In 2018, Finger Lakes Opera established its Young Artist Program to feature up-and-coming musicians around the Finger Lakes region and beyond. In its first two seasons, the Young Artists performed in a scenes program and as chorus members for FLO’s main-stage productions. Following the 2019 season, a local benefactor provided seed funding to facilitate the expansion of FLO’s Young Artist Program.

Today, FLO’s Young Artist Program has flourished into one of Finger Lakes Opera’s greatest strengths with applications for the 4-week summer session increasing annually, representing an increase of nearly 500% from 2019. Young Artists now receive weekly stipends, travel allowances, and housing, as well as performance opportunities beyond the summer session.

This expansion has provided FLO the opportunity to bring more opera to more people through community engagement events (performances at nursing homes, in cafes, etc.) and an in-school presence. As the program continues to grow, Finger Lakes Opera is proud to be a launching point for these amazing musicians’ careers.

​For questions about auditions, please email [email protected] or check FLO’s Audition page for more information.