Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artists Development Program

The Metropolitan Opera is one of the best known opera companies in the world, a vibrant home for the most creative and talented singers, conductors, composers, orchestra musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers, and dancers from around the world. Known as the venue for the world’s greatest voices, the Met has been under the musical direction of James Levine since 1976. Under the leadership of General Manager Peter Gelb, the Met has launched a series of bold initiatives that are designed to broaden the company’s audience and revitalize its repertory.

The Lindemann Young Artist Development Program was created in 1980 by Maestro Levine to identify and develop extraordinarily talented young artists in the realm of opera. The program has trained a new generation of celebrated American and international opera singers, as well as coaches and pianists, who perform at the highest standards in productions at the Met and opera houses around the world.

The Young Artist Development Program has been named after Mr. and Mrs. George Lindemann in recognition and gratitude for their leadership and generous support.

While many opera companies across the country conduct young artist training programs, the Met’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program is unparalleled for the quality and scope of resources available to its participants. Throughout their instruction, young artists draw upon the vast pool of world-renowned talent available at the Met, including current and former Met artists, internationally recognized coaches and master teachers, and staff from the Metropolitan Opera’s music and artistic departments. Program participants have access to daily rehearsals and practice sessions, where they can observe opera’s great singers preparing their roles for the current Met repertory. They are presented with the unparalleled opportunity to perform onstage in Met productions, as many are assigned supporting roles and serve as cover's for featured singers.

In a unique partnership between two prestigious musical institutions, the Metropolitan Opera and The Juilliard School joined forces with the beginning of the 2010-11 season. The program’s participants now have access to both organizations’ considerable resources and personnel, in an effort to expand learning and performing opportunities for young artists. This includes one fully staged or concert opera production per year at Juilliard, conducted by Maestro Levine, featuring members of the Young Artist Program and the Juilliard Orchestra.

The inaugural production was Smetana’s The Bartered Bride in February 2011, conducted by James Levine and directed by Stephen Wadsworth. Gluck's Armide conducted by Jane Glover and directed by Fabrizio Melano followed in 2012. The 2012-2013 season production was Mozart's Cosí¬ fan tutte, conducted by Alan Gilbert and directed by Stephen Wadsworth.