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
64
Years of Opera Training
#MeroliniMixer
"Complainte de la Seine" by Kurt Weill
Our November 2021 #MeroliniMixer is sung by soprano Ashley Marie Robillard (Merola '21) and pianist Grant Loehnig ('06). They share this beautiful performance of "Complainte de la Seine" by Kurt Weill. The #MeroliniMixer series was created by Merola alumni to produce and share performances as a thank you for the Merola Artists Emergency Fund which was established in hopes to help recent alumni recoup some of their losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Support the future of opera by making a gift today!
Merola's Home for the Holidays
Celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with Merola alums Amber R. Monroe ('19), Edward Graves ('21), and Kevin Thompson ('10) on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 5:00 pm PST.
Latest News
2021 Merola Summer Festival
Take a look back at the 2021 Merola Opera Program Summer Festival! In this video short, we share photos and video footage from the Merola artists along with events and performances throughout the festival. We feature master classes with Denyce Graves, Warren Jones, Martin Katz, Carrie-Ann Matheson, and Howard Watkins. Performance footage include the recital "What the Heart Desires," the Merola Grand Finale, and the film "Back Home: Through the Stage Door." Additional photos by Kristen Loken Photography.
Support the Stars of Tomorrow
Join a vibrant community of opera lovers devoted to nurturing tomorrow's finest operatic talent.
