Celebrating 28 years, the Sarasota Youth Opera was founded with the belief that music, specifically opera, exists for every child. Our choral and performance-based program builds musical foundations in young singers ages 8 and up under the guidance of Sarasota Opera's music staff.
All singers are accepted into the program and are placed into one of two chorus levels that nurtures each individual singer's skills. All choruses experience unique performing opportunities locally, across the state, and even internationally. The choruses rehearse weekly from September to May. New singers are invited to enroll three times a year: September, January, and May (for the upcoming fall). Read more.
For more information, email youthopera@saraostaopera.org or call (941)366-8450 ext. 249
Interested in supporting Youth Opera programs? Learn more
COME PERFORM WITH US
Our information sessions provide families with the opportunity to see what SYO is all about. Singerswill spend time working with Maestro Jesse Martins, Youth Opera Music Director, and parents will have the opportunity to hear more about the program and ask questions.
Singers do not need to bring a prepared selection. No prior experience necessary.
When:
Tuesday, May 7 - 5:30pm-7:00pm
Thursday, May 9 - 5:30pm-7:00pm
Families need only attend one session
Reserve your Spot TODAY!
bplocher@sarasotaopera.org
(941) 366-8450 ext. 249
The Fall 2013 Semester begins in August and runs through December.
All singers enrolled for the Fall 2013 Semester will be cast in Benjamin Britten's youth opera The Little Sweep.
SUMMER CAMP 2013
EXPLORE The AMAZING world of OPERA!
Join us on an unforgettable three-week adventure! Designed for all skill levels, our EXPLORE OPERA Summer Camp engages young people ages 8 to 18 in the on-stage and behind-the-scenes magic of opera.
When:
June 10-28
Monday-Friday|
9am – 4pm
Where:
Sarasota Opera House
Who:
Explorers age 8 to 18
Everyone is welcome: no audition is required!
Cost:
$300 total!
Click here to download the registration form
A typical day includes sessions in singing, acting and movement, opera 101, sets, wigs, make-up, and costumes. All sessions are led by professional singers, instrumentalists, technicians and 
stage crew from Sarasota Opera. On the final day of camp, families are invited to join the fun and participate alongside their camper in class.
Reviews:
Click below to hear more about our 2012 Summer Camp.
Parent Review Camper Review Teacher Review Intern Review
YOUTH OPERA TEAM
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Ben Plocher holds a BM with honors from Butler University in Indianapolis and an MM in vocal performance from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. At Butler, he appeared in numerous productions and oratorio works including Trouble in Tahiti (Trio), Handel’s Messiah (Soloist), and Company (Paul). Recent credits include Carmen and La fille du regiment (Indianapolis Opera), Dido and Aeneas (Sorcerer) and The Tender Land (Top) with Meadows Opera Theatre, Of Mice and Men and La Cenerentola with Fort Worth Opera Festival, and The Tender Land (Top) at the Georgetown Festival of the Arts in Georgetown, TX.
Administratively, Ben served as Operations Manager for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir from 2006-2007 and as a member of the residence life faculty at Interlochen Arts Academy from 2009-2011. Benjamin also worked behind-the-scenes for three seasons at the St. Louis MUNY, with production credits including The Little Mermaid, Footloose, Damn Yankee’s, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Originally from Brazil, Jesse Martins holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (2007) in South Brazil and a Master of Arts in Collaborative Piano from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania (2011) where he was the Assistant Coach for Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. This summer Mr. Martins was the official accompanist for the Mansfield University’s Concert Choir UK Tour performing in London, Stratford, Kilkenney, Killarney, Dublin and at the Eisteddfod International Competition in Wales.
From 2008-2010, Mr. Martins served as the Assistant Music Director and Program Manager at the Opera Factory Theater in Auckland (New Zealand) – a training center for young singers – where he fulfilled the roles of Repetiteur, Assistant Music Director, and Music Director. In addition to his work on the main stage productions, Mr. Martins served as principal pianist for master classes lead by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Malvina Major, and accompanied singers in coaching sessions with British Maestros Sir Andrew Davis, and Wyn Davis; Brian Castles-Onion (Australia), Joel-Hornak (France), Linda Kitchen, and Aidan Lang. During his time in New Zealand, he collaborated with other Auckland based groups such as NBR NZ Opera (Janacek’s Jenufa, and Recitals with the Emerging and Resident Artists). He also had the opportunity to receive guidance from vocal coaches Rosemary Barnes, Terrence Dennis and David Harper.