Caption: (L-R) Brianna J. Robinson, mezzo-soprano Kendra Faith Beasley, tenor River Guard, and baritones Cole Bellamy and Cameron J. Rolling, (Credit-detroitopera.org)
The program, tailored for early-career professional opera singers, provides personalized instruction to meet each artist’s specific needs and is in line with the leading training programs in the country. This initiative, overseen by the acclaimed opera coach and pianist Nathalie Doucet, who serves as the Head of Music at Detroit Opera, transformed two years ago.
“This is an exciting and transformative time at Detroit Opera, as we lead the way in innovation and change within the opera industry,” Doucet said.
It continues to embody the ethos of innovation, community engagement, and outreach characteristic of Detroit Opera’s programming and administration since Yuval Sharon assumed the role of Gary L. Wasserman’s Artistic Director. The program is highly competitive; more than 850 artists applied for five available positions in the 2024–25 program. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 1.
The Resident Artist Program for 2025-26 offers a unique opportunity for selected artists to immerse themselves in an intensive program while residing in Detroit from September 2025 through May 2026. Participants will be privileged to train under the guidance of Doucet and other esteemed guest faculty members in a carefully tailored curriculum focusing on voice, movement, language, and career development.
In addition to their hands-on training and performances in Detroit Opera mainstage productions, Resident Artists work with Detroit Opera’s artistic leadership—Yuval Sharon and Music Director Roberto Kalb—as well as with guest artists, directors, conductors, and industry professionals. Guest faculty who have worked with Detroit Opera Resident Artists since 2022 include sopranos Wendy Bryn Harmer, Ana Maria Martinez, and Janet Williams; mezzo-soprano Susan Graham; bass-baritone Alfred Walker; conductors Valerio Galli and Francesco Milioto; and coaches Ellen Rissinger, Ricardo Herrera, and Timothy Cheek.
Detroit Opera has a strong commitment to making opera accessible to the local community. One way this is achieved is through the Resident Artists program, which allows artists to establish direct connections with Detroit. This is accomplished through various means such as recitals, concerts, and collaborative projects with local schools, non-profit organizations, businesses, and institutions.
Resident Artists play a vital role in bringing the joy of opera to the community by regularly performing at Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital and participating in public concerts across Detroit and the State of Michigan. The program typically begins with a one-year contract, and exceptional artists may be invited to extend their participation for a second year.
“It is profoundly inspiring to witness the exceptional caliber of singers we attract for our Resident Artist Program, showcasing remarkable vocal skill and sheer artistry. Our top priority is nurturing the next generation of singers by providing a safe space for them to develop and flourish in their careers,” Doucet said.
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