MENU
Young Artist Program
About the Program
Livermore Valley Opera’s Young Artist Performance Program identifies rising opera singers through training programs such as San Francisco’s Merola Opera Program and Opera San Jose, and brings them to the Tri-Valley for a paid residency anchoring LVO’s free, in-school opera tour.
Each January and February, LVO creates a 45-minute staging of a beloved opera and brings it directly into elementary school classrooms. The production is performed by four professional artists and a piano accompanist at approximately twenty Tri-Valley schools, free of charge. During their residency, the selected young artist also receives mentorship from LVO’s Artistic Director and English diction coaching from Erie Mills, who serves in that same capacity at Santa Fe Opera.
The program launched in 2023 as part of LVO’s Education Engagement Program and is offered on a recurring basis as artistic needs and voice-type requirements align with available young artists.
2026 Recipient: Hannah Cho, Soprano
LVOpera has selected soprano Hannah Cho as the 2026 Young Artist Performance Program recipient. Over twenty performances this past January and February, Cho performed the role of Rosina in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville for nearly 6,500 Tri-Valley elementary students, many of whom were experiencing live opera for the first time.
Hannah Cho, soprano, obtained a Bachelor of Music degree and Master of Music degree from Seoul National University (South Korea). Her performance repertoire spans the centuries from new works as in the 21st century Huang Ruo’s An American Soldier to early 19th century Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. Ms. Cho appears on the recording of An American Soldier, which was nominated for a 2026 Grammy for Best Opera Recording. Ms. Cho’s repertoire, in addition to more than a dozen operas, includes Oratorios and Concerts in the United States and South Korea. Ms. Cho’s First Place and Second Place awards are vast!
Following her LVO residency, Cho moved directly into the role of Cio-Cio San in Pocket Opera’s production of Madame Butterfly, with several additional engagements through the remainder of the year.
Past Recipients
Olivia Prendergast, Soprano — 2024 Prendergast was the program’s inaugural recipient, performing the role of Pamina in LVO’s outreach production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
Coming Next
In 2027, LVO’s school outreach tour brings Rossini’s Cinderella to Tri-Valley elementary classrooms. Scheduling with Livermore schools is already underway.
Beyond the Classroom
LVO’s community engagement programming extends year-round, with performances at senior residences and libraries and invitations for middle and high school students to attend dress rehearsals of mainstage productions at the Bankhead Theater.
Join Us for La Traviata Opening Night Dinner
Saturday, September 27 • 4:00 PM
Kick off Opening Night with a welcome reception, and enjoy a four-course dinner at Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard. Each dish is paired with wines from JMC Cellars—an unforgettable way to celebrate La Traviata.