One of the most exciting changes at Portland Opera in recent years is the establishment of the Portland Opera Studio Artists program, designed to train the next generation of opera singers by providing a "bridge" from the conservatory world to the professional stage.

Selected at auditions in New York, five young singers fresh from some of the nation's finest vocal conservatories have joined the company for a rigorous nine-month training program.

 In addition to vocal coaching, language training, acting classes, and master classes with mainstage guest artists, these young professionals will be featured in their own studio production of La Calisto. Patrons will enjoy their work up close and personal in the Newmark Theatre. Keller Auditorium patrons can also enjoy these young artists in supporting roles in our mainstage season offerings and individual recitals throughout the year.

2008/09 Portland Opera Studio Artists

Sharin Apostolou, Soprano

Hannah Sharene Penn, Mezzo-Soprano

Brendan Tuohy, Tenor

Jose Rubio

Jonathan Kimple

Staff of the Portland Opera Studio

Christopher Mattaliano, General Director
Robert Ainsley, Principal Coach

Portland Opera Studio Auditions

Portland Opera is no longer accepting applications for the 2009/10 Studio Artist Program.  Applications for the 2010/11 season will be available in late summer 2009.

Artist and Program Sponsors

The Portland Opera Studio program is made possible through the generous support of:
Gwen Burns
Jeannine B. Cowles
Martha Fletcher McCourt
PGE Foundation
The Portland Opera Guild
Sharon Robinson
A generous Friend of Portland Opera

Chamber Opera Sponsor