Education

Opera Naples believes that we have a responsibility to future generations to keep opera alive as an art form and dedicate ourselves to enriching southwest Florida by offering diversified educational programs and events for learners of every age and ability level, from the professional singer embarking on his career to the young child who experiences opera for the first time.

It is a great pleasure to watch children experience opera for the first time, and I am thrilled that I get to see it in thousands of children every year during our in-school tour.  Mini operas like Stop! Bully and The Ugly Duckling have wonderful musical scores and story lines but also teach valuable life lessons like what to do if you are bullied and how to accept others regardless of differences.  Following a performance, 2nd grade students in the audience said they learned that 'no matter how different someone is, you should always take a chance with being kind'  and 'Be proud of who you are.

Robin Shuford Frank
Director of Education and Community Outreach

Opera Naples 2020 Season -9634

Resident Artists Program

This program provides an artistically challenging residency for emerging professional singers who are pursuing a career in opera. Resident Artists are selected through a national search to work with Opera Naples during the peak season and are provided with housing, a weekly stipend, and a travel stipend.  Opera Naples staff, supplemented by other area professional artists, provide coaching, instruction, and career advice.

The Resident Artists perform principal roles in operas at the Wang Opera Center, perform secondary roles in mainstage operas at Artis-Naples, perform a children’s opera for the In-School tour program, and perform in various community events and concerts.

Applications are accepted through YAPtracker.com

Opera Naples Academy

ON 07845 Ivan Seligman Photographer

The Opera Naples Academy offers a unique opportunity for exceptional singers to immerse in a ten-day program that provides individual vocal instruction and coaching from master teachers. Singers receive private voice lessons as well as participate in various masterclasses presented by the teachers and other faculty including Sherrill Milnes and Ramón Tebar. Each session concludes with a public concert in which all participants perform.

Milnes

Sherrill Milnes

Tebar

Ramón Tebar

Zouves

Maria Zouves

Bruce Ford

Bruce Ford

Carrie-Ann Matheson

Carrie-Ann Matheson

Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki, DMA | University Partner

Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki, DMA | University Partner

Jeanie Darnell

Jeanie Darnell

Louis Otey

Louis Otey

Maria Todaro

Maria Todaro

Nicoletta Mantovani

Nicoletta Mantovani

Yelena Kurdina

Yelena Kurdina

John Churchwell

John Churchwell

Pirate 1

Summer Youth Program

Each summer, students ages 13-21 are engaged in a two week training program that culminates in performing an operetta. In addition to preparing the production, the youth participate in master classes and workshops focusing on a variety of topics associated with opera including proper vocal technique, acting and improvisation, set and prop construction, and costume design. All interested participants are accepted into the program and perform in the production regardless of experience or audition. Scholarships are available to help cover the cost of the tuition.

Student Apprentice 2

Student Apprentice Program

This year-round program gives local students, ages 7-21 training and public performance opportunities including singing solo roles in main stage productions when applicable, singing in the Opera Naples Adult Chorus or Opera Naples Youth Chorus, and performing in “Scenes for Teens” programs and community concerts. Youth also perform in ON’s outreach ensemble “Sing for Smiles” which visits local assisted and independent living facilities. Private vocal lessons and coaching are provided as well as group master classes. There is no cost to participants. Admission is determined by audition and interview.

Student Apprentice 2

Each school year, Opera Naples exposes more than 3,000 children to opera!

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Elementary In-School Tours

Opera Naples’ Resident Artists tour a one-act children’s opera to Collier and Lee County schools and after-school programs to expose grade school children to opera. The presentation includes an introduction about opera and etiquette, the performance, and a question and answer session between the students and performers. Previous in-school operas, specifically designed for elementary school students, have included Stop, Bully, The Billy Goat’s Gruff, The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, and Hansel and Gretel. Each school year, Opera Naples exposes more than 3,000 children to opera!

Thank you to our generous donors and community partners, for supporting Opera Naples, Inc. and our educational programming.

Valerie Becker

Liz and Ed Freher

Sandra and James Lafond

Jacqueline and William Mears

Wendy Needham

Mary Jane Oliveira

Jennifer Richardson

Ivan Seligman

J. Aron Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Community Foundation of Collier County

FineMark National Bank & Trust

State of Florida

Winfield Coffee 

High School and University Partners in Music Education

Include Opera Naples performances in your curriculum. Enroll your class for student ticket discounts.
Contact Rita Albaugh (239) 963-9050 ext 201

Guild of Opera Naples.

Being a Guild Member is a wonderful opportunity to go behind the scenes, meet cast members and experience the life of a theatrical operation firsthand while knowing you are helping to keep opera alive in their community.

Premier event space.

Host spectacular receptions, recitals, concerts and conferences in our large event space in the heart of Naples. Enjoy theatrical lighting, sound and projection with up to 320 tiered seats and 120 cafe-style seats.

Supporting our community.

Join us in our mission to provide powerful and insightful performances and help our community grow culturally through education and outreach to all ages and stages.