Our Mission

The Youth Opera Company of Vermont is thrilled to announce that as of September 1, 2023, our program merged with the renowned Opera Company of Middlebury (OCM) and was renamed the Youth Opera Company of OCM. Youth Opera will be joining two other exciting educational initiatives at OCM, the Young Artist Program, an intense pre-professional training program that runs during the OCM spring mainstage production, and Opera Under 26, a program that offers free tickets to audience members under 26 years old. Under one umbrella, each of these programs will be able to take advantage of combined resources, vision and opportunities, and we are so proud to be part of this unparalleled initiative!

Youth Opera programs use opera as a tool to inspire our participants to reach for excellence in a myriad of skills, to build their confidence as singers and people, and to give back to their communities in a meaningful way. To this end, we offer unique training and performance opportunities in after-school programs, summer programs and school residencies, and partner with local arts organizations to offer community service opportunities in senior residences and community centers. All of our programs offer scholarship assistance and a commitment to inclusion.

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. Our 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.

Artistic Staff

SARAH CULLINS
SARAH CULLINSFounder/Executive Director
Sarah Cullins is a frequent soloist in opera, oratorio and symphonic performances. With 20 years of teaching experience dedicated to the preparation of young professionals and opera lovers of all ages, she is the founder of the Universidad Central’s Voice and Opera Program in Bogota, Colombia, the founder of the Youth Opera Company of Vermont, and the Director of the Opera Company of Middlebury’s Young Artist Program.
MARY JANE AUSTIN
MARY JANE AUSTINMusic Director
Mary Jane Austin is Vermont’s most sought out collaborator for operatic productions. An educator, conductor, chamber musician and pianist, she enjoys a rich musical life of many different facets. Mary Jane is on the UVM piano faculty, conducts the Mad River Chorale, is the principal pianist of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and the Opera Company of Middlebury.

YOC Board of Directors

Catherine Clark, Chair, Williston

David Clark, Vice Chair, Middlebury

Naomi Clemmons, Secretary, Burlington

Holly Lane, Treasurer, East Montpelier

Lena Bruno, Stowe

Deborah Flanders, Burlington

Kevin Ginter, Underhill

Mary Riley, Burlington