Opera Professionals

The Glynn Studio Artists join The Atlanta Opera as company members are selected through a rigorous audition process. Each year, four singers and a stage director receive the opportunity to apprentice by performing in various roles or directing, learning roles to act as “cover” or “understudy” performers, and learn from a close affiliation with the experienced professionals in all productions.

Each of the Studio Artists is an early career professional with significant training and stage experience, some with lead performances and major concert appearances on their resumé. The program builds on The Atlanta Opera’s commitment to provide opportunities for performers at all stages in their careers.

“We founded our Studio Artist program in 2016 with a simple goal to discover and nurture talented performers,” says Tomer Zvulun, the Carl W. Knobloch General & Artistic Director of the company. “Singers expand their skills and knowledge with the training and opportunity they get here, and many have gone on to significant careers. This year, we continue our program with the confidence that these amazing young artists are the foundation of the future of opera.”

Throughout the season, these artists will have the opportunity to work with established performers and coaches to improve their skills in all aspects of their field. Master Vocal Teacher Laura Brooks Rice has been part of the Studio Artist program since 2021 and is an acclaimed performer and voice teacher and acting coach whose students are currently singers at The Metropolitan Opera, Washington Opera, Sarasota Opera, and internationally at most of the world’s opera houses. “I am a native of Atlanta, and spent my childhood in this wonderful town,” explains Rice. “It gives me so much pleasure to be back working with The Atlanta Opera and I am filled with anticipation to work with our new singers in the Glynn Opera Studio.”

An experienced group of coaches and clinicians are engaged in the training and support of the Glynn Studio Artists. These experts include David Okerlund – Principal Vocal Clinician, Kevin Burdette – Principal Dramatic Clinician, Walter Huff – Principal Guest Coach, Stefano Baldasseroni – Italian Diction Coach, Marianne Barrett – German Diction Coach, and Pierre Vallet – French Diction Coach.

The name sponsors of the young artist program are Beth and Gary Glynn. Significant support is also provided by the Donald and Marilyn Keough Foundation, John and YeeWan Stevens, and Jerry and Dulcy Rosenberg.