Merola's summer member events kicked off on June 8, with our annual Meet the Merolini event! Merola members had their first chance to get to know our 28 talented 2023 artists. This eagerly anticipated event was held at the Wilsey Center for Opera in the Veterans Building. Carrie Ann Matheson and Markus Beam interviewed the artists about how they got to love singing, their journey to an operatic career, their hopes for the summer, and their dream roles - not to mention a wide range of special interests and hobbies including scuba diving, salsa dancing, cooking, and languages (one Merolini speaks 7). After the formal program everyone had a chance to chat over wine and delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Culinary Excellence.

Up next, seem this more of this summer’s talented artists hone their craft in Benjamin Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia at Herbst Theatre, July 13 and 15, featuring Cameron Rolling, Simona Genga, Olivia Prendergast, Natalie Lewis, Chance Jonas-O’Toole, Samuel Kidd, Caroline Corrales, and James McCarthy.

Merola members have the chance to go behind the scenes for an insider's view of the Merola summer. A number of special events remain for various levels of membership, including master classes with Warren Jones, Martin Katz, and Rolando Villazón (Merola ’98), and the chance to view a day in the life of the Merolini at Day at Merola.

Not yet a Merola member? Join today to attend a number of special events remain for various levels of membership, including master classes with Warren Jones, Martin Katz, and Rolando Villazón (Merola ’98), and the chance to view a day in the life of the Merolini at Day at Merola.   

Meet the Merolini photographs by Kristen Loken.  

Top photo:  
Joanne Evans (foreground), Carrie-Ann Matheson (background)   
Second photo:    
1. Kevin Godinez (foreground), Cameron Rolling (background) 
2. Markus Beam and Carrie-Ann Matheson Third photo:    
1. Olivia Prendergast with sponsor Dorothy Schimke   
2. Shan Hai (foreground), Joanne Evans (background)   
3. Cameron Rolling