Through the nationally recognized Studio Artist Program, FGO provides full-time, paid residencies for emerging singers to perform, train, and connect with the community. CANTO, Masterclass Series, and Artist Mentorship initiatives expand this training to cover technique, languages, acting, branding, finance, and career longevity.
Invest in the future of opera.
Sponsor an artist, support a masterclass, or underwrite a full season of training with a gift.
— Former Studio Artist
Training the voices of tomorrow — and shaping the future of opera.
Florida Grand Opera’s Studio Artist Program is one of the nation’s premier professional opportunities for emerging opera talent. Selected through a competitive audition process, these young professionals spend up to two years in South Florida, where they polish their craft, perform key roles, and build connections that will sustain them throughout their careers.
But it’s more than training — it’s a responsibility. Studio Artists carry the future of opera on their shoulders, representing the next generation of artistry, excellence, and innovation. They commit themselves fully to their craft, while the FGO community commits to giving them the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Artists are immersed in the South Florida community, performing not only on the mainstage alongside international superstars, but also at community events that bring opera to neighborhoods, schools, and unexpected spaces. This dual presence allows them to refine their artistry while forging meaningful connections with diverse audiences.
A distinctive aspect of the program is the opportunity for Studio Artists to be provided housing. This unique experience is deeply rewarding for the artist as it’ll foster personal relationships and cultural exchange in their community that extend far beyond the stage.
Artists receive intensive training from FGO’s distinguished staff, including Dr. Jared Peroune, Artist Development Director.
Artist Training and Development Consultant. Beginning with the 2024-2025 season season, the program has been enhanced with a faculty of internationally acclaimed talent, including Arturo Chacón-Cruz and Louis Otey.
Beyond the rehearsal room, Studio Artists participate in in-house auditions with agents and General Directors, media training, and performance opportunities that prepare them for a career on the world’s stages.
The Studio Artist Program is an investment in the future of opera — and a shared responsibility between the artists who dedicate themselves to the art form and the supporters who believe in their potential.
New Studio Artist photos: [link here for photos]
FGO Studio Faculty and Artists
Now in its second season, Florida Grand Opera’s CANTO is a groundbreaking initiative designed to nurture and elevate the next generation of opera talent. In partnership with South Florida’s most prestigious music programs—including the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, FIU’s Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts, New World School of the Arts/MDC, Barry University, and Florida Atlantic University—CANTO bridges the gap between academic training and professional performance.
CANTO offers aspiring singers unparalleled access to real-world operatic experience, mentorship from industry leaders, and the chance to perform in diverse professional settings across South Florida. Through the Canto program and under the leadership of Dr. Jared Peroune, Artistic Development Director and Lauren Frick, Education and Social Entrepreneurship Director, participants will work alongside Florida Grand Opera’s Studio Artists, guest faculty, and international stars, honing their skills both on stage and in the community.
From repertoire selection to live performance, students learn the art of auditioning, receiving professional feedback to refine their skills, stage presence, and confidence.
Participants develop deep character analysis, master stage movement, and learn to integrate musical and theatrical elements into a cohesive performance—while working collaboratively with directors, conductors, and colleagues.
CANTO includes training in Italian, French, and German, with exposure to additional languages such as Russian, Czech, and Spanish.
Students refine technique, expand stylistic versatility, build performance stamina, and explore emotional expressivity through coaching with seasoned professionals.
The program offers masterclasses with industry legends, resume and portfolio building, mock auditions, branding guidance, networking events, and insights into the business side of the arts.
CANTO artists perform in a variety of settings—from intimate community venues to collaborative concerts—bringing opera to diverse audiences throughout South Florida.
Open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as those pursuing an Artist Diploma.
For questions or to schedule an audition, contact Dr. Jared Peroune at jperoune@fgo.org.
At Florida Grand Opera, master classes are transformative moments where our Studio Artists work directly with internationally renowned singers, coaches, and conductors. In these intimate sessions, an artist performs, receives guidance in real time, and refines technique, interpretation, and stagecraft under the mentorship of a master.
Recent guests have included Christine Goerke, one of today’s leading dramatic sopranos, and Elizabeth Caballero, Miami’s own acclaimed soprano. Their insights connect young artists to the discipline, tradition, and innovation that define opera at the highest level.
On select occasions, FGO donors are invited to attend as audience members, witnessing the magic of a performance in the making—a rare glimpse into the process as a piece transforms before their eyes.
Masterclasses at FGO are more than training; they are a bridge between generations of artists and a living celebration of the power of mentorship.
Florida Grand Opera’s Artist Mentorship program helps young singers build more than their voices. It gives them the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the realities of a professional career.
Open to our Studio Artists, with select workshops for CANTO participants, the program covers:
Artist Mentorship connects singers with people who have been there—industry professionals, established performers, and experts—offering practical advice they can use right away. It’s about helping each artist succeed on stage and build a career that lasts.
We welcome singers, conductors, directors, coaches, stylists, wellness experts, and professionals from across the arts to share their experience. Whether leading a workshop, giving a masterclass, or offering one-on-one guidance, your expertise can help shape the next generation of opera talent.
