Ronny Michael Greenberg is a pianist, producer, and musical visionary who has performed at many of the great stages in the world, including Carnegie Hall and Vienna’s Konzerthaus.

He is also the founder and CEO of Taste of Talent, a nonprofit that has redefined cultural programming through innovative, multi-sensory experiences and has produced for Opera Aloha, a Pacific concert tour blending opera with Hawaiian musical traditions,

Additionally, Greenberg also curates and emcees the music for San Francisco Opera Guild’s annual Evening on the Stageand has collaborated with institutions including San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Ballet, Festival Napa Valley, Merola Opera Program, Hawai’i Opera Theatre, Hawai’i Performing Arts Festival, Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago, and Music at Kohl Mansion.

But before his illustrious career took off, he was a Merola Opera Program fellow, a program which he credits for being “one of the greatest sources of support.” Now he is returning this summer to curates several showcase for the famed program. OperaWire had a chance to speak with Greenberg on his experience in Merola and how it shaped his career.

OperaWire: What programs will you be working on this summer with Merola, and can you tell me more about your role?

Ronny Michael Greenberg: This summer, I have the great pleasure of curating and music directing Merola’s season-opening concert, An American Songfest: A Grand Night for Singing, which celebrates American song in its many shapes and colors. This joyful program spans two centuries and brings together a wide range of genres, including classical art songs, musical theater, jazz, cabaret, Appalachian folk, spirituals, soul, and cinematic music.

I’ll be working closely with eleven Merola artists, including six singers and five pianists and will also be performing in the concert myself. Each singer and pianist will be paired in a duo, and together we’ll shape a unique musical set for each pair, along with festive group numbers that open and close the concert.
The musical selections not only highlight the richness and variety of American music, but they also give each artist the chance to explore new styles and discover what they want to express through this music. It’s an opportunity for them to deepen their versatility and connect with audiences across genres with imagination and joy.

OW: What does the Merola Opera Program mean to you as an alum? What are some of your favorite memories of your time at Merola?

RMG: The Merola Opera Program has been one of the greatest sources of support throughout my career. From generous career grants that helped fund educational projects and performance tours, to the meaningful personal and professional relationships I formed through the program, Merola has empowered me to believe in myself and in what I have to offer not only as a musician, but as a leader in the performing arts. To me, Merola represents opportunity, learning, and artistic growth. It’s a world-class training ground that opens doors for emerging operatic and artistic talent by connecting us with renowned teachers, conductors, directors, vocal coaches, and agents from across the country and around the globe. It’s a place where artists are challenged to refine their craft, explore who they are, and step into their next chapter with confidence. One of my favorite memories was performing the finale of Verdi’s Falstaff alongside my
fellow Merolini at the Grand Finale concert on the stage of the War Memorial Opera House. Looking out into the audience at that moment was unforgettable. Another highlight was playing harpsichord for our Don Giovanni production that summer – two iconic experiences that I’ll always carry with me.

OW: How did Merola help shape your career, and what does it mean to return to a creative and artistic leadership role?

RMG:  Merola showed me that when you love something deeply and give it your all, extraordinary things happen. It taught me to trust my inner voice and that when you follow your passion with commitment, the path ahead begins to form. One of the most meaningful aspects of the program was being surrounded by fellow pianists, singers, and directors who brought incredible passion to everything they did. That energy was contagious and made every moment on stage and in rehearsal feel electric.

As an emerging artist, Merola opened my eyes to the breadth of the opera world and the many paths one can take within it. It gave me the confidence to imagine new ways of expanding my artistic voice, and the belief that there is room for boldness, individuality, and vision in this field.

Returning now in a creative leadership role is incredibly meaningful. It’s a chance to give back to a program that helped shape me and to support a new generation of artists as they step into their own voices and incredible possibilities.

OW: How do you plan to support the young artists at Merola, and what are you looking forward to working with them?

RMG: I plan to support the young artists by truly listening. I want to create a spirit of collaboration and shared musical exploration where ideas flow freely, and each artist feels empowered to bring their full self into the music. I hope to reflect back on the incredible talent that is already there and help magnify it. When an artist feels a strong sense of ownership and conviction in their performance, they begin to step into their artistry with confidence and clarity. There’s so much talent to work with, and I’m excited to see where the music takes us, even to places that surprise us.

OW: What advice would you give young artists who are looking to do young artist programs?

RMG: My advice is to bring all of your curiosity and artistic hunger to the table. There’s so much to learn about music, about the voice, and about yourself. Every program is a chance to grow, refine your craft, collaborate, and explore new ideas. It’s also an opportunity to build relationships and discover new directions your career might take. These programs are filled with brilliant teachers and professionals who are there to support you, but it’s up to you to ask questions, seek out insight, and stay engaged with the things that excite you most.

Give it everything you have. Come with an open mind and a willingness to stretch beyond what you already know. That kind of energy creates great transformation.