Schmidt Vocal Arts has selected four alumni to participate in its first annual “Opera Immersion” weekend at the Metropolitan Opera in New York from March 20–23, 2026.

The selected singers are soprano Catherine Creed of Rice University, tenor Rudy Polk of the University of North Texas, baritone Jon Dirk Ross of Angelo State University, and soprano Dejah Watts of the University of Kentucky.

During the four-day program, participants will attend Metropolitan Opera performances of “La traviata,” “Tristan und Isolde,” and “Madama Butterfly,” as well as the Laffont Competition Grand Finals Concert. The immersion also includes a master class with Nicolò Sbuelz, Principal Coach of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, a “Lunch and Learn” session with bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green, networking opportunities with industry professionals focused on opera careers, and a backstage tour of the Metropolitan Opera.

The application process was open to alumni of Schmidt Vocal Arts programs from the 2024–25 season or earlier, including participants in the Schmidt Vocal Institute, regional competitions, or undergraduate competitions. Schmidt Vocal Arts provides hotel accommodations, meal stipends, teaching and pianist fees, and performance tickets for the selected participants.

The “Opera Immersion” weekend is part of Schmidt Vocal Arts’ broader education and professional development initiatives supporting high school and early-career classical singers pursuing professional careers in music.

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