Since 1988, the Ravinia Festival’s Steans Institute has been a major proponent of lifting up the next generation. Since its inauguration the institute has provided coaching, master classes, and performing opportunities for over 1,700 musicians.

This year, the program will host 15 classical vocalists, who will get the spotlight for two weeks with a series of masterclasses with such notable artists as Frederica von Stade and Kevin Murphy as well as several vocal recitals.

“Without a doubt, what attracts me most about the Steans Institute is the space and the musicians who are part of it. Being part of the Steans Institute, I’m sure, will open my mind a lot, both from learning from so many great teachers and from very good fellow singers as well,” mezzo-soprano Élida Rocha, WHO, told OperaWire. 

“The legacy of Ravinia alone drew me to apply, but it was also the incredible faculty and resources provided to the Fellows that convinced me to fully pursue the opportunity to be a Steans Fellow,” added bass-baritone Justice Yates. “I most admire that the program encourages each singer to curate their own path of growth and study. After graduating from the Yale school of Music this past May, my main goal as a newly professional singer has been to successfully make the transition from student to artist. I hope to gain not just a more refined vocal technique and acting method, but a heightened sense of artistry and intention in my expression of the music.”

Some of the artists are in the Institute for the first time, while others, such as mezzo-soprano Cierra Byrd, who is also an alum of the Lindemann Young Artist Program at the Metropolitan Opera, are back for a second year.

“I returned here because it is a place of true collegiality and respite. I have so much love and appreciation for the faculty, staff, and musicians. They have been an inspiration in my life and helped me to see my artistry and to take agency in a new way. There really is no place like it,” Byrd noted.

For some singers, the draw is the program’s emphasis on Art Song and the boundless expression and exploration it allows for Steans Institute Artists. In addition to the weekly Thursday “Afternoon of Art Song,” they will also get a chance to participate in “The Soul Within Us,” a jazz-influenced hymns and spirituals showcase, and “America the Elusive.”

“I was drawn to Ravinia because studying and performing Art Song is a great passion of mine,” said soprano Julia Ernst, who noted that she will be preparing and performing Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915.” “This piece always brings me back to simple moments from my childhood in New Orleans, Louisiana spent with family. I think it beautifully captures both the safety of childhood, and the wonder in the unknown that we experience as children, which can sometimes be frightening. I cannot wait to share my interpretation of Knoxville and to connect with audience members through the magic of this piece.”

Élida Rocha noted that she will be performing “Cuba Inside a Piano” as well as songs by Manuel M. Ponce,” emphasizing the excitement she gets from the opportunity to perform in Spanish.

“Music for me represents the freedom to express yourself in the most beautiful way. I connect with it through masks, as if I were playing at being different people who are not me, or many different parts of my personality.”

Byrd emphasized her excitement over the prospect of collaborating with Damien Sneed who is curating “The Soul Within Us,” as well as continuing to explore Mahler’s “Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen.”

“I’ve used some unconventional additions to continue and complete the Wayfarer’s journey (Bizet, Horowitz, Serrano, and Chapí), leading the listener towards resolve, through hope, and ultimately transformation,” she noted.

Yates emphasized that the recitals will provide him an opportunity to honor, H. Leslie Adams, the composer who inspired his love for Art Song.

“I came across his ‘Five Millay Songs’ and ‘Nightsongs’ in my freshman year of undergraduate at Stetson University,” Yates revealed. “Both scores for low voice were just sitting outside my voice-teacher-at-the-time’s door in a box labeled ‘FREE MUSIC, PLEASE TAKE.’ I was immediately drawn into his blusey harmonies, sparkling textures, and dramatic text painting.”

After experiencing Adams’ music, Yates had intended to reach out to the composer and let him know how much he appreciated his art.

“He unfortunately passed away on my birthday, May 24, 2024, at 91 years of age,” Yates noted. “The date of his passing inevitably energized me to share his art with the world even more. Part of me regrets not taking the time to thank him for his inspiration in my life, so I always try to honor his legacy and artistry as a Black composer by programming at least two pieces by him in recitals I curate and program.”

The inevitability of time inspired bass-baritone Boheng Shen’s repertory choices for the Steans recitals.

“Loewe’s ‘Die Uhr’ has had a particularly strong impact on me,” he noted. “The image of the clock reminds me that time never stops moving forward. It makes me reflect on life, aging, and how precious every moment is. Singing this piece isn’t just about telling a story, it’s also about sharing those personal reflections with the audience. That’s the kind of connection I hope to create every time I perform.”

The “Afternoon of Art Song” series runs every Thursday through August 20 with “America the Elusive” set for August 8 and “The Soul Within Us” set to close out the program on August 22, 2026.

“I am thrilled to be surrounded by the incredible faculty here and to soak up every bit of knowledge that they impart on me,” Ernst added. “I love that this program is focused on fueling the individual artist, and curating performing experiences that fulfill what make us unique. I hope to leave this program even more inspired than when I arrived, and to create artistic relationships that I will carry for the rest of my journey ahead. I am excited to be surrounded by the beautiful singing of my colleagues every day and to also learn from them. Every person that I have spoken to about Ravinia has said that this program has changed their life. As of today, I have only been here for three days, but already I have a strong feeling it will change mine too.” 

“I hope this fellowship will provide me with both expert guidance on my voice and professional development, while also allowing me to build lasting friendships and professional connections that will support my musical journey for years to come,” concluded bass-baritone Boheng Shen.