By Nabila Arbaje, Florida Grand Opera

Unlike Broadway and theater, opera is an art form that requires highly-specialized training, typically formal education such as a Masters in Voice or higher degrees. Much like doctors, aspiring opera singers search for residency opportunities with established opera companies following graduation. Holding the development of young artists at the core of its mission, Florida Grand Opera founded the Young Artists Studio in 1984, a program highly acclaimed as one of the leading operatic training programs in the nation.

With only six (6) spots available for more than 600 annual applicants, this is a highlight competitive program. The respected program provides talented young singers with an opportunity to refine the skills developed during formal music education, targeting those areas necessary to develop a successful opera career.

The selected artists receive an extensive coaching and instructions during a two-year residency as well as numerous performance opportunities. Young Artists perform tertiary roles and cover primary roles in the company’s seasonal productions as well as perform regularly for community events and educational programs. They also have the opportunity to participate in Master Classes with some of the opera world’s leading names – Sherrill Milnes, Elizabeth Futral and Bernard Uzan, among others.

On September 20, 2011, Florida Grand Opera will welcome three (3) new talented voices to the Young Artists Studio:

Lacy Sauter(Soprano), is a graduate of Arizona State University and pursued graduate studies at Indiana University. At IU, she sang the roles of Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus and Juliette in Romeo et Juliette.  Ms. Sauter was a winner of the Arizona and the Middle- East Tennessee Districts of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 2008 and 2011.

Ryan Milstead (Baritone), received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Mississippi where his roles included Strephon (Iolanthe), Escamillo (Carmen), Poo-Bah (The Mikado), Frank (Die Fledermaus), and Antonio (Le Nozze di Figaro). Ryan Milstead recently made his professional operatic debut with the apprentice program at the Santa Fe Opera performing the roles of the American Tailor in Menotti’s The Last Savage and the Second Apprentice in Berg’s Wozzeck and covering the role of Wagner in Gounod’s Faust.

Joo Won Kang (Baritone), made his professional debut in the title role of Rigoletto with NJ Verismo opera in October 2010. Highlights of his 2010-2011 season include winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition Eastern Region in January, a recital with the Verein Opera in Zürich, and an appearance in the NJ Verismo Opera Highlights Concert.