San Diego's Opera Company, Opera Neo Cultivating New Stars

Opera NEO is a San Diego–based opera company and educational program for a new generation of young singers, to prepare and inspire them to grow and perform at the highest level. Participation in the program is based on a highly–selective national audition process. Those selected are voice majors in nationally recognized conservatories and college music programs, as well as post–graduate young professionals. The goal of Opera NEO is to unlock the full potential of the singers it trains while nurturing each individual’s artistic qualities and personality to help them develop into successful, independent artists.

Peter Kozma, Director of Opera NEO, tells us about his company of young singers and his mission to bring the artistry of talented young opera singers to San Diego audiences. 

Interview 

EM: Tell us a little about your background.

PK: I was born in Budapest, Hungary, started taking music lessons at age six, in flute, voice and conducting, and graduated from Franz Liszt Academy of Music with a degree in Vocal Performance. Working with my extraordinary professors, mentors and classmates, I helped coordinate performances, develop the overall artistic vision and staging and got my feet wet in stage directing. After graduation I worked at Hungarian State Opera as resident assistant director and pursued a graduate degree in stage directing at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Music.

What gave you the idea to create Opera NEO?

While at the Liszt Academy, we started the Ars Classica Opera Festival in Godollo, a small suburb of Budapest, creating opportunities for young opera singers, instrumental musicians, conductors and designers to perform and experiment. After completing my degree in Austin, I worked at opera companies and young artist training programs in the US, including Wolf Trap, Minnesota Opera and Opera San Jose, then directed the opera program at Ohio State University in Columbus for four years. I was always passionate about young artist education and helping young singers. I still feel like one of them at heart. After moving to San Diego with my family, I ran out of excuses not to do what I always did: create something new, work with young singers and produce opera. In early 2012 I made some phone calls to friends and colleagues. Soon we were all in San Diego working together with 20 young singers.

What is the main goal of Opera NEO?

To do our part for the future of opera, training and featuring upcoming generations of opera singers, helping them develop into successful, independent artists with accessible, contemporary interpretations of classic works with cutting–edge staging that speaks to new audiences. We are passionate about opera as a modern art form. I love to hear from new patrons: "I didn’t know opera was so cool!" 

What are some highlights of your 2015 season?

We are very excited to share with our audience the talents of a new group of young singers. We introduced them on Sunday, July 19th, with our annual Aria Marathon, a free event at the Palisades Presbyterian Church. Next comes Cabaret at the Encinitas Library, a fun-filled evening of opera, operetta and musical theater scenes accompanied by piano, wine and dessert, July 31st and August 1st. The festival culminates in a double bill of Mozart’s The Impresario and an abridged version of Bizet’s Carmen (August 7th–8th) and Handel’s Rinaldo (August 14th–15th), presented under the stars at the Palisades Amphitheater of the Palisades Presbyterian Church. 

Visit Opera Neo San Diego on the web for more information.