(Photo credit: Alexander Jane Creative,

Florida Grand Opera has announced a transformation of its Studio Artist Program.

Soprano Elizabeth Caballero, tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz, and baritone Louis Otey will join Florida Grand Opera’s studio as Artist Training and Development Consultants for the 2024-25 season. They will work alongside Neil Nelson, the Senior Artist Training and Development Consultant, and Dr. Jared Peroune, the Studio Artist Program Manager and Chorus Master. These enhancements underline the company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of opera talent.

The Studio Artist Program provides opportunities for in-house auditions with agents, General Directors, and media interviews to prepare the artists for a life in the opera industry. Florida Grand Opera’s Studio Artists spend up to two years in South Florida, where they polish their craft, build their body of work, study and perform key roles, and forge important connections that
will sustain them throughout their careers.

Caballero has performed around the world at houses such as The Metropolitan Opera, Opera Carolina, Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid, at Staatsoper Stuttgart, Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, Seattle Opera, and more. Chacón-Cruz’s recent engagements include a Zarzuela concert at the Vienna State Opera and “Il Trovatore” in San Francisco. Otey’s career spans over 40 years and five continents. He is known for his roles in “Tosca,” “Don Giovanni,” and “Falstaff.”

“We are incredibly excited to usher in this transformative era for our Studio Artist Program,” said Maria Todaro, General Director of Florida Grand Opera. “The addition of such renowned artists elevates our program to an unprecedented level. Their unparalleled expertise and global experience are essential to providing our artists with a world-class education and preparation for successful careers.” The young professionals chosen for the program demonstrate extraordinary potential for significant contributions to the field. Notable alumni include award-winning countertenor Key’Mon Murrah, Grammy-winning soprano Jessica E. Jones, Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis, Metropolitan Opera tenor Andrew Bidlack, and Miami’s own mezzo-soprano Amanda Crider.