The Sarasota Youth Opera (SYO) is an exciting year-round program that brings the joy of opera and singing to the Sarasota Community. The program began in the 1980's with approximately 50 local youth. From simple workshop productions to commissioning series of world premieres, SYO has continued to grow and expand, touching the lives of hundreds of young people each season.

YOUTH OPERA CHORUSES

Beginning at age 8, singers are placed in one of two choruses. Each chorus provides a setting for everyone to participate at their own level and to progress as they gain greater skills and experience. The music performed is made up of classical music, which includes opera and choral pieces in different languages. The choruses perform throughout the community in formal concerts and outreach events.

OPERA MAINSTAGE SEASON

Members of the Youth Opera are selected to join Sarasota Opera’s Winter Festival season, appearing in the mainstage childrens chorus, as supernumeraries (extras who perform non-singing roles) and for special roles written by the composer for children's voices. In recent seasons these have included roles in The Magic Flute, la Bohème, Tosca, and Carmen. Singers are involved in the complete production process – from early music and dramatic rehearsals to performing alongside opera professionals. 

YOUTH OPERA PRODUCTIONS

Part of Sarasota Opera's commitment to youth opera includes the performing and commissioning of operatic works written specifically for children and young adults. Since 1986 five commissioned world premieres and over 20 additional youth opera productions have been presented. Members take part in the making of each opera complete with professional staging, costumes, lighting, sound, and orchestral accompaniment.

 In November 2012, Sarasota Youth Opera presented the world premiere of Little Nemo In Slumberland, with music by Daron Hagan and libretto by J.D. McClatchy based on the comic strips of Winsor McCay. The cast incorporated 106 tudents from throughout the community, including students from Booker High School, Out Of Door Academy, and Sailor Circus.

Past productions and commissions include:

1986     Space Opera/Rooster Rag/Jack and the Beanstalk
1986     Chanticleer
1987     The Frog Prince
1988     Cinderella
1989     Deadline (Commission/World Premiere) 
1990     Cornelius Coyote (World Premiere) 
1991     Karlsson on the Roof (American Premiere)
1992     Yanomano 
1993     Her Lightness (Commission/World Premiere)
1994     Ocean World
1995     African Jigsaw
1996     Pinocchio
1997     Arabica
1998     Brundibar
1998     Eye of Ra (Commission/World Premiere)
1999     The Black Spider
2001     The Second Hurricane
2002     Down in the Valley
2002     The Happy Prince
2003     The Piper of Hamelin
2004     The Language of Birds (Commission/World Premiere)
2005     The Little Sweep
2006     The Second Hurricane
2008     The Hobbit (Commission/World Premiere)
2010     The Black Spider
2012     Little Nemo in Slumberland (Commission/World Premiere)

SUMMER WORKSHOP

A three week, hands-on workshop held at the Sarasota Opera every Junehat immerses young people in all aspects of the operatic art form. Participants study many facets of opera - from music and acting to opera appreciation nd technical production - under the direction of Sarasota Opera's professional and artistic staff..