Merola Opera Program

The Merola Opera Program is an internationally recognized opera training program that has been shaping the future of opera since its inception in 1957. Named in honor of Gaetano Merola, the first general director of the San Francisco Opera, the program was established by Kurt Herbert Adler, the San Francisco Opera's second General Director. Adler, along with opera luminaries James H. Schwabacher, Jr., Matthew Farruggio, and Otto Guth, aimed to create a training program that would negate the need for young American artists to travel to Europe for advanced studies and serve as a living memorial to Merola's support of young talent.\n\nInitially a 4-week program designed for 14 singers from the Western United States, Merola has significantly expanded over the years. It has evolved into a 12-week program that welcomes 23 singers, five pianist/coaches, and one stage director from around the globe, with nearly 30 internationally renowned artists on its faculty. The program's Summer Festival now includes two full opera productions, a concert of extended staged scenes, and the Merola Grand Finale.\n\nThe Merola Opera Program is recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious opera training programs in the world. It operates in close artistic collaboration with the San Francisco Opera but remains a financially independent nonprofit organization, governed by its own Board of Directors and reliant on fundraising from members and foundations.\n\nMerola's mission is to define the future of opera by training and developing the finest young opera singers, pianist/coaches, and stage directors. The program is committed to inclusion, ensuring equitable access to training, career guidance, and financial support for talent from all backgrounds. This commitment extends to reflecting diverse cultures, voices, and perspectives in its artistic and organizational leadership.\n\nNotable alumni who have graced stages worldwide include Leona Mitchell, Anna Netrebko, 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 many others.\n\nThe program's success over six decades is attributed to its unique combination of advanced training, performance opportunities, and continued support for career development. Merola offers a comprehensive summer program that includes fully staged operas with an orchestra, a scenes concert, and the Merola Grand Finale Concert. Participants also benefit from Career Grants to aid in their transition to the professional opera world.\n\nMerola's renowned faculty has included esteemed figures such as Stephen Blier, Régine Crespin, Alan Darling, Jane Eaglen, Hans Hotter, Martin Katz, Warren Jones, Lotfi Mansouri, Malcolm Martineau, James Morris, Leontyne Price, Donald Runnicles, Graziella Sciutti, Elisabeth Söderström, Patrick Summers, Dame Joan Sutherland, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, and Carol Vaness. These experts provide unmatched training in various aspects of opera performance and career management.\n\nAs the Merola Opera Program continues to foster new generations of opera talent, it remains a testament to the vision of its founders and the enduring legacy of Gaetano Merola and Kurt Herbert Adler.