We had a wonderful 2024 Summer Program, with 21 participants this year. In addition to the main show, we performed two local concerts. The first was songs from The Great American Songbook and the other was a variety of arias from various beloved operas. It all culminated with two performances of Die Fledermaus, all to great reviews from the community! We had a number of local high school students who were new to opera, and several amazing collegiate artists. Our Professional Fellows joined us from such places as Michigan, New York, and even China!
This was our first time performing in the beautiful Waverly Hall in Seacobeck on the campus of UMW. It was the perfect space for us, and many community members were excited to see the campus facility for the first time. The students participated in daily rehearsals, weekly private coachings, three Masterclasses and two Seminars.
We were also thrilled to welcome a few new Faculty members, and everyone benefited from their expertise and enthusiasm. As we grow, we will be adding an opportunity for young professional voice teachers to join our Faculty as well! (Be watching for our Faculty application - coming soon!)
Here are a few quotes from our students:
"Stafford Opera Troupe is such a wholesome summer program that is great for young singers and emerging artists. I recommend it to anyone who is looking to get a particular role under their belt or who is interested in performing in opera for the very first time."
"Going into this, I was not interested in opera at all....I had some doubts- being a high school student. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. They didn't treat me any different because of my age and rookie-ness, and I was genuinely appreciated and involved. I am so glad I was apart of SOT, and I am so excited to do it all again next year, and for the rest of the years to come."
"I highly recommend auditioning, even if you’ve never seen an opera before. The people you meet make it worth the experience, and the show you bring to Stafford County is needed."
Consider making a donation to support opera education!
This was our first time performing in the beautiful Waverly Hall in Seacobeck on the campus of UMW. It was the perfect space for us, and many community members were excited to see the campus facility for the first time. The students participated in daily rehearsals, weekly private coachings, three Masterclasses and two Seminars.
We were also thrilled to welcome a few new Faculty members, and everyone benefited from their expertise and enthusiasm. As we grow, we will be adding an opportunity for young professional voice teachers to join our Faculty as well! (Be watching for our Faculty application - coming soon!)
Here are a few quotes from our students:
"Stafford Opera Troupe is such a wholesome summer program that is great for young singers and emerging artists. I recommend it to anyone who is looking to get a particular role under their belt or who is interested in performing in opera for the very first time."
"Going into this, I was not interested in opera at all....I had some doubts- being a high school student. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. They didn't treat me any different because of my age and rookie-ness, and I was genuinely appreciated and involved. I am so glad I was apart of SOT, and I am so excited to do it all again next year, and for the rest of the years to come."
"I highly recommend auditioning, even if you’ve never seen an opera before. The people you meet make it worth the experience, and the show you bring to Stafford County is needed."
Consider making a donation to support opera education!
