Virginia Opera has announced its 2026-2027 class of Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists.

This year, the program welcomed nine singers and collaborative pianist Oleg Bellini for a season of performances and mentorship. Returning to the program are soprano Maggie Kinabrew, mezzo soprano Melanie Dubil, and Bellini. Kinabrew will make her role debut as Gretel in “Hansel and Gretel” this season, while Dubil will sing the title role of Hansel.

Joining the program for the first time are tenor Douglas Culclasure, baritone Joel Clemens, tenor Carlos Ahrens, soprano Nia Spaulding, mezzo soprano Lindsey Polcyn, baritone Yichen Xue, and tenor Xiaojie Ji.

“One of the greatest responsibilities of any opera company is investing in the artists who will shape the future of this art form,” said Adam Turner, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of Virginia Opera, per an official press release. “Our Emerging Artists Program gives extraordinary young singers the opportunity to refine their craft while performing alongside established professionals in a supportive, demanding artistic environment.”

The program, which receives more than 700 applications annually, provides young opera professionals with performance experience, coaching, and mentorship from the company’s artistic leadership. Emerging Artists appear in mainstage productions, educational tours, donor events, community performances, and the company’s Variations series throughout the season.