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 Cancels 2020 Summer Festival
For first time in our 63 year history the training program and summer festival have been canceled.
Merola Artists Emergency Fund
Help recent Merola Artists continue to make music during the COVID-19 Crisis.
Sheri Greenawald to retire in 2020
Concluding 18-year tenure with Merola Opera Program and SF Opera Center.
Zheng Cao Merola Endowment Benefit
Watch the celebration livestream July 9 and donate to Merola in memory of Zheng Cao.
Latest News
#MeroliniMixer
"Libiamo" from Verdi's La traviata
As a message of thanks for the Merola Artists Emergency Fund and all that Merola does for young artists, some alumni created the Merolini Mixer. Here's what they had to say:
"The Merola Opera Program has changed many artists' lives in more ways than we can count, and we as Merolini want to give back. The hope behind Merolini Mixer is two-fold: to continue to practice the craft we so dearly love and to express our sincere gratitude for the Merola Artists Emergency Fund - which has allowed so many of us artists to find a source of stability in these otherwise uncertain times."
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
62
Years of Training
Support the Stars of Tomorrow
Join a vibrant community of opera lovers devoted to nurturing tomorrow's finest operatic talent.
