Lyric Opera’s Apprentice Artist Program offers Kansas City-area graduate voice students valuable training in the opera industry. Students selected from partner universities gain performance experience through chorus work, comprimario and principal roles in mainstage productions, and involvement with education and community engagement initiatives. Many Lyric Opera Apprentice Artist alumni maintain professional careers in the industry.
To be considered for Lyric Opera’s Apprentice Artist Program, contact the voice department chairperson at your respective institution.
PArtner Universities
2024–2025 Apprentice ArtistS
Madeline Friesen, Mezzo-Soprano (University of Missouri – Kansas City)
Mezzo-soprano Madeline Friesen’s recent roles include Le Prince Charmant in Massenet’s Cendrillon and Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro. Friesen also studied the role of Béatrice in Béatrice et Bénédict in a scenes program at the University of North Texas and performed as the alto soloist in the world premiere of Milcžinsky’s Oratorium during a tour of the Czech Republic with University of North Texas’s Fantasmi. Madeline is a native of Olathe, Kansas and received her bachelor’s degree in voice performance from the University of North Texas where she studied with Professor Molly Fillmore. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in voice performance at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, studying with Dr. Aidan Soder.
