Toronto Mezzo-Soprano Lands Spot in Elite International Opera Program

Ariana Maubach selected for prestigious Merola Opera Program in San Francisco

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Ariana Maubach, a mezzo-soprano singer from Toronto, has been selected to participate in the prestigious Merola Opera Program in San Francisco. The 12-week program offers intensive training and industry connections to help emerging opera artists transition to professional careers. Maubach, who previously attended the program in 2025, is the only Canadian singer in this year's cohort of 28 participants selected from over 1,500 applicants.

Why it matters

The Merola Opera Program is considered a 'holy grail' opportunity for aspiring opera singers, providing unparalleled training and access to industry leaders. Maubach's selection as the sole Canadian singer represents a significant achievement and opportunity to further her professional development.

The details

The Merola Opera Program is an all-expenses-paid, 12-week intensive training program that helps prepare emerging opera artists for professional careers. This year, the program received a record number of over 1,500 applications, from which only 28 participants were selected, including Maubach. The program offers personalized coaching, master classes, and networking opportunities with top-tier opera professionals.

  • Maubach previously attended the Merola Opera Program in the summer of 2025.
  • Maubach has been selected to participate in the 2026 Merola Opera Program, which will take place this summer.

The players

Ariana Maubach

A mezzo-soprano singer from Toronto who has been selected to participate in the prestigious Merola Opera Program in San Francisco for the second time.

Merola Opera Program

A prestigious, all-expenses-paid 12-week intensive training program for emerging opera artists, based in San Francisco.

Alek Shrader

The director of membership and engagement at the Merola Opera Program.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so, so, so thrilled to be going back. Merola was always the place that I wanted to be and never could have imagined getting in, and then last summer, it happened, so I feel incredibly grateful.”

— Ariana Maubach, Mezzo-Soprano Singer (Now Toronto)

“Our participants, we call them merolini, are here to train in opera, either as singers or pianist coaches or even directors [and] stage directors. We offer them the best training that they can possibly find in that range between university and a professional career, and so we help to give them that next step, or get them started on their journey into a professional existence.”

— Alek Shrader, Director of Membership and Engagement, Merola Opera Program (Now Toronto)

“I hope they know that we consider them ours, and that we will be there with them every step of the way, even though they're not in San Francisco anymore. We'll always have their back.”

— Alek Shrader, Director of Membership and Engagement, Merola Opera Program (Now Toronto)

What’s next

Performances for the 2026 Merola Summer Festival will be announced in the spring.

The takeaway

Ariana Maubach's selection to the prestigious Merola Opera Program for the second time represents a significant achievement for the young Canadian mezzo-soprano, showcasing her talent and dedication to her craft. The program's intensive training and industry connections provide an invaluable opportunity for Maubach to further develop her skills and transition to a professional opera career.