Nashville Opera's 2025 Mary Ragland Emerging Artists: now accepting applications!

Nashville Opera's Mary Ragland Emerging Artist program, founded in 1996, is a cornerstone of the company's commitment to fostering the next generation of opera singers and administrators.  Named after the company's founder, Metropolitan Opera singer Mary Ragland, the program has worked with more than 100 up-and-coming artists to date. 

Nashville Opera was founded in 1981 and we're proud to be a part of the cultural fabric of Music City.  Nashville is much more than cowboy boots and bachelorette parties.  We're home to a thriving arts community that includes the Nashville Symphony, Nashville Ballet, and Nashville Repertory Theatre.  You'll be surrounded by the natural beauty of Middle Tennessee and, yes, close to the neon honky tonks of Lower Broadway as an Emerging Artist.  We invite you to apply to become a member of our Nashville Opera family.

The 2025 Emerging Artists will perform lead roles in the winter mainstage season production of H.M.S. Pinafore (potential roles include: Josephine Corcoran, Cousin Hebe, Ralph Rackstraw, Bill Bobstay), lead roles in the spring education tour production (TBD) and various recital and concert appearances. Cover roles are also available for Lucia di Lammermoor.

The accompanist serves as the Tour Coordinator for the education tour production, is the accompanist for the education performances, and assists with coaching singers during the residency, in addition to being the rehearsal pianist for the mainstage production of H.M.S. Pinafore and additional mainstage production of Lucia di Lammermoor.

Mary Ragland Emerging Artists will receive a weekly stipend as well as local housing, and a one-time travel reimbursement while in Nashville.