Tulsa Youth Opera (TYO) has been an integral part of the Tulsa Opera community since its founding in 1997, celebrating 27 years of nurturing young talent and introducing them to the world of opera. Initially launched with a community production of Brundibár, TYO quickly grew into a full-fledged program dedicated to giving young singers unparalleled opportunities to perform. Under the guidance of directors like Eric Gibson, Carol Crawford, Don Armstrong, Mark Armstrong, and current director Aaron Beck, TYO has flourished, offering its members a dynamic mix of choral works, mainstage children’s choruses, and fully staged productions.
Over the years, TYO has brought beloved children’s operas to Tulsa, including The Snow Queen, Pinocchio, and Amahl and the Night Visitors. Last season, TYO also delighted audiences with a special concert, Bibbidi Bobbidi Broadway!, featuring Broadway star Jenn Gambatese, showcasing the versatility and talent of these young performers.
In addition to its own productions, TYO has played a significant role in Tulsa Opera’s mainstage performances. Over the years, TYO singers have appeared in children’s choruses for productions of Carmen, Norma, Madame Butterfly, Tosca, La Bohème, and others. Their participation in these professional productions has provided invaluable experience, fostering the growth of young artists and deepening their love for the art form.
The program’s success is evident in the achievements of its alumni, many of whom have gone on to pursue professional careers in opera and beyond. Notable TYO graduates include Kate Morton, currently studying at Juilliard; Annie Ellicott, jazz singer, voice actor, and composer; Meghan Linnington, seen in Tulsa Opera’s Into the Woods; Chris Mosz, an emerging tenor; and Abigail Raiford, who performed with Tulsa Opera in The Italian Girl. TYO’s commitment to excellence continues to provide a springboard for young singers, empowering them to take the next steps in their artistic journeys.
TYO’s impact extends beyond the stage; it fosters a deep sense of community and belonging among its participants. Through rehearsals, performances, and shared experiences, TYO members form lifelong friendships and develop a passion for opera that they carry with them into adulthood. The program’s legacy is not just about producing talented singers but also about nurturing a love for the arts that enriches the broader Tulsa community.
As TYO embarks on its 27th season, we invite audiences to experience the magic of youth opera. This fall, TYO will perform a spooky Halloween-themed concert at Tulsa Zoo’s annual HallowZOOeen event alongside the Tulsa Opera Signature Chorale. In June 2025, TYO will present The Hobbit, a charming adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic tale. With its blend of adventure, magic, and music, this production promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Don’t miss The Hobbit and the rest of our season, featuring performances that highlight the incredible talents of Tulsa’s young voices. Single tickets are now on sale—come support the future of opera and witness the next generation of stars in the making!