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Young Voices Concert Photo

High School Programs

Young Voices Program

The Young Voices of the Santa Fe Opera program was created in January of 2008 to encourage, nurture and guide high school students exhibiting talent, desire and potential for singing classical music. Program participants receive voice lessons and musical coaching by the Santa Fe Opera’s music staff as well as training in diction, music theory and basic acting. Students also participate in master classes by visiting guest artists, attend cultural events and have multiple opportunities to gain performance experience through studio classes, community engagement activities and public performances.

The program follows the school year (September-May, with an orientation at the Santa Fe Opera in late-August) and culminates with a public recital. Since the inception of the Young Voices, over 100 students have participated in the program and many are now pursuing further studies in prestigious music programs. Participation in this program is free of charge.

Two singers preforming for Young Voices program in Gaddes Hall
Young men waiting to perform with the Young Voices program
young voices in concert

Application Information

  • A maximum of 18 students will be selected for the program.
  • Students should be highly motivated and have demonstrated a high level of interest in studying classical singing.
  • Students must be entering the ninth through twelfth grade in August 2024. Preference is given to those who can participate for 2 years in the program.
  • Students should be able to commit to regular weekly lessons and designated weekend studio classes, master classes and performances. The program begins with an orientation in August and runs through May 2025.
  • Auditions are held by appointment in person or online in May 2024. Please prepare one song. Finalists will be notified via email. Each finalist must participate in a 20-minute interview.
  • Once invited to join the program, the applicant will have one week to confirm participation.

Apply To The Young Voices Program

Applications Open February 1, 2024.
Applications Due April 15, 2024.
Auditions will be held by appointment in May.

Apply Now (pdf)

Complete and return the application forms and the requested supplemental information. Email the completed forms to youngvoices@santafeopera.org or submit by mail to:

The Santa Fe Opera
Attention: Young Voices of the Santa Fe Opera
PO Box 2408
Santa Fe, NM 87504-2408

Young Technicians Program

The Young Technicians program is designed to introduce high school students to the many aspects of technical theater employed in opera productions and the process used by creative teams to take a score/libretto from the page to the stage.

Areas addressed include scenic construction and painting, lighting and projections, properties, costuming and stage management along with the understanding of aesthetic issues in performance planning, design, preparation, realization and management of the production.

The studio and production program consists of after school workshops, weekend intensives, and summer opportunities taught by opera staff, and visiting technical professionals.

Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, students are required to wear masks in the production studios.

People discussing props backstage
Women tailoring a dress
Prop shop activity

Application Information

  • This program is open to high school students and is free to those who are accepted.
  • Apply early as enrollment is limited.

Apply to the Young Technicians Program

Online Application Form

Parental/Guardian Agreement Form (PDF)

Teacher Agreement Form (PDF)

For any questions please email youngtechnicians@santafeopera.org or mail to:

The Santa Fe Opera
Attention: Young Technicians of the Santa Fe Opera
PO Box 2408
Santa Fe, NM 87504-2408

Podcast: Key Change

Key Change │ Creating Opera For All Voices

What if we fail? What if we succeed? What if we keep imagining? These and other questions guide us through the ups and downs of a new initiative called Opera for All Voices. Join us as we explore the commission and creation of new operas and their connection to our industry, our communities and our future.

Learn More

Principal Sponsor of Education at the Santa Fe Opera

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The Young Voices of the Santa Fe Opera are sponsored by:

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