The program consists of four singers (soprano, mezzo, tenor, baritone/bass) and an accompanist. Studio artists will sing supporting and comprimario roles during the opera season while serving the mainstage, educational and outreach goals of the Florentine Opera Company. The Florentine Opera Company's 2008-2009 season repertoire will include works by Puccini, Handel and Mozart. Additionally, artists will perform studio concerts, as well as for donor functions, outreach and education initiatives and the Florentine's in-school touring opera program. In addition to the above mentioned performance activities, Studio Artists will have the opportunity to gain continuing training and career advice through masterclasses and coachings with visiting artists and master teachers.

"The Florentine Opera Studio will give promising young singers the experience and training they need to grow professionally in the opera art form," explained General Director William Florescu. "An important part of our mission at the Florentine is enhancing our community through outstanding outreach and educational opportunities. As we commemorate our 75th season in Milwaukee, we felt cultivating future artists in the field was a fantastic way to both honor our legacy and celebrate our future."

Ideally, artists accepted into the program will have completed (or be nearing the completion of) their professional education and may have some professional performing experience in the field. The first class of the Florentine Opera Studio will make their debut in a recital, accompanied by the Florentine's Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Joseph Rescigno, at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts on October 18, 2008. -- www.florentineopera.org