Houston Grand Opera Studio Announces New Studio Artists for 2012-13

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) today announced that six new artists will join its young artist development program in the 2012-13 season. Laura Canning, Director of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, stated, “We are delighted to welcome these promising young artists into our program. A career in opera is not an easy path; success requires exemplary musical ability, a passion for continuous improvement, and above all a hunger to learn. We’ve chosen these artists to become fellows in the HGO Studio because we believe they have the potential to succeed and contribute to the art form at the highest level.”

The six incoming fellows were chosen through Houston Grand Opera’s Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers, which included regional auditions in Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and Cincinnati, culminating in the competitions final round, the annual Concert of Arias on February 2, 2012 in Houston. The new artists are:

Andrea Carroll, soprano (USA)

Peixin Chen, bass (China)

Kevin Ray, tenor (USA)
Natalya Romaniw, soprano (UK)

Carolyn Sproule, mezzo-soprano (CAN)

Elena Lacheva, pianist/coach (BUL)

They will join the continuing artists of the Studio in Houston in August 2012.

“Developing the gifts of young singers continues to be part of the mission of Houston Grand Opera,” said Patrick Summers, HGO’s Artistic and Music Director. “In fact, we think of this as one of the most important investments we can make in the future of opera.” The HGO Studio was formed more than thirty years ago by composer Carlisle Floyd and HGO’s former General Director David Gockley. Among its alumni are sopranos Ana María Martínez, Albina Shagimuratova, and Tamara Wilson; mezzo-sopranos Joyce DiDonato and Denyce Graves; tenor Chad Shelton; bass Eric Owens; and conductor Evan Rogister.

Since its establishment in 1977, the Houston Grand Opera Studio has become one of the most highly respected young artist programs in the world, serving as a bridge between full-time training and full-fledged operatic careers. During a residency of up to three years, young singers and pianists receive personalized training from an expert team while working onstage alongside world-famous singers, coaches, and directors at Houston Grand Opera.

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