Houston Grand Opera Announces 2014-15 Studio Artists

After a worldwide search, Houston Grand Opera has chosen the members of the 2014-15 HGO Studio program. One of the most respected and highly competitive young artist programs in the world, the HGO Studio provides comprehensive career development to young artists who have demonstrated potential to make major contributions to the field of opera. The HGO Studio received applications from 552 artists; of those, about 250 were heard in Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and San Francisco. From these auditions, six candidates were awarded positions in the Studio for the 2014-15 season.

During a residency of up to three years, HGO Studio artists receive specialized training in voice, movement, and languages and are afforded numerous performance opportunities. The HGO Studio is distinguished from other young artist programs by its high level of integration between the Studio members and main-stage artists and production teams. Studio artists are often cast in major and supporting roles in main-stage productions, giving them the opportunity to work with world-renowned artists, directors, and conductors. They also participate in recital series and perform in venues across the city and state for numerous events.

The HGO Studio trains young artists in their chosen discipline of classical singing, piano and coaching, or conducting. This season marks the first time the program will expand to include conducting since 2008, with returning pianist/coach Emily Senturia, who wishes to pursue conducting. The distinguished incoming Studio artists hail from prestigious music schools such as Juilliard, the Manhattan School, Cincinnati Conservatory, and London's Royal College of Music, as well as programs affiliated with the opera companies of Los Angeles and San Francisco. For the first time, the new class includes an alumna of HGO's Young Artists Vocal Academy, which has been serving exceptional undergraduate singers for the past three years.

"These extraordinary individuals will make major contributions to the musical life of Houston and to the field of opera as a whole," said HGO Studio Director Laura Canning. "I'm especially excited that we have been able to offer a position to an aspiring young conductor. It's also hugely rewarding to see an alumna of HGO's Young Artists Vocal Academy join the Studio just three years after we started the Academy."

Founded in 1977 by composer Carlisle Floyd and HGO's then-General Director David Gockley, the HGO Studio was established to help young artists transition from their academic training to careers in opera. Members commit to an intense, individualized study program while living in Houston from mid-August through May.

First-year HGO Studio artists are:
Pureum Jo-soprano
D'Ana Lombard-soprano
Megan Samarin-mezzo-soprano
Sofia Selowsky-mezzo-soprano
Morgan Pearse-baritone
Sahar Nouri-pianist/coach

Returning HGO Studio artists are:
Reginald Smith Jr.-baritone
Thomas Richards-bass-baritone
Peixin Chen-bass
Emily Senturia-conductor
Christopher Turbessi-pianist/coach

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