Sarasota Youth Opera explores the exciting world of opera through singing, acting, and performance!  During the spring semester, singers will focus on developing their voices both individually and as part of an ensemble. Based on age and ability, singers are placed in either Mixed Chorus or Preparatory Chorus, allowing everyone to learn, grow, and build confidence at a level that is right for them.

Concerts  - Our spring semester focuses on preparing a variety of operatic and classical music selections for performances throughout the community! Mixed Chorus will perform in four concerts around Sarasota, as well as one special concert at Busch Gardens Tampa. Preparatory Chorus will have the opportunity to join Mixed Chorus for a performance at the Sarasota Opera House.

Individual Coachings – All Youth Opera members will have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one coachings at no additional cost with Maestro Jesse and Ms. Martha. These sessions give singers the chance to receive personalized feedback and guidance from professional opera artists. Singers can work through challenging sections of their Youth Opera repertoire or bring in their own classical music selections to explore and develop.

Chamber Choir- A new opportunity for our Mixed Chorus singers! Open to treble voices in Mixed Chorus, Chamber Choir will offer 12–18 singers the chance to take on more challenging repertoire, explore beautiful harmonies, and grow as musicians in a smaller ensemble. This group is designed for singers who are ready for an extra musical challenge and are excited to take their skills to the next level. Participation requires a strong commitment, including regular at-home practice and additional rehearsal expectations. Auditions will take place at the end of January 2027.

Fall 2027 Production Auditions – Spring members will be eligible to audition for select lead roles in the Fall 2027 production of The Stowaway. 

Special Events- There's more to Youth Opera than rehearsals and performances! Throughout the semester, we'll host special events to help singers build friendships, strengthen their skills, and make memories together.

• Mixed Chorus Retreats: One Saturday a month, Mixed Chorus singers will gather for an afternoon of music, acting, and fun! These extended sessions will give singers extra time to polish their repertoire before performances, strengthen their acting skills through games and activities, and enjoy time with their Youth Opera friends.
• Youth Opera Gala: All current SYO members are invited to attend a special Youth Opera Gala! Singers will enjoy their own gala reception experience before attending a performance of H.M.S. Pinafore. Best of all, each singer will receive a complimentary ticket for themselves and up to two guests to enjoy the show together!

 

Open Enrollment will be from November 1st through February 1st.

Location  

Sarasota Opera House

61 N. Pineapple Ave

Sarasota, Florida 34236 

Dates, Times, & Tuition

Rehearsals will begin the week of January 11. 

Prep Chorus: Ages 8 and above
Saturdays 10:00-11:00 a.m.	January - May	$250
Must be 8 or older by May 31, 2026

 

Mixed Chorus Ages 11 and above (based on ability)
Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-7:00 p.m.	January- May	$325
Must be 11 or older by May 31, 2026

 

Discounts
$25 Off per singer	2 or more singers from the same family

Tuition Assistance
To be considered, fill out the assistance questions on the last page. Decisions are communicated via email within five business days.

Questions
Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Cameron Maxwell, Youth Opera Coordinator, at 941-328-1329 or cmaxwell@sarasotaopera.org

 

SYO processes tuition on a semester basis. The amounts and info below pertain to the Spring 2027 semester only.

Tuition is non-refundable and cannot be pro-rated. If a singer should join late in the semester, discontinue before the semester ends, or be asked to leave due to behavior and/or attendance issues, no refunds will be made and any remaining payments will continue to be processed for those who choose the Payment Plan option.

There is a $25 reservation fee towards your tuition for the Payment Plan. These options can be chosen when you get the follow-up email after you have submitted this form. 

Total your base amount owed below:

You will receive an email with payment options and information within a few days of submitting your registration. Payment options will include sibling discounts and payment plans.

 

I give permission for my child’s full participation in Sarasota Youth Opera (SYO). 

I hereby permit the use of my child’s name, quotations, performances, voice and likeness in print or any other medium, including without limitation to photographs, video recordings, and/or audio recordings (collectively “Recordings”) in connection with SYO activities for any purposes SYO may desire, including without limitation to advertisements and other publications, film, videotape, audio tapes, television, social media or theatrical use approved by Sarasota Opera Association (SOA) staff. I further herby assign any and all of my child’s copyright interests in such Recordings to SOA.

I agree to make payments to SOA until the outstanding balance is paid. I understand that tuition is non-refundable and cannot be pro-rated.

Prior to the first rehearsal you will receive a Medical Release Form to be filled out and notarized before coming to rehearsal. There will be a notary at the first few rehearsals to help complete this paperwork. 

If you participated in the Fall Semester, you will not need to fill this out.