The National Opera Studio has announced 16 new singers for its Young Artists Programme. Having held auditions internationally, The YAP will include 7 Young Artists from the UK, while 8 hail from overseas. The hand-picked musicians will undertake a nine-month, fully funded bespoke training programme which aims to prepare them for life as a professional opera singer, receiving tutelage from industry heavyweights including Susan Bullock CBE, Maria Cleva and Dominik Dengler. Previous alumni of NOS include Gerald Finley OC CBE, Elizabeth Llewellyn MBE, Marie McLaughlin, Susan Bullock CBE and Nicky Spence OBE.

Following the programme, each Young Artist will continue their artistic development with one of six UK opera companies including English National Opera, Glyndebourne, Opera North, the Royal Ballet and Opera, Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera. While the YAP prioritises vocal coaching, the course also offers audio-visual technical training, coaching in physical and psychological resilience and PR/marketing advice. They will also be offered performances opportunities at leading UK venues, including Glyndebourne, WNO, Royal Ballet and Opera, Scottish Opera and the Wigmore Hall.

Eric Melear, Artistic Director of National Opera Studio, said: ‘Selected through a rigorous audition process, from over 300 applications, our Young Artists represent the very best of talent, not just from the UK, but around the world … We look forward to supporting their development and showcasing their talent.’

The National Opera Studio Young Artists 2024/25 are: (Sopranos) Ana-Carmen Balestra, Moloko Letsoalo, Rachel McLean, Ceferina Penny, Olivia Rose Tringham, (Mezzo-sopranos) Nancy Holt, Sarah Winn, (Tenors) Emyr Lloyd Jones, Luvo Maranti, (Baritones) Aleksander Kaczuk-Jagielnik, Armand Rabot, Egor Sergeev and (Repetiteurs) Alistair Burton, Su Choung, Adam McDonagh, Aya Robertson.