National Opera Studio announces new Young Artists

The National Opera Studio has announced 16 new singers for its Young Artists Programme. Following international auditions, the new cohort includes 7 Young Artists from the UK and 8 from abroad. These selected musicians will embark on a nine-month, fully funded bespoke training programme designed to prepare them for a professional career in opera. They will receive guidance from notable figures such as Susan Bullock CBE, Maria Cleva, and Dominik Dengler. Previous alumni include Gerald Finley OC CBE, Elizabeth Llewellyn MBE, Marie McLaughlin, Susan Bullock CBE, and Nicky Spence OBE.

Upon completing the programme, each Young Artist will continue their development with one of six UK opera companies, including English National Opera, Glyndebourne, Opera North, the Royal Ballet and Opera, Scottish Opera, and Welsh National Opera. The programme prioritises vocal coaching while also offering training in audio-visual techniques, physical and psychological resilience, and PR/marketing. Participants will have performance opportunities at leading UK venues, including Glyndebourne, Welsh National Opera, the Royal Ballet and Opera, Scottish Opera, and Wigmore Hall.

Eric Melear, Artistic Director of the National Opera Studio, commented: ‘Selected through a rigorous audition process from over 300 applications, our Young Artists represent the very best of talent, not just from the UK, but from around the world … We look forward to supporting their development and showcasing their talent.’

The National Opera Studio Young Artists for 2024/25 are: (Sopranos) Ana-Carmen Balestra, Moloko Letsoalo, Rachel McLean, Ceferina Penny, Olivia Rose Tringham; (Mezzo-sopranos) Nancy Holt, Sarah Winn; (Tenors) Emyr Lloyd Jones, Luvo Maranti; (Baritones) Aleksander Kaczuk-Jagielnik, Armand Rabot, Egor Sergeev; and (Repetiteurs) Alistair Burton, Su Choung, Adam McDonagh, Aya Robertson.