Indeed, Atkins found the experience of being a resident artist so valuable that it has inspired him to consider the possibility of working in a young artists program. A young artists program should serve not only the needs of its singers and opera as a whole, but also the company. And, says Domingo, L.A. will definitely be in the market for more good singers soon. Then you can really have a lot more of the public coming. Clearly Domingo has made his case successfully.
Plans are well underway.
The Colburn School, just down the street from the Pavilion, will provide classroom space. We need vocal teachers, language coaches, dramatic coaches and movement coaches. We will bring also people to teach master classes. The program will have its own artistic director, an appointment Los Angeles Opera hopes to announce by this spring. It depends on whether you find a person who is more education-related or more related to the performing side.