The Merola Opera Program has launched a new initiative, called the Merola Artists Emergency Fund, which is intended to provide relief to Merola alumni who have suffered financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus epidemic.

The initiative is open to young singers, conductors, and directors who participated during 2015-2019.

“So many of our talented Merola participants have suddenly seen engagements evaporate for the next few months,” said Board President Barbara Bruser Clark and Board Chairman Patrick Wilken in a press release. “They are in such a crucial period of launching their careers in opera houses around the world, and it is our goal to help them remain on course and fulfill their immense potential.”

Sheri Greenawald, Director of San Francisco Opera Center as well as Merola Artistic Director added, “This will be an extraordinarily valuable resource for Merolini struggling under the weight of many cancelations. It is an amazing, altruistic act by our board and the many supporters who are stepping up to contribute. On behalf of artists everywhere, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”