YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM

2027 Young Artist Program

Opera Company of Middlebury’s 2027 Young Artist Program is accepting pre-screening applications from singers and pianists through October 15, 2026!

Live auditions for singers only (pianists are not required to attend live auditions) will take place by invitation on: 
Saturday, November 14, 10am-6pm (Middlebury, VT)
Saturday, November 21, 9am-6pm (NYC)

(A limited number of virtual auditions may be granted on a case by case basis.)

Opera Company of Middlebury YAP Program Dates: May 17 – June 13, 2027

The OCM Young Artist Program offers four weeks of intensive vocal, musical and language coaching as well as a variety of professional development activities in a supportive atmosphere with individual attention and guidance. This year the YAP will culminate in its own fully-staged performance of Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro with the OCM Orchestra, conducted by OCM Music Director Filippo Ciabatti! 

This season we are seeking singers for all roles for Le nozze di Figaro and one collaborative pianist.

The YAP Singers will:

  • Cover mainstage Le nozze di Figaro roles (mainstage production directed by Artistic Director Douglas Anderson)

  • Perform assigned cover role in a fully-staged YAP performance with orchestra

  • Participate in masterclasses, recitals, outreach events and/or industry auditions TBD

The YAP Pianist will:

  • Accompany/coach YAP Le nozze di Figaro rehearsals and all related YAP activities, such as masterclasses, recitals, outreach events, and/or industry auditions

  • Share rehearsal pianist duties for mainstage rehearsals

  • Run supertitles for Le nozze di Figaro

  • Receive coachings by the artistic staff

(Pianist applications will be evaluated by video only. No live audition is required.)

OCM will provide:

  • $1000 stipend and additional $200 towards travel expenses

  • Homestay housing in beautiful Middlebury, VT (meals not provided)

YAP FACULTY:

Alejandro Roca, YAP Artistic Director (Yale School of Music)

Sarah Cullins, OCM General Director/Director of Education and Outreach

Filippo Ciabatti, OCM Music Director

Additional masterclass/industry audition professionals TBD

APPLICATION/AUDITION INFO:

Complete this Google form for pre-screening by the application deadline: October 15. Notifications will be given by November 1.

Application requirements:

  • Artistic resume (1-page)

  • Headshot

  • Singers: videos of 2 contrasting arias (one must be by Mozart and at least one must be in Italian)

  • Pianists: videos of 2 opera excerpts/arias/songs accompanying singers (one must include a recitative)

Please note: OCM is not able to financially or administratively support work permission or visa processes for young artists. All applicants must have work authorization in the US for the full duration of the program in order to apply and participate.

ABOUT

Our Young Artist Program (YAP) empowers emerging professionals with the refined skills, hands-on experience, and strategic guidance that lead to a successful opera career and a thriving future.

Participants are immersed in a comprehensive training regimen featuring individualized coaching, career advisory sessions, and enlightening master classes with eminent industry professionals, including voice instructors, conductors, directors, managers, and mainstage performers.

This enriching experience culminates in their contributions to the Ensemble and Comprimario roles in mainstage productions and their own production, showcasing their individual talent, progress, and potential.

The YAP represents an investment in both the future of opera and the artists who will shape it, epitomizing the harmonious blend of artistic passion and professional acumen.

BACKGROUND

The Young Artist Program (YAP) emerged following a resonant letter from Patricia Pisanelli, who, in honor of her opera-loving mother Dorothea Ferger Pisanelli, generously contributed a substantial gift in 2015. Patricia's heartfelt narrative of her mother's passion for opera, encompassing her own singing, knowledge, and cherished recordings, breathed life into the YAP's inception. This legacy-driven gift stands as a guiding light, nurturing the education of emerging artists and bolstering the Opera Company of Middlebury's enduring success.

In addition to collaborating with singers, the YAP also offers avenues for emerging pianists and administrative professionals. All participants benefit from housing accommodations and a travel stipend, ensuring a practical and immersive experience.

At the helm of the Young Artist Program is Artistic Director Alejandro Roca, whose  leadership as a conductor, coach and teacher brings experienced direction to the program.