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.
1,300
International Applicants
650
Auditions each Year
29
Artists each Summer
64
Years of Opera Training
Latest News
"I Am Not an Angry Black Woman" (World Premiere) by Maria Corley Thompson
Watch the world premiere of "I Am Not an Angry Black Woman" by composer Maria Thompson Corley. This piece was performed by Merola Opera Program alumni, mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis ('15) and pianist Jeanne-Minette Cilliers as part of the Merola virtual recital, "An Autumn Afternoon with Raehann Bryce-Davis" which premiered on Sunday, November 12, 2021.
Support the Stars of Tomorrow
Join a vibrant community of opera lovers devoted to nurturing tomorrow's finest operatic talent.
