Welcome to the
Merola Opera Program
Est. 1957
Welcome to the online home of the Merola Opera Program! I invite you to explore the sixty-plus years of Merola’s history defining the future of opera. We are unique among opera programs in that our primary focus is on training and developing the finest young opera singers, coaches, and stage directors from around the world. Our professional level opera productions and concerts are all a part of the world-class training process. Whether you are an artist seeking to apply to the program or an opera lover looking to go behind-the-scenes and join our vibrant community of supporters, you will find a wealth of resources here.
Hope to see you at Merola!
Jean Kellogg
Executive Director of the Merola Opera Program
Merola by the numbers
Each summer, approximately 23 singers, 5 apprentice coaches and 1 apprentice stage director are selected from nearly one thousand international applicants to participate in the Merola Opera Program. During their 12 weeks at Merola, these talented young artists receive life-changing instruction from a faculty of opera masters and hone their talents in professional quality productions – all entirely free of charge.
1,000
International Applicants
650
Auditions each Year
29
Artists each Summer
63
Years of Opera Training
Un Gala in Maschera
Join us for a Virtual Benefit in Honor of Sheri Greenawald on Saturday, April 10.
#MeroliniMixer
"Beau Soir" by Claude Debussy
Our February 2021 #MeroliniMixer is sung by Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen (Merola ’16) accompanied by Ronny Michael Greenberg (’14). They bring us a stunning performance of “Beau soir”, a beautiful French art song by Claude Debussy.
The #MeroliniMixer was created by Merola alumni to produce and share performances as a thank you to the Merola Artists Emergency Fund which was established to offer financial assistance and help these wonderful artists continue to make music during the COVID-19 crisis.
Anything for Love and Honor
Songs and Arias by Strauss, Wolf, and Wagner
Join us for this exciting MEMBERS ONLY free event on Sunday, March 21.
Merola Artists Emergency Fund
Help recent Merola Artists continue to make music during the COVID-19 Crisis.
Latest News
Merolini Spotlight: Issachah Savage (Merola '13)
We kick off our new Merolini Spotlight video series with dramatic tenor Issachah Savage (Merola '13). Issachah has garnered acclaim as a “heldentenor par excellence” with “trumpet-like, clear, open-throated, powerful” singing (San Francisco Examiner). Savage has been praised for his “impressive natural instrument” (Opera News) and has performed in opera houses and halls around the globe. In this feature, we hear what first interested him in opera, how Merola prepared him for a career in opera, and what roles he looks forward to singing.
Support the Stars of Tomorrow
Join a vibrant community of opera lovers devoted to nurturing tomorrow's finest operatic talent.
