Opera Ithaca has announced that it has been awarded a $45,000 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts and Regional Economic Development Council to expand upon its Apprentice Artist Program.

Per a press release, the company is set to unveil its revised program in 2020-21 with the first class under this reshaping. The program will feature two tiers – Young Artists and Studio Artists. The former group will be comprised of singers on the verge of major professional careers who are in Ithaca for a six-week residency in fall of 2020. There will be four singers in this section, all of them getting major role experience, mentoring from Opera Ithaca staff and guest artists, as well as coachings, exposure, and competitive weekly compensation.

The latter group, that of the Studio Artists, will be selected from singers who have recently finished school in New York’s Southern Tier. They will engage with Opera Ithaca for an eight-month residency with monthly stipends, coaching sessions, and mentorship. They will also get a chance to cover roles or even perform when possible.

The selection for this first class will take place via the Edward M. Murray Vocal Competition.