{ YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM }
In 2018, Finger Lakes Opera (FLO) established its Young Artist Program to feature up-and-coming musicians around the Finger Lakes region and beyond. In its first two seasons, the Young Artists performed in a scenes program and as chorus members for FLO's main-stage productions. Following the 2019 season, a local benefactor provided seed funding to facilitate the expansion of FLO’s Young Artist Program.
Today, FLO’s Young Artist Program has flourished into one of the company's greatest strengths with applications for the 4-week summer session increasing annually, representing an increase of nearly 609% from 2019. Young Artists now receive weekly stipends, travel allowances, and housing, as well as performance opportunities beyond the summer session.
For the 2025 Season, FLO is offering positions for a Young Artist Studio Program and Apprentice Young Artist Program.
The Young Artist Studio Program is ideal for applicants who have completed at least undergraduate or graduate education and may have some professional experience. Many previous Studio Artists have already participated in professional Young Artist programs. An ideal applicant for the Apprentice Young Artist Program is currently pursuing a music degree or has recently graduated. The Apprentice program is specifically for artists who are local to the Rochester area.
This expansion has provided the catalyst to bring more opera to more people through community engagement events (performances at elder care facilities, in cafes, and special community events) and an in-school presence. As the program continues to grow, FLO is proud to be a launching point for these amazing musicians' careers.
Applications for the 2025 Young Artist STudio and Apprentice Young Artist Program have now closed.
APPLY TO BE A YOUNG ARTIST WITH FINGER LAKES OPERA
APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2025 ARE NOW LIVE!
PAST YOUNG ARTIST ROSTERS
2024 YOUNG ARTISTS
2023 YOUNG ARTISTS
Anna Donnelly, soprano
Goitsemang Lehobye, soprano
Ellen Robertson, soprano
Kaswanna Kanyinda, mezzo-soprano
Alexandra Sanchez, mezzo-soprano
Conor Brereton, tenor
Michael Celentano, tenor
Pedro Valdez, tenor
Steven M. Warnock, baritone
Casey Germain, bass
2022 YOUNG ARTISTS
Danielle Beckvermit, soprano
Kayla Oderah, soprano
Erika Vasallo, mezzo-soprano
Robert Hartfield, tenor
Geoffrey Schmelzer, baritone
Jeremy Harr, bass
Jenny Choo Kirby, piano
2021 YOUNG ARTISTS
Veena Akama-Makia, mezzo-soprano
Danielle Beckvermit, soprano
Nathaniel Catasca, tenor
Jongwon Choi, baritone
Imara Miles, mezzo-soprano
John Allen Nelson, baritone
Robert H. Riordan, baritone
David Soto Zambrana, tenor
Robin Steiz, soprano
Natasha Talukdar Elam, piano
Edward Forstman, piano
2020 YOUNG ARTISTS
Sydney Anderson, soprano
Matthew Campisi, tenor
Nathaniel Catasca, tenor
Jongwon Choi, baritone
Nicholas Danker, baritone
Stephanie Doche, mezzo-soprano
Robert H. Riordan, baritone
David Soto Zambrana, tenor
Robin Steiz, soprano
Victoria Thomasch, mezzo-soprano
Brock Tjosvold, piano
2019 YOUNG ARTISTS
Rachel Abrams, mezzo-soprano
David Fournie, baritone
Julianna Grabowski, soprano
Rose Kearin, soprano
Anders Namestnik, tenor
Starletta Noll-Long, soprano
Evan Stenzel, tenor
2018 YOUNG ARTISTS
Jordan Bachmann, baritone
Caryn Crozier, soprano
Caroline Nielson, mezzo-soprano
Susannah Thornton, mezzo-soprano
Evan Stenzel, tenor
Alison Wahl, soprano