About

The Opera Buffs, a long-established force in the musical community of Southern California, is dedicated to supporting emerging opera singers at a crucial juncture — the years of transition from student to professional performer.  Since 1983, hundreds of Southern California-based singers, including artists such as Brian Asawa, Richard Bernstein, Angel Blue, Charles Castronovo, Michelle DeYoung, Joshua Guerrero, Julianna Di Giacomo, Greg Fedderly, Jesús León, Danielle De Niese, Rodell Rosel, Sondra Radvanovsky and Deborah Voigt, have benefited in the early stages of their careers from the financial and moral support of our nonprofit organization, and from the opportunity to gain paid performance experience. We provide funding for career-related expenses based on drive and career potential, filling a niche generally not served by opera companies, competitions and music schools.

  • The Opera Buffs is a 501©3 non-profit organization that supports young, emerging opera singers in Southern California by providing them with financial support for their artistic endeavors, as well as creating opportunities for professional mentorship and live performance within the LA community.

  • We believe that of all the musical instruments the human voice is the most sublime, and that helping the exceptionally talented artist reach the operatic stage is a mission worthy of our utmost effort and full dedication.

  • Financial Support: Providing financial assistance to emerging opera singers to help with costs such as audition fees, traveling costs associated with performance and/or audition, and continuing education.

     Education: Providing emerging opera singers the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the opera industry’s leading conductors, directors, and musicians.

     Diversity & Inclusion: Supporting a diverse group of opera singers from different socioeconomic backgrounds achieve success in launching a professional career in opera.

    Community: Connecting Southern CA based emerging opera singers with their immediate community by providing regular performances and updates on their artistic endeavors.

    Connection: Creating a space where opera singers and arts professionals can connect and network with one another, forming life-long relationships that will last throughout their careers.

    Artistic Integrity: Creating programming of the highest artistic integrity for the benefit of both our emerging opera singers and our audiences.