Noon Music In May

Opera Company of Middlebury’s Youth Opera Company

“A Country Store Opera”

Featuring opera scenes and songs from the Italian bel canto tradition, A Country Store Opera showcases the talents of teenage singers from across Vermont.

The Youth Opera Company of OCM uses opera as a tool to inspire participants to reach for excellence in a myriad of skills, to build confidence as singers and people, and to give back to their communities in a meaningful way. While opera might seem like an old-fashioned art form that wouldn’t appeal to today’s teens, our programs have successfully proven to participants and audiences alike that opera can be just as relevant and exciting as any other form of storytelling. With simple productions that are fresh and modern, we keep the focus on our singers’ amazing talent and the essential aspects of the story, and have converted many opera skeptics into opera lovers.

Studying opera also requires high-level training in multiple skill sets and the same emphasis on teamwork, discipline and self-confidence as any varsity sports team. Participants may or may not decide to pursue opera as a career path, but they will certainly be lifelong lovers and supporters of the arts with valuable and transferable skills and a sense of social responsibility that will play an important role in their futures.