Nashville Opera Mary Ragland Emerging Artist Program

In 1995, Nashville Opera established the Mary Ragland Emerging Artist Program, named for Nashville Opera’s founder Mary Cortner Ragland, a Juilliard-trained soprano. The program provides four or more developing professional singers and one coach/accompanist valuable performances opportunities.

Selected from some 400 applicants that audition each season, the Mary Ragland Emerging Artists are in residence for four months. During this time they receive coachings, participate in master classes, and attend workshops that explore the business side of opera.

Singers gain valuable performance experience by appearing in leading roles for the spring education tour production and various recital and concert appearances, as well as performing lead and comprimario roles in the mainstage productions. The coach/accompanist serves as the music director for the education tour production, performs at various recitals and concert appearances, and provides coaching for singers during the residency.

All artists are provided with weekly salary, round-trip transportation from their city of origin, and housing during the residence.

Auditions for Emerging Artist Program

Applications are accepted each fall through yaptracker.com. Auditions are held by invitation only in New York City each December.