Hailed as one of the country's leading training programs for young singers, Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artist Program provides professional development during a two-year session. The program has fostered the careers of singers that now perform on the world stage.

The Program

Every year, exceptional singers from around the world are selected by audition from more than 500 applicants. After completing advanced education, Resident Artists advance their careers under the guidance of the opera world's leaders and innovators, including master classes with opera legends. While developing their vocal skills and expanding their repertoire, they study languages, diction, movement, and acting.

In addition to performing principal roles in two fully-staged productions, our Resident Artists cover principal roles and perform comprimario roles in Pittsburgh Opera's mainstage productions each season. Pittsburgh Opera's Resident Artist Stage Director gains valuable experience in directing and in production development. 

Throughout the school year, our Resident Artists also appear in interactive musical presentations to students in the Pittsburgh area and beyond. These highly entertaining, improvised presentations introduce opera to young audiences and align with state and national performing arts education standards.

Watch this video to hear from current and past Resident Artists, and Pittsburgh Opera Artistic staff, about the program:

Resident Artists perform comprimario roles on the main stage.

Resident Artists perform lead roles in our second stage productions.

Our Resident Artists perform in the Brown Bag concerts, which are free and open to everyone.

Resident Artists are also the headliners at our formal fundraising events such as Maecenas and Diamond Horseshoe Ball.

The Resident Artists entertain kids and their families at Children's Hospital at holiday time.