September 3, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Annual New Artist Recital features 6 singers from across the globe.
PHILADELPHIA – Sept. 3, 2026 – The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) begins the 2026-27 Opera Season by introducing its newest class of 6 Resident Artists at the annual New Artist Recital on Sept. 25, 2026, at 7:30 PM. Drawing on rising opera talent from the United States and South Korea, these emerging artists are ready to begin the next chapter of their operatic career at AVA.
The new Resident Artists are:
More detailed information about the incoming class can be found at the following link:
Meet AVA’s New Resident Artists
AVA’s Resident Artists are selected after a rigorous audition process from a pool of international talent, standing out for remarkable technical skills, artistic potential, and unwavering commitment to their craft. “This season, the Academy of Vocal Arts is pleased to welcome 6 talented singers to our Resident Artist program. Providing our artists with the highest quality training is central to AVA’s mission, and that education begins on stage with the New Artist Recital,” says AVA President Scott Guzielek. “The recital offers audiences their first opportunity to hear our newest Resident Artists, while giving the singers valuable performance experience at the Church of the Holy Trinity, which offers a large venue.”
Resident Artists are immersed in a comprehensive four-year program. The curriculum is robust, covering vocal repertoire, languages, acting, and stagecraft, alongside roles in AVA’s fully staged opera productions, recitals, and concerts. This holistic training approach ensures that each Resident Artist masters their vocal abilities and develops a deep understanding of the nuances of operatic performance. AVA’s New Artist Recital takes place at Rittenhouse Square’s beautifully appointed Church of the Holy Trinity. Each new Resident Artist will be featured in solo performances, with Musical Direction and Accompaniment by José Meléndez.h new Resident Artist will be featured in solo performances, with Musical Direction and Accompaniment by José Meléndez.
AVA’s New Artist Recital Information:
AVA’s New Artist Recital
September 25, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
The Church of the Holy Trinity
1904 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19103
Tickets and Subscriptions: Subscriptions and single tickets for AVA’s 2026-27 Opera Season are now available to the public for purchase. For more information, please visit AVA’s official website at avaopera.org or call 215-735-1685.
The New Artist Recital is free for AVA’s season subscribers. Subscription packages are available at the following link:
About Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA)
The mission of the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is to be the world’s premier institution for training young artists to become international opera soloists. Through rigorous instruction and coaching, and by presentations of Resident Artists from around the world in concerts, oratorios, public programs and fully staged professional opera productions, AVA trains artists with the high potential for career success while enriching lives in Philadelphia and beyond. Gifted singers come from throughout the world to seek the exceptional guidance and training that AVA offers. Admission is determined by competitive annual auditions. AVA is distinguished by its reputation for high-quality performances that are acclaimed by critics locally, nationally, and internationally. Each year AVA Resident Artists are presented in four or five fully staged opera productions accompanied by orchestra. Resident Artists are cast in leading roles that they will in all likelihood continue to perform for the rest of their careers. Learn more about AVA at avaopera.org.
More information about AVA, its programs, and the upcoming 2026-27 Opera Season performances can be found online at avaopera.org or by calling (215) 735-1685.
Contact:
Andrew Rohe
Marketing & PR Manager
Academy of Vocal Arts
1920 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19103
Phone: (215) 735-1685
Email: arohe@avaopera.org
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