Youth Opera Program

When closures began in March 2020, Sarasota Youth Opera has developed virtual programming for its young singers. SYO quickly moved to Zoom for rehearsals at the beginning of the pandemic, and rebuilt summer camp to be fully virtual. Singers had a combination of live classes in chorus, acting, and opera history with prerecorded project-based classes in costumes, props & sets, and wigs & makeup.

From the success of summer camp, SYO was inspired to create a unique experience for the school year. Stage Director Martha Collins joins Maestro Jesse Martins and Maestro George Hemcher at weekly youth opera rehearsals teaching acting. Martha added, “Usually I only see SYO for the fall production and Summer Camp, but this year I have been so happy to be a part of the program year round.”

Maestro Jesse commented on the challenges of online learning, “The methods that we rely on do not translate easily into the virtual world. At the same time, considering that kids are miles ahead when it comes to technology, we were able to develop a symbiotic process in which their know-how helped us capitalize on the possibilities.” All three staff members take smaller groups of singers and rotate their virtual rehearsals between chorus, Opera 101, and acting.

SYO has invited professionals who work in opera to talk in our Special Guest Series. Soprano Adelaide Boedecker, baritone Alexander Charles Boyd, costume designer Howard Tsvi Kaplan, stage director Mark Freiman, Executive Director Richard Russell, and Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi have been among some of the special guests who shared the story of their careers. In these sessions SYO members can ask questions and learn more about the different professions involved in the art form. Adelaide Boedecker, an SYO alumna, shared her experience as a special guest, “It was a pleasure to come full circle and talk with SYO members. I loved being able to discuss how pivotal a role SYO played in preparing me for the field of opera. It was a joy to give SYO members insight into what life as a professional opera singer looks like. The main aspect I enjoyed was witnessing the passion that SYO members have for opera and the arts. I’m so thankful that I was given the opportunity to talk with them!”

While SYO looks forward to meeting in person again when it is safe to do so, our singers have been enthusiastic about the virtual youth opera program this year. SYO member Ovid recounts his experience during the pandemic while reminiscing on a past production, “Getting to be on stage for Brundibár last year was incredible. A lot of things are different this year, but something that hasn’t changed is my passion for the Sarasota Youth Opera.”

Maestro George Hemcher