Emerging Artist Program

In the 2017-2018 season, Opera Idaho established its Young Artists program, renamed to Emerging Artists in 2020. The Emerging Artists program is designed to provide training and performance experience for talented singers at the beginning of their professional careers. From September through April, these artists are placed in a nurturing environment, treated as professionals, and provided with compensation and a comfortable place to live. They also fill smaller roles in our mainstage operas as well as serve as understudies for the lead roles and participate in smaller performances throughout the season.

More information about 2024-2025 season will be announced at a later date.

Sponsor an Emerging Artist

Sponsor one of the 2023-2024 Opera Idaho Emerging Artists: $5,000

Benefits:

  • Sponsor’s name tied to the Emerging Artist of your choice in printed & web marketing materials throughout the season
  • Recognition of sponsorship on the supertitle screen prior to performances
  • Verbal recognition of sponsorship at any Emerging Artist specific programs including the fall recital in Boise and McCall, Operatinis, and the free education outreach performances
  • A 30-minute performance by your sponsored Emerging Artist in your home or at an event of your choosing
  • Invitation to a Emerging Artist meet & greet event exclusive for sponsors which includes wine, appetizers and a chance to attend a rehearsal

Your sponsorship helps Opera Idaho provide the following benefits for the four Emerging Artists while in the program:

  • Financial compensation
  • Housing and transportation assistance
  • Health insurance
  • Coaching sessions with professional vocal coaches
  • Performance opportunities to help build their résumé

Past Participants

2023-2024

Nini Marchese

Karen Kelley

Camron Gray

Grant Jackson

2022-2023

Rebecca Achtenberg

Cornelia Lotito

Justin Kroll

Jake Surzyn

2021-2022

Victoria Esposito

Sable Strout

Patrick Starke

Jack Canfield

2019-2020

Cara Gabrielson

Ashley Kay Armstrong

Max Jacob Zander

Radames Andrew Gil

2018-2019

Anna Polum

Tahanee Aluwihare

Ting Li

Micah Schroeder

2017-2018

Christopher Hochstuhl

James P. Held

Ryan Bradford