Each season, the HGO Studio provides eight to twelve young opera professionals with the opportunity to study and perform under a highly-respected professional staff of teachers and performers. The HGO Studio is one of the most respected young artist programs in the world. For more than thirty years it has served young singers and pianist/coaches, providing a bridge between full-time training and full-fledged operatic careers. HGO Studio members commit themselves to an intense, individualized study program while in residence in Houston from late August through May. During a residency of up to three years, each performer receives customized training from an expert team while gaining invaluable performance experience.
HGO Guild Studio Buddies is a wonderful program that welcomes artists and makes Houston feel more like home for them. HGO Guild members who volunteer with the Studio Buddies program provide social support for the HGO Studio artists. Before their arrival in Houston, each new HGO Studio artist is paired with a Studio Buddy. The Buddy’s role is to be available for their artist with the amount of support the artist wants or needs. It is our hope that the artists feel that Houston is a warm and friendly place, and that there is someone here to help and support them.
When an HGO Guild member volunteers with Studio Buddies and is paired with a performer in HGO Studio, the Buddy commits to ‘be there’ during the artist’s entire residency of up to three years. A Buddy remembers their artist on his/her special occasions – birthday, recital, first main-stage performance – with a phone call, flowers, an occasional e-mail or text, a post-performance visit backstage, a small gift or gift card.
In addition to the time commitment, Studio Buddies pay $95 per Buddy per year to help defray the costs of this program. If you are enthusiastic about the talent being developed in HGO Studio, being a Studio Buddy might be for you. You can “adopt” a budding artist and be their in-town family during his or her tenure with HGO Studio.
HGO Studio artists are paired with buddies before they arrive in Houston in August. Usually artists and buddies stay paired for the artist’s entire stay in the Studio. Many artists and buddies maintain their relationships after the artist graduates from the Studio.
HGO Guild members who wish to volunteer with the Studio Buddies program for the coming season are encouraged to sign up at the HGO Guild Volunteer Gathering.
Questions? Contact us here.
Studio Showcase
Opera Night Live!
HGO Main Stage Alternate Cast Performances
HGO Studio Recitals at Rienzi
Artist In Residence
Young Artists’ Vocal Academy
HGO Performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre