Pictured: Merola Song Recital by Kristen Loken
Local soprano Charlotte Kelso has been selected for one of opera’s most prestigious global training programs. The Adelaide-born artist has been chosen as one of just 28 performers worldwide to join the 2026 Merola Opera Program in San Francisco, beating out more than 1,500 international applicants for the coveted spot.
Merola is considered a dream opportunity for many. Regarded as one of the world’s leading development programs for emerging opera artists, the all-expenses-paid, 12-week summer intensive has helped launch the careers of some of the most famed voices performing today.
Charlotte’s selection means she is now part of an elite international cohort, with artists travelling from across Australia, Asia, Europe, the UK and North America to train in San Francisco. The program provides participants with intensive vocal and dramatic coaching, language and diction instruction, and professional development, working closely with internationally recognised conductors, directors and teachers. The experience concludes with fully staged productions and concerts performed before live audiences and industry leaders, offering invaluable exposure at a crucial point in a young artist’s career.
Charlotte Kelso
“We are excited to welcome the 2026 Merola class to San Francisco for a summer that will be both artistically rigorous and deeply enriching,” said San Francisco Opera Centre Artistic Director Carrie-Ann Matheson and General Manager Markus Beam (Merola ’02). “Their talent and commitment represent the vibrant future of opera, and we look forward to helping them thrive in this uniquely transformative environment.”
“This year will mark a summer of transformative growth in San Francisco for this remarkable group of artists,” shared Merola Executive Director Sean Waugh. “Once they have completed this program, they will join a vibrant community of distinguished alumni who have gone on to thrilling careers with major opera houses around the world. They take with them the support of Merola’s vast network of dedicated members and supporters, all focused on a commitment to opera’s future.”
For Adelaide audiences, Charlotte’s success is yet another reminder of the calibre of talent coming out of the state. South Australia has long been known for producing world-class artists across music, theatre and performance, and Charlotte’s achievement adds to a proud and growing list of locals finding international acclaim.
As Charlotte prepares for a transformative summer in San Francisco, she carries Adelaide with her, representing not just herself, but the community and city that helped shape her voice. With public performances set to be announced later this year, this is one South Australian success story that’s only just beginning.
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