This is where voices are found, music is made, and opera careers begin. Every year, the Butler Studio provides eight to twelve emerging opera artists the chance to study and perform with world-class teachers, staff, and performers as they embark on their journey to the spotlight.
About
history
Founded in 1977 by composer Carlisle Floyd and HGO's then-General Director David Gockley, the Butler Studio provides comprehensive career development to emerging artists who have demonstrated potential to make major contributions to the field of opera. The Butler Studio's goal is to develop well-rounded professionals by providing the highest quality training combined with a wide range of performance opportunities. One of the most respected emerging artist programs in the world, the Butler Studio is distinguished from many other programs in the level of integration between Butler Studio members and mainstage artists and production teams.
From the beginning, Butler Studio artists have been granted generous performance opportunities working alongside such renowned singers as Joyce DiDonato, Lawrence Brownlee, Christine Goerke, David Portillo, Jamie Barton, Luca Pisaroni, Andriana Chuchman, Tamara Wilson, Ryan McKinny, Nicole Heaston, Matthew Polenzani, Isabel Leonard, Sasha Cooke, Russell Thomas, Christine Goerke, and Ailyn Perez, as well as renowned conductors, directors, and designers.
In 2023 Sarah and Ernest Butler made a transformational gift to Houston Grand Opera, the largest in company history, by creating a new fund within the HGO Endowment. To honor their commitment to supporting excellence in the arts and the future of opera, the HGO Studio was renamed the Sarah and Ernest Butler Houston Grand Opera Studio.
Faculty & Staff
Colin Michael Brush, Butler Studio Director
Sponsored by Christopher Bacon and Craig Miller, Lynn Gissel, and Jill and Allyn Risley
Maureen Zoltek, Butler Studio Music Director
Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Albert B. Alkek Chair Endowment Fund
Kiera Krieg, Butler Studio Manager
Stephen King, Director of Vocal Instruction
Sponsored by Jill and Allyn Risley, Janet Sims, and James J. Drach Endowment Fund
Patrick Summers, Conducting Instructor and Coach
Sarah and Ernest Butler Chair
Peter Pasztor, Principal Coach
Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. James A. Elkins Jr. Endowment Fund
Madeline Slettedahl, Assistant Conductor
William Woodard, Assistant Conductor
Brian Connelly, Piano Instructor
Mo Zhou, Showcase Director and Drama Coach
Stephen Neely, Dalcroze Eurhythmics Instructor
Adam Noble, Movement Instructor
Christa Gaug, German Instructor
Enrica Vagliani Gray, Italian Instructor
Sponsored by Marsha Montemayor
Dr. Neda Zafaranian, English Instructor
Margo Garrett, Guest Coach
Warren Jones, Guest Coach
Hemdi Kfir, Guest Coach
Matthew Piatt, Guest Coach
Leon Major, Guest Acting Faculty
become a studio artist
Joining Butler Studio is the next step into the spotlight for opera professionals. With full access to world-class teachers, staff, and performers, the program’s vocal artists and pianists have the opportunity to find growth on and off stage.
Learn more
all butler studio events
- The Butler Studio Showcase
- The Butler Studio Showcase