Wolf Trap Opera

Wolf Trap Opera (WTO) is a summer residency program of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, offering emerging professional opera singers one of the best career development and performing experiences in the nation. Through a rigorous annual audition tour, WTO selects its artists from among the best classical vocalists in the country.

  • Wolf Trap Opera artists perform in "The Marriage of Figaro"
  • Wolf Trap artists perform in "Semele"

    Artist-Centric Approach

    Rather than choosing singers based on planned repertoire, WTO identifies the most promising artists first and then chooses repertoire that best highlights their strengths. This artist-centric approach makes WTO one of the industry’s most respected artist training programs and offers audiences a variety of intriguing operas shaped by each season’s distinct talent.  

    Meet the Artists

    WTO has contributed to the career development of more than 1,000 emerging singers. Offstage, the program has also provided over 400 fellows and apprentices with the skills needed to achieve significant careers in production, music, design, and administration.

        Thriving Alumni

        WTO alumni can be found working in every top opera house in the US, Europe, and beyond. WTO’s artists go on to have long and healthy careers on stage, and many of today’s leading singers started out as members of WTO’s program.

        Distinguished alumni include: Jamie Barton, Joshua Blue, Stephanie Blythe, Lawrence Brownlee, Michelle DeYoung, Ying Fang, Christine Goerke, Denyce Graves-Montgomery, Ryan Speedo Green, Lunga Eric Hallam, Alan Held, Will Liverman, Ryan McKinny, Eric Owens, Ailyn Pérez, and Tamara Wilson.

        Learn More

        DISCOVER YOUR NEXT OPERA AT WOLF TRAP

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        For Audiences

        • Wolf Trap Opera artists perform "Don Giovanni"

          Wolf Trap Opera's

          History

          WTO first began in 1971 when founder Catherine Filene Shouse established the Wolf Trap Company to showcase and train promising young artists for careers in the arts. In 1977, the name changed to Wolf Trap Opera, reflecting the program’s evolution into a training residency where young opera artists could perform principal roles.

          Trailblazing artists and leaders have driven WTO’s growth since its founding. Discover the remarkable women whose creativity, leadership, and mentorship continue to shape the next generation of opera talent.

          Since its opening, WTO has mounted more than 180 productions of over 120 different operas.

          Performers
          "A Wolf Trap Opera residency is an essential experience in the formative years of any young singer, and it is a gift to this next generation of leaders in the field."
          Christine Goerke

          Christine Goerke

          WTO Alum (’95)

          "Wolf Trap opera helped open the door for me to pursue my dream… I am truly indebted to Wolf Trap for giving me my professional start."
          Denyce Graves

          Denyce Graves-Montgomery

          WTO Alum (’89)