Portland Opera has announced its selections for the company’s Resident Artist program for the 2024-25 season.

The artists in residence for the 60th anniversary season are soprano Ginaia Black, mezzo-soprano Erin Roth Thomas, tenor Nathaniel Catasca, and baritone Matthew Maisano. Collaborative pianist Claire Forstman returns for a second year.

For eight months, the residents will study with primary vocal coach Paul Floyd and primary pianist coach Nicholas Fox, along with other specialists including Portland Opera’s Co-Artistic Advisors Damien Geter (also the company’s Interim Music Director) and Artistic Advisor Karen Slack. Throughout the season they will also work with guest faculty, visiting artists, and company members. Lessons and master classes will focus on vocal technique, musical coaching, language instruction, drama, role study, dance, movement, and leadership development.

Resident artists will give two free community performances, “Pops & Arias” and an Opera Scenes program, curated in collaboration with faculty and guest artists. Each artist will perform as Soloist in “The Juliet Letters.”

Black will perform the role of Mrs. Grady in “The Shining” and cover Nannetta in “Falstaff.” Thomas will sing Mrs. Massey in “The Shining” and Meg Page in “Falstaff.” Catasca is cast as Bill Watson/Lloyd the Bartender in “The Shining” and Bardolfo in “Falstaff.” Maisano will take on the role of Horace Dewent in “The Shining” and sing Pistola in “Falstaff.”

The Portland Opera’s Resident Artist Program was established in 2005. This residency and training initiative is centered on the cultivation and support of emerging artists in the academic and professional worlds of opera.