossi’s Il palazzo incantato.

His accolades include the Rome Prize (2003–04), NEH Fellowship (2000–01), and Eisenhart Teaching Award (2006). He has served leadership roles in the Society for Seventeenth-Century Music and American Musicological Society. Active in performance, he formerly sang with Chanticleer (1984–86).