The Royal Opera are delighted to announce the new cohort of Jette Parker Artists (JPA) for the 2024/25 Season. The two-year JPA programme is committed to nurturing the next generation of conductors, directors, répétiteurs and singers by offering career-changing opportunities across the Royal Opera House stages. Graduates of the JPA programme have starred in roles across the current Season including Yaritza Véliz (La bohème), Aigul Akhmetshina (Carmen), and Hongni Wu (Madama Butterfly).

Mezzo-soprano Jingwen Cai, soprano Marianna Hovanisyan, bass-baritone Ossian Huskinson and baritone Siphe Kwani will join the JPA community in Summer 2024. They will be joined by pianist Richard Fu, director Sophie Gilpin (for the 2024/2025 Season only), and conductor Peggy Wu.

Oliver Mears, Director of The Royal Opera, said that he is 'delighted to have a Jette Parker Artists cohort for the 24/25 programme that represents the plethora of homegrown operatic talent the UK has to offer, alongside exceptional international artists. Our long history of developing artists, with alumni enjoying flourishing international careers, continues in hugely exciting fashion and I am looking forward to seeing the new cohort develop over the next two years.’ Head of the Jette Parker Artists Programme Elaine Kidd noted that ‘the level of talent displayed in the 2024/25 cohort is incredible and I am thrilled that there is a mix of international and British artists.' She continued: ‘it’s encouraging to see successful applications from those who have participated in our Royal Opera House coaching schemes in Armenia and South Africa as well as others, such as Peggy Wu, who have completed other courses with us. It is all about recognising extraordinary potential and enabling it to develop at just the right pace.’

Now in its 22nd year, the Programme provides a bridge to a career with the world’s leading opera companies and gives the artists first-hand experience of a major international producing house. Over the last two decades, the Programme has trained and supported over 140 young singers, directors, conductors and pianists from across the globe, providing access to all areas of opera, music and theatre production. As well as performing repertory roles, singers may also cover roles for more established cast members, stepping into another artist’s shoes at short notice. All artists receive coaching and mentoring to further their technical abilities and help evolve their artistic identity.

Applications for the 2025/2026 intake of singers will open this summer. Conductor and director auditions will follow in the autumn.

The Jette Parker Artists Programme is made possible thanks to the exceptional generosity of Oak Foundation.