Opera Performer

An opera performer may be an opera singer on the stage or a musician within the pit, a sub-ground level space in front of the main stage. Performing in an opera can be a very rewarding experience as the entire company, the vocalists, instrumentalists, stage crew, stage production, and lighting crew, must all work together as a team to put on a production. Opera companies have the opportunity to bring historic compositions to life for an audience.

All opera musicians will be a part of the opera company and are hired through an audition. In order to be competitive in the audition, an opera performer will have advanced level training, usually at the college level. Vocal performers will have focused training in opera performance. Some colleges, universities, and conservatories will offer degree programs in operatic performance.These programs provide the performers with training in historical performance practices, theater, and language proficiency needed to perform an opera. Being part of a company often means performing at a specific location and involves an extensive performance schedule with many performances occurring nights and weekends. Many musicians combine their performance work with teaching, often running their own private studio or working at a school.