About the Chautauqua Opera Conservatory and Facilities
The Chautauqua Opera Conservatory is a premier, immersive summer program offering the highest caliber of training for young singers ages 18 and older. Under the leadership of Director Jonathan Beyer, participants join a select community of singers who study, coach, and perform in the inspiring and idyllic setting of the Chautauqua Institution in western New York State.
Our program combines rigorous artistic preparation with a warm, encouraging environment that puts each singer’s growth and well-being first. Voice lessons, role study, vocal coachings, and masterclasses are led by a distinguished full-time faculty of voice teachers, coaches, and stage directors, alongside renowned guest artists from the world’s leading opera houses and conservatories. Students explore and perform repertoire spanning Opera, Art Song, Oratorio, Chamber Music, and Crossover styles.
Each summer, the Conservatory stages two fully produced operas—one with chamber orchestra, and one in the 4,000-seat Chautauqua Amphitheater with the Music School Festival Orchestra, complete with staging, costumes, and props. In addition, singers participate in a rich array of masterclasses, workshops, recitals, concerts, and opera scenes, all guided by our resident faculty and guest artists. This is a place where excellence and support go hand-in-hand, preparing artists for the next stage of their careers.
The Opera Conservatory’s daily events occur within the School of Music facilities. Our faculty teach in state-of-the-art studios that are climate controlled, sound engineered, and have grand pianos. Conservatory students are able to practice in the School of Music practice cabins which are air conditioned and have upright pianos.
The three performance and rehearsal halls in the School of Music are McKnight Hall (120 capacity,) Fletcher Hall (225 capacity,) and Lenna Hall (350 capacity.) All School of Music students have at least one performance in the Amphitheater (4,400 capacity) each summer.
The School of Music office and library are both located behind the studios, amongst the practice cabins.
