The Opera Launches Young Artist Program: The Atlanta Opera Studio

General and Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun announced today the launch of The Atlanta Opera's first ever young artist program, The Atlanta Opera Studio. Four singers, one stage director and one pianist will participate in the inaugural 2016-17 season. The artists will make their stage debut at the annual Opera with an Edge season preview concert on Sunday, October 2nd at the Cobb Energy Centre.

The program provides talented emerging artists with valuable performance experience working alongside internationally acclaimed operatic professionals. The artists will participate in masterclasses and specialized instruction, enhancing and deepening their professional education through coaching in language, stage skills, and career development.

The studio includes soprano Bryn Holdsworth from New York, NY; tenor Santiago Ballerini from Buenos Aires; California native baritone Andrew Pardini; local favorite Alan Higgs, bass-baritone, from Melbourne Beach, FL; Georgia native pianist and vocal coach Valerie Pool; and Canadian stage director Brenna Corner. Ms. Corner joins The Atlanta Opera Studio as the Jerry & Dulcy Rosenberg Young Artist Stage Director, given in honor of Tomer Zvulun.

The artists of The Atlanta Opera Studio will be unveiled at Opera with an Edge on Sunday, October 2nd at 3pm. Tickets may be purchased at www.atlantaopera.org or through The Atlanta Opera box office at 404-881-8885. Tickets are free for subscribers. The program will be approximately 75 minutes in length.

"The Atlanta Opera is proud to launch a program that will support talented young artists at the brink of a major international career," said Zvulun. "The program will provide the studio artists with continued education, performance opportunities and an environment that will prepare them for a successful career in the opera world. For our audiences and patrons, this will be a unique opportunity to get acquainted with young, up-and-coming artists who will establish a meaningful, lasting connection with our community."

During the 16-17 season, the artists will appear in featured and supporting roles in mainstage productions at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Additionally, they will participate in the Studio Tour which reaches over 10,000 students annually, and will perform throughout the metro-Atlanta community in a variety of audience development programs and special events.

About The Atlanta Opera

The Atlanta Opera was founded in 1979 and to this day adheres to its mission to enrich the community by creating the highest quality operatic and theatrical programming that re-imagines the classics and introduces new works; expands and engages our audience; and stimulates critical conversations. The Opera works with world-renowned singers, conductors, directors, and designers who seek to enhance the art form for a sophisticated, 21st century audience.

About Opera with an Edge

The Atlanta Opera's annual season preview concert gives both opera lovers and the opera curious a sneak peek at the romance and adventure that awaits in The Opera's 2016-17 season. The concert will be held on Sunday, October 2nd at 3 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Centre. Opera aficionado and long-time Atlanta Opera supporter Bob Edge and General & Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun host this entertaining afternoon. Tenor superstar Jay Hunter Morris and Soprano Maria Valdes will make special guest appearances. They will join members of The Atlanta Opera Studio in a program featuring the most memorable musical moments from Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio, Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell's Silent Night, Donizetti's Don Pasquale, and Puccini's Turandot. All selections will be performed live on the set of The Abduction from the Seraglio.