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
An Afternoon of Piano Treasures with Tamara Sanikidze and Edoardo Barsotti
Enjoy an afternoon of piano with Tamara Sanikidze ('09) and Edoardo Barsotti ('14/'15) on Sunday, November 22.
Tickets are on sale now.
Support the Stars of Tomorrow
Join a vibrant community of opera lovers devoted to nurturing tomorrow's finest operatic talent.
Merola's Latest & Greatest
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Latest News
From Mozart to the Surreal
2021 Season Preview
Watch a special behind-the-scenes preview of Merola’s 2021 summer productions, Mozart’s sublime classic Le nozze di Figaro and Dominick Argento’s surreal 20th-century gem Postcard from Morocco, with San Francisco Opera Center Director and Merola Artistic Director Sheri Greenawald and Dramaturg Emeritus of San Francisco Opera Kip Cranna. This virtual event was originally broadcast on Zoom on October 14, 2020.
San Francisco Opera Center and Merola Artistic Leadership Announced
Carrie-Ann Matheson appointed Artistic Director and Markus Beam (Merola '02) appointed General Manager of San Francisco Opera Center
Merola Artists Emergency Fund
Help recent Merola Artists continue to make music during the COVID-19 Crisis.
