LAYLA VINSON
Staff writer
As a former student in the Voice Program in the early 2000s, Chautauqua Opera Conservatory Director Jonathan Beyer saw firsthand the impact extensive experience and training can offer to young opera artists in pursuit of honing their craft. Now, he’s tasked with training the next generation.
The Chautauqua Opera Conservatory students will debut their talents to Chautauqua Institution at 1 p.m today in Fletcher Music Hall, introducing themselves to the community in the annual Sing-In performance signifying the start of their 2026 Summer Season.
“These singers are up there, and they just ooze personality,” Beyer said of the students in the program.
During the Sing-In, each member of the 25-person cohort will have the opportunity to sing a piece of their choice from their audition book, a curated list of arias and other songs they can perform on command. The conservatory is composed of a wide range of artists, some currently pursuing their undergraduate degrees and others post graduates aiming to focus on their technique and build a more expansive résumé.
“It can be a nerve-wracking experience for the singers,” Beyer said. “But, in fact, we have created a very warm and encouraging environment.”
The event offers each singer the spotlight to introduce themselves not only to their colleagues and faculty, but to the Chautauqua community in which they will immerse themselves during the weeks ahead. The Sing-In is also paired with the Sing-Out, which will take place Aug. 31, highlighting students’ growth and development.
Beyer described the Sing-Out event as one composed of lighthearted, playful energy. “At the Sing-Out, you get the kind of pieces you might get as encores.”
And with such a bustling schedule on the horizon — filled with master classes, recitals, late-night cabarets and more — the students will receive ample access to professional development and performance opportunities among a highly decorated atmosphere.
The Sing-In is just the start, with each student bringing their unique skillset to the stage — providing a diverse and highly personal experience for the audience.
“At the Sing-In you get a great variety of languages. Some are art songs, some are arias and some are chamber pieces,” Beyer said. “You just really get to meet all of the individual voices. I think distinctive artists are very important artists. You will see the individuality in each voice, in each presentation and in their repertoire selection.”
