Become a Member

Donate Now and Become a Merola Member

There is no better way to experience the magic of Merola than by becoming a member. Each summer, members get a unique, “backstage” view of the training of tomorrow’s opera stars. Member benefits include attendance at vocal master classes, invitations to special events and ticketing privileges. Explore the benefits available at various giving levels on this page.

Widely regarded as the foremost opera training program for aspiring singers, coaches, and stage directors, the Merola Opera Program has served for over 65 years as a proving ground for hundreds of artists. Many Merola alumni are now among the most recognized names in the opera world. This summer program offers young artists the rare opportunity of studying, coaching, and participating in masterclasses with established professionals for nine to twelve weeks. Participants also perform in opera productions, recitals, and concerts. The Merola Opera Program is a financially independent organization and is a separate 501(c)3 organization which operates in close collaboration with the San Francisco Opera Center and San Francisco Opera.

Donate to Merola Opera Program

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Other Ways to Give

For more information on how you can join, donate and support  Merola Artists and Alumni, contact us at info@merola.org.

NOTES

- - Benefits are subject to change at any time.
  - ALL Merola events require preregistration and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  - Due to the popularity of some events, Merola apologizes in advance if we are unable to fulfill your request.
  - Complete instructions for reserving and/or ordering seats or event passes will be sent to all members in Spring 2025.
  - Production tickets go on sale in Spring 2025.
  - Meet the Merolini is free to members at Founder’s Circle ($100) or higher (on a space available basis). Access to register is based on your donor level.
  - Starting at the Prelude Circle ($500) you’ll have your choice of the master classes you wish to attend.
  - A Virtual Meet and Greet with the 2025 Merolini for Bronze Circle ($1,000) and higher members who give by January 15, as well as the first chance to select an artist for sponsorship.
  - Expanded behind-the-scenes access to working rehearsals and access to tickets to the Merola Grand Finale Reception for donors at the new Crescendo Circle ($7,500) and higher.
  - Ability to sponsor a special project at Chair’s Circle ($30,000).

* According to IRS regulations, acceptance of items of value, including complimentary tickets, may reduce the tax-deductible value of your donation. Those benefits available to the general public and purchased separately by the donor have no benefit value. Please consult with your tax advisor for further information about accepting items of value.
** Requires a piano. Please contact staff for assistance. Frequently Asked Questions about Merola

2025 MEROLA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

FRIEND OF MEROLA $100 – $249

All the benefits of lower levels, plus:

Invitation to two (2) Merola virtual alumni chats or events
Access for you and a guest to one (1) invited master class
Recognition in Merola’s Summer Program Book & Website
Early Registration Access to “Meet the Merolini”

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE $250 – $499

All the benefits of lower levels, plus:

Full Voting Membership
Advance Member Pre-Sale Access for Summer Festival Tickets
Invitation to Merola’s Annual Meeting
Access for you and a guest to a total of two (2) master classes
Access for you and a guest to “Day at Merola”

PRELUDE CIRCLE $500 – $999

New Level
All the benefits of lower levels, plus:

Access for you and a guest to the Merola Auditions at the War Memorial Opera House
Access for you and a guest to a total of three (3) master classes of your choice

BRONZE CIRCLE $1,000 – $1,999
All the benefits of lower levels, plus:

Recognition in San Francisco Opera’s Program Book
Access for you and a guest to observe the Schwabacher Recital Auditions
Access for you and a guest to a total of four (4) master classes of your choice
Invitation to Virtual Meet & Greet with 2025 Merolini and advance access to unique sponsorship opportunities (Available to members who give or pledge by January 15, 2025)

SILVER CIRCLE $2,000 – $2,999
All the benefits of lower levels, plus:

Invitation to San Francisco Opera’s “Meet the Adlers” Event
Priority Registration Access to “Meet the Merolini”
Access for you and a guest to all master classes

GOLD CIRCLE $3,000 – $4,999
All the benefits of lower levels, plus:

Exclusive Access to reserve up to two (2) box-level seats at the Merola Grand Finale*
Access for you and a guest to observe one (1) working rehearsal

PLATINUM CIRCLE $5,000 – $7,499
All the benefits of lower levels, plus:

Access to two (2) box-level seats for the Merola Auditions at the War Memorial Opera House
Invitation to observe a total of two (2) working rehearsals
Exclusive Guaranteed Access to “Meet the Merolini” for you and a guest

CRESCENDO CIRCLE $7,500 – $9,999
New Level
All the benefits of lower levels, plus:

Up to four (4) additional seats at all master classes for you and your guests
Invitation to observe a total of three (3) working rehearsals
Priority Access to reserve up to two (2) tickets for the Merola Grand Finale Reception*

DIAMOND CIRCLE $10,000 – $14,999
All the benefits of lower levels, plus:

Personal concierge service to assist with premium seating for Merola performances
Access to upgraded premium-level box seating for up to two (2) at the Merola Grand Finale
Invitation to observe a total of four (4) working rehearsals

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE $15,000–$29,999
All the benefits of lower levels, plus:

Access to up to two (2) premium level tickets for all Merola performances*
Invitation to a private lunch or dinner with Merola’s leadership and alumni/artists
Priority access to reserve two (2) seats to a Merola Signature Event*
Additional behind-the-scenes exclusive access opportunities throughout the summer

CHAIR’S CIRCLE $30,000+
All the benefits of lower levels, plus:

Priority access to reserve up to two (2) seats at a total of two (2) Merola Signature Events*
Access to reserve a box for you and up to four (4) additional guests at the Merola Grand Finale*
Reserved seating at all member events, when available (by request)
Access to unique sponsorship opportunities for season events and performances

* According to IRS regulations, acceptance of items of value, including complimentary tickets, may reduce the tax-deductible value of your donation. The overall value of tangible benefits by level is detailed on the next page. Please consult with your tax advisor for further information about accepting items of value.

Any donation supports the training, stipends, costumes, and support of our fabulous Merolini!

For any questions about membership, please contact Tracy Grant at (415) 936-2319 or tgrant@merola.org.

Other Ways to Give

For more information on how you can join, donate and support  Merola Artists and Alumni, contact us at info@merola.org.

NOTES

- - Benefits are subject to change at any time.
  - ALL Merola events require preregistration and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  - Due to the popularity of some events, Merola apologizes in advance if we are unable to fulfill your request.
  - Complete instructions for reserving and/or ordering seats or event passes will be sent to all members in Spring 2025.
  - Production tickets go on sale in Spring 2025.
  - Meet the Merolini is free to members at Founder’s Circle ($100) or higher (on a space available basis). Access to register is based on your donor level.
  - Starting at the Prelude Circle ($500) you’ll have your choice of the master classes you wish to attend.
  - A Virtual Meet and Greet with the 2025 Merolini for Bronze Circle ($1,000) and higher members who give by January 15, as well as the first chance to select an artist for sponsorship.
  - Expanded behind-the-scenes access to working rehearsals and access to tickets to the Merola Grand Finale Reception for donors at the new Crescendo Circle ($7,500) and higher.
  - Ability to sponsor a special project at Chair’s Circle ($30,000).

Frequently Asked Questions about Merola Membership

I contribute every year to the San Francisco Opera; doesn’t that support Merola too?

Unfortunately no. While Merola operates in close collaboration with San Francisco Opera, it is an independent nonprofit organization. Governed by a separate board of directors, Merola is responsible for its own long-term financial stability and fundraising, and is grateful to the hundreds of loyal members, donors, and foundations who support the program. We encourage you to support both organizations, but your gift to San Francisco Opera does not make you eligible for Merola Member Benefits.

I just gave a gift a few months ago. Why am I being asked again?

Our Merola membership year runs from January 1– December 31. Toward the end of the year, we ask our members to make a gift to renew their membership. We also stay in touch throughout the year to let everyone know of other opportunities to support Merola.

When do I find out about Merola events for next summer?

In the Spring, Merola will send all members information about all master classes and events. You can also check merola.org/member-events for the latest information.

Am I eligible for benefits before my pledge is paid in full?

As soon as Merola receives a signed pledge, you are eligible for benefits at your level. Merola asks that you fulfill your membership pledge by September 30 (the end of Merola’s fiscal year).

What is a Signature Event?

Signature Events are special evenings of music or conversation in private homes with Merola alumni or other opera luminaries.

What if I give through a Donor Advised Fund, IRA, or Family Foundation?

The Merola Opera Program gratefully accepts donations from Donor Advised Funds, IRAs, and Family Foundations. If you are planning to recommend a grant to Merola from one of these methods, please note that per IRS guidelines, tangible goods and services with more than incidental value associated with membership cannot be provided by a charity to the recommending donor or sponsoring entity.

Please contact us if you have any questions about using your Donor Advised Fund, IRA, or Family Foundation to make membership contributions. Any information provided by Merola is not intended as tax, legal, or financial advice. Merola urges you to contact your financial advisor or Donor Advised Fund, IRA, or Family Foundation representative for more information.

What is the tax deductibility of my gift?

Merola is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. The chart below shows the value of goods and services received at different levels. If you choose not to receive benefits, the full amount of your donation may remain tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for more information. Your gift acknowledgment letter will give you more details.

Gifts $1–$2,999
Full donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Gifts $3,000–$7,499
Donation less $130 is tax deductible as allowed by law.

Gifts $7,500–$14,999
Donation less $300 is tax deductible as allowed by law.

Gifts $15,000–$29,999
Donation less $1,090 is tax deductible as allowed by law.

Gifts $30,000+
Donation less $1,850 is tax deductible as allowed by law.

If you have further questions or concerns, please call the Merola office at (415) 936-2311 or email info@merola.org, and we will be happy to assist you.