Elizabeth Herlitz Cortes

Director of Development AND ADMINISTRATION, TOSCA

Elizabeth Herlitz Cortés

Elizabeth Herlitz Cortés is a celebrated soprano and arts administrator who combines her love for performance with a dedication to opera development and education. Known for her powerful stage presence, Elizabeth has captivated audiences in roles such as Cio-Cio San from Madama Butterfly in Shreveport, Tosca and Susannah with Texas Concert Opera Collective and Roselinda with Texas Hill Country Opera. She will reprise the title role of Tosca with Spotlight on Opera in the Mai Frances Doles Memorial Gala Concert. 

Elizabeth’s career highlights include performances with Austin Opera, Opera San Antonio, Alamo City Opera, New York City Opera, Toledo Opera, New Orleans Opera and Spotlight on Opera. As Founder and General Manager of the Texas Concert Opera Collective, she brings free concert opera to over 2,000 students every year while offering regional professional singers a platform to showcase their artistry.

Offstage, Elizabeth hosts the podcast Soprano Big Sister, mentoring young artists and sharing insights into the opera world and works in Development with companies across the industry. She is currently the Director of Development and Administration for Spotlight on Opera, a national young artist program sponsored by Tulsa Opera, where she leads innovative initiatives to enhance opportunities for emerging talent. A passionate advocate for outreach and sustainable growth within the opera industry, Elizabeth holds degrees from LSU and Bowling Green State University and a CRFE from the University of Texas at Austin.

Spotlight 2025:

Director of Development and Administration, Classes

Tosca, Tosca