{ YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM }

Header image: ©Dave Jones, Empire West Photo

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 grown in reputation and flourished into one of the company's greatest strengths with applications for the summer session increasing annually (612% since 2019). This expansion has provided the catalyst to bring more opera to more people through community engagement events (performances at special community events like the Greater Rochester Chamber’s Athena Awards, elder care facilities, and in cafes) and an in-school presence. FLO is proud to be a launching point for these amazing musicians' careers.

The 2025 season will feature yet another expansion with Studio Artist and Apprentice Artist levels. Studio Artists will be assigned comprimario and even lead roles in FLO productions, perform in masterclasses with seasoned professionals from around the globe, receive weekly coachings, and be provided the opportunity to prepare professional audition materials that can be used after their time with FLO. Studio Artists receive weekly pay, a travel stipend, and have housing provided for the entirety of their stay in Rochester (5-6 weeks in the summer and 2-3 weeks in the fall).

The Apprentice level will allow singers of significant potential who are either currently or recently enrolled in a university or conservatory voice programs to have the opportunity to perform alongside the Studio Artists in FLO productions. The key aspect of the Apprentice level is a local connection. This growth 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.