The Merola Opera Program, an arm of the San Francisco Opera, provides young singers with the opportunity for great training and public performances each summer. Some of them are named Adler Fellows afterwards and perform during the regular season at SF Opera.

While I was playing for one of their concerts the other day, I picked up the 50th Anniversary book which provides a fantastic and unique perspective on the program. Just looking at the roster of participants over the years is eye-popping – oodles of major and/or famous modern opera singers were there… some notable conductors as well. The program’s very first year (1957) had as a student  Jess Thomas, one of the greatest Wagner tenors ever.

Anyway, if you’re interested,you can get the book at some Merola performances ($20). The author Tracy Grant, was even there on Sunday. Not in the area? It might be available through an Amazon market place seller:

http://tinyurl.com/Merola-book

If you’re interested, Merola will be presenting Mascagni’s L’Amico Fritz next week, Così fan Tutte and the Grand Finale concert in August. More info here:

http://sfopera.com/merola.asp

Posted on 7:53 am July 14, 2009