Merola in Brief

Conductor Gaetano Merola (right) with the cast of La bohème, including Ezio Pinza (left) and Licia Albanese (center), 1944
One of the oldest and most prestigious opera training programs in the world, Merola was founded in 1957, and named in honor of San Francisco Opera’s first general director, Gaetano Merola. Merola operates in close artistic collaboration with San Francisco Opera, but is a financially independent nonprofit organization governed by its own Board of Directors. Merola is responsible for its own fundraising, primarily from loyal members and foundations.
The Merola Opera Program is widely regarded as the foremost opera training program for aspiring singers, coaches, accompanists, and stage directors. Merola nurtures the opera stars of tomorrow and offers outreach through educational programs for students and the general public.
Merola alumni include Leona Mitchell, Ailyn Pérez, Patricia Racette, Nadine Sierra, Karen Slack, Elza van den Heever, Carol Vaness, Deborah Voigt, Zheng Cao, Joyce DiDonato, Susan Graham, Dolora Zajick, Brian Jagde, Stuart Skelton, Noah Stewart, Rolando Villazón, Thomas Hampson, Quinn Kelsey, Lucas Meachem, Patrick Summers, and numerous other opera luminaries.
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Merola’s Mission
To define the future of opera. The Merola Opera Program is an internationally respected model for building strong careers in opera, with a proven balance of training, performance, and individualized support. Merola trains and develops the finest young opera singers, pianist/coaches, and stage directors and invites passionate supporters to be part of the journey.
Merola’s Statement of Inclusion
The Merola Opera Program is committed to ensuring that the next generation of opera talent has equitable access to the training, career guidance, and financial support that are the core of our program—regardless of identity, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status. We actively work to ensure that diverse cultures, voices, experiences, and perspectives are reflected in the program’s artistic leadership, including faculty and professional mentors, and organizational leadership, including our staff and board of directors. Merola strives to create a welcoming environment for both long-time and new supporters and audiences, inviting members of the Bay Area community and beyond to experience our young artists in diverse programming, including standard repertoire as well as repertoire by underrepresented librettists and composers.
