Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program
2024-2025 Emerging Artists
The Virginia Opera Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program provides training, performance opportunities, and access to industry connections and resources to a group of opera’s talented rising stars. As one of the most competitive training programs in the nation, the Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program receives over 700 applicants annually. Emerging Artists appear in Virginia Opera mainstage productions, tour in fully-staged educational programs, and perform in recitals, donor events, and the VO Master Teacher Series. In addition, Emerging Artists receive regular coachings with VO’s artistic staff, including Artistic Director Adam Turner, as well as guest conductors and mainstage artists. Recent alumni of the Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program include: Megan Marino, David Blalock, Courtney Miller, David Pershall, Brian Jagde, Jeni Houser, Shannon Jennings-Holman, and Nathan Stark.
2024-2025 Emerging Artists
Chase Sanders, Soprano
Aria Minasian, Mezzo-Soprano
Daniel Esteban Lugo, Tenor
Patrick Wilhelm, Baritone
Applications & Auditions
Emerging Artists
Applications for auditions for the 2025-2026 season are NOW OPEN. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 27, 2024.
All applications must be submitted through YAP TRACKER; the final, in-person, round will take place in New York City Dec. 3-5, 2024. There is no fee to apply to the Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program at Virginia Opera.
Restrictions
Applicants must be United States citizens or have the right to work in the United States. Non-U.S. citizens will be required to send a copy of right-to-work documentation. Virginia Opera is not responsible for procuring the work permissions necessary to participate in this program.
How To Apply
Materials Required
All materials must be submitted online via the YAP Tracker application:
– Completed application form.
– Resume, single page only.
– One high-resolution headshot.
– Three professional references. Contact information will need to be provided on the application form. No written recommendation letters are accepted.
– A list of five selections from your audition repertoire (Representing at least three different languages, including English).
– One video recording of an aria from the standard repertoire (recorded within the past 12 months). If your video contains more than one aria, only the first one will be considered.
For more information about the application and audition process, please visit: https://www.yaptracker.com/opportunities/detail/?id=1771421
Apprentice Coaches
There are currently no scheduled auditions for Apprentice Coach positions. Please contact Rachel Ginzberg with inquiries.
Singers
The Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program provides exceptionally talented artists with a seasonal residency program that offers an extensive schedule of performing opportunities in the context of a professional training program. Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists receive weekly compensation plus housing and transportation to Virginia.
Virginia Opera is committed to finding and training the outstanding artists of tomorrow. Those selected to participate in the program will be challenged and supported by an outstanding staff. The Program offers significant opportunities for professional growth for those truly committed to the field of opera.
Performance Opportunities
Virginia Opera’s Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists perform leading and comprimario roles and/or cover leading roles in the company’s mainstage productions. Further, some Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists perform leading roles in fully-staged Education and Community Outreach productions, touring schools throughout the state of Virginia. Community concerts and company promotional events offer artists the opportunity to perform standard arias and ensembles in concerts with piano. In addition, Virginia Opera has a rich history of re-engaging Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists for mainstage productions in future seasons
Study Opportunities
Each participant receives regular coachings with members of Virginia Opera’s Artistic Staff, which include Artistic Director Adam Turner, Assistant Conductor/Chorus Master Brandon Eldredge, and various guest conductors, directors, and mainstage singers. Masterclasses are held throughout the season covering topics such as résumé preparation, career management, auditioning techniques, stagecraft, and foreign languages.
Apprentice Coaches
Education and Community Outreach Performance Opportunities
Apprentice Coaches must serve as musical directors and pianists for Education and Community Outreach productions, including selected evenings of Arias & Duets. Coaches learn the basics of artistic administration and company management by serving as tour managers for VO’s statewide touring educational programs.
Study Opportunities
Each participant receives coachings from Artistic Director Adam Turner and Assistant Conductor/Chorus Master Brandon Eldredge. Coaches will receive training and support from administrative staff to aid in tour management. The in-house artistic staff offers classes in resume preparation and auditioning techniques during the course of the season. Master classes are held with visiting stage directors and other distinguished guests throughout the season.
Candidate Qualifications
Apprentice coaches should have attained at least a Bachelor of Music degree in piano and have exceptional experience in vocal accompanying. Graduate work is strongly preferred. Individuals should be capable of managing artists on tour and overseeing non-artistic aspects of the Virginia Opera’s Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Program.