Merola Opera Program

Bio

Each summer, San Francisco becomes a place where dreams come true for the young artists in the Merola Opera Program. Out of hundreds of young hopefuls who audition, approximately 20 singers, four apprentice coaches and one apprentice stage director are chosen to participate in the Program. Merola is dedicated to seeking out the finest young opera talent and helping them develop into professional artists of the highest caliber. The Merola Opera Program offers training in: •Musical style and interpretation •Role preparation •Movement and acting •Accompaniment and conducting •Languages and diction •Breath work Admission to Merola is based on talent rather than financial ability; Merola pays all tuition, housing and travel expenses for each of its participants and also grants them a living stipend during their intensive training in San Francisco. A financially independent organization which operates in close collaboration with San Francisco Opera Center and San Francisco Opera, the Merola Opera Program was founded in 1957 and named for San Francisco Opera’s first general director, Gaetano Merola. Over the course of more than half a century, Merola has nurtured such talents as Sylvia McNair, Anna Netrebko, Patricia Racette, Ruth Ann Swenson, Carol Vaness, Deborah Voigt, Susan Graham, Dolora Zajick, Brian Asawa, Gary Lakes, Kurt Streit, Jess Thomas, Rolando Villazón, Thomas Hampson, Patrick Summers and numerous other opera luminaries. Beyond imparting the thousand and one skills required by this most demanding of disciplines, Merola illuminates attributes often overlooked at conservatories. The Program offers a powerful combination of performance opportunities and one-on-one coaching. www.merola.org