Youth Opera Company of OCM

08/11/2026

PROJECT SERENADE 2026 - PART 1
Bailey Antos-Ketcham
Emma Cerutti
Ambrose Cusick
Siena DeMink
Jacob Foster
Finn Henty
Elsie Pawul
Kennady Renninger
with Mary Jane Austin, piano

08/11/2026

Project Serenade wrapped up with so many beautiful memories, meaningful connections, and moments of joy. 💙

There were hand-holds and teary “bravos” from our audiences, new friendships and exciting connections among our high school and alumni singers, and so much joy for YOC founders Sarah Cullins and Mary Jane Austin.

The “why” behind what we do was, once again, beautifully on display: audiences marveled at the extraordinary talent of young singers from across our state while delighting in learning more about their unique journeys and life paths.

What a gift to witness the power of music to connect, inspire, and celebrate. ✨

07/21/2026

PROJECT SERENADE HAS BEGUN!!
Every since 2020, when the pandemic ripped opportunities away from teenage performers and intergenerational connection away from seniors, Youth Opera Company singers have been visiting senior residences to share music and joy! We are thrilled to be back for our 7th season of Serenades, visiting Heaton Woods (Middlebury), The Woodlands at Stowe, The Converse Home (Burlington), Birchwood Terrace Rehab & Healthcare (Burlington), Vergennes Grand Senior Living and The Residence at Otter Creek (Middlebury). Both current YOC singers and alumni - home from college - have been gathering to rehearse, converse and perform with Music Director Mary Jane Austin, joined by OCM General Manager Sarah Cullins.
What a beautiful way to spend the summer....☺️🌞

04/26/2026

04/24/2026

What?! A week has almost gone by and we haven't shared photos with you of our deeply wonderful production LA GIORNATA!!! Music Director Mary Jane Austin collaborated with 13 young singers from ages 10-19 in a dramatic staging of all 24 of the Italian Songs and Arias of the 17th and 18th centuries. A script by co-founder and director Sarah Cullins weaved the stories together, based on the characters of Puccini's Gianni Schicchi (see if you can tell who some of the characters were from these photos) and narrated by the fabulous Jonathan Isham. Enthusiastic, supportive, generous audiences greeted us in Barre, Middlebury, Montpelier and South Burlington! THANK YOU to the singers, their families, our Youth Opera Committee, our Production Manager Benjamin Weiss, our intern Elsie Pawul, and ALL who lent a hand!

04/18/2026

Our singers performed last night at the Barre Social Club as a collaboration with the Vermont Italian Cultural Association to preview this weekend of shows!

Don't feel too bad if you missed it, you still have three chances to see ☀️Una Giornata 🌑, an original opera continuing the story of Giacomo Puccini's Gianni Schicchi!

Come see these wonderful singers this weekend!

APRIL 18th
7pm at Champlain Valley Universalist Unitarian Society in Middlebury
APRIL 19th
2pm at The Montpelier Performing Arts Hub
7pm at Faith United Methodist Church in S. Burlington

04/18/2026

What a beautiful night at the Barre Social Club with the Vermont Italian Cultural Association!! If you haven’t yet been to the Club, make it the NEXT spot on your list to try out - relaxed, stylish, friendly and funky with the most wonderful hosts! Thank you to our enthusiastic audience too - we had a blast previewing La giornata, wich opens TONIGHT in Middlebury!

04/14/2026

Great exercises! Hmmm we may have to incorporate some into our warm-ups for La giornata…!

04/14/2026

Yes!

04/14/2026

It's performance week, and we're getting ready! Are you?

We have new hoodie colors! Available for purchase at our Una giornata shows for $40.

Our singers have completed their dress rehearsal and are ready to perform for you!

Save the dates!

APRIL 18th
7pm at Champlain Valley Universalist Unitarian Society in Middlebury
APRIL 19th
2pm at The Montpelier Performing Arts Hub
7pm at Faith United Methodist Church in S. Burlington