The Opera Festival of Chicago believes that music education is the greatest instrument to keep the love and understanding of opera alive among younger generations. It also values the professional development of the next generation of opera artist. As part of its mission, the Festival has offered since its inception opportunities for young musicians, production staff, and arts administrators to work side-by-side with leading industry professionals.
Beginning in 2023, the Opera Festival of Chicago launches its new Young Artist Program in collaboration with the Chicago College of Performing Arts and other local organizations. This program increases the engagement young artists have with the Festival, including masterclasses on Italian opera, access to music rehearsals, and opportunities to perform in the Festival Chorus and Orchestra.
Chicago is a vital cultural epicenter where so many artists learn their skills. The Festival’s Young Artist Program will create professional opportunities for these growing talents to refine their performance practice in order to compete at the international level.
Young Artist Program Directors
Maria Kanyova
Franco Pomponi
Emerging Artists
Young Artists
- Abigail Greer Arcomona (CCPA)
- Sierra Shoemaker (DePaul)
- Marlina Karimi (DePaul)
- Jorie Clark (DePaul)
- Jennifer Parr (DePaul)
- Ally Lewkowski (DePaul)
- Margaret Meierhenry (DePaul)
Mezzo-Sopranos
- Brooke Craig (DePaul)
- Samantha McGonigal (DePaul)
- Aldo Alan (DePaul)
- Riley Brown (CCPA)
- Dominic Martin Reyes
Baritones
- Caden Cole (CCPA)
- Daniel Uglunts (NU)
- Michael Seyboldt (DePaul)
- Chimerie Obianom (CCPA)
- Kevin Wheatle (DePaul)
Supported by the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.
