Mission Statement

The Young Patronesses of the Opera cultivate and promote a love and understanding of opera through vibrant community programs. This non profit organization comprised of over 100 active women was founded almost 60 years ago and operates in support of the Florida Grand Opera. YPOs’ biennial Voice Competition for young aspiring singers is internationally renowned, offering prizes of over $50,000. Currently, there are 30 former winners performing in opera houses in the United States, Asia and Europe. Professional singers perform In-School Operas created for children for approximately 25,000 elementary students in Miami-Dade and Broward public, private and parochial schools each year. Approximately 150 Miami-Dade and Broward County teachers are trained in varying approaches to opera education for children at the yearly Teacher’s Workshop.
In the annual Girl Scout Workshop, lessons and activities in music, dance, make-up and singing help over 300 Girl Scouts earn their Opera Patch. The Opera Funtimes is a colorful activity book for elementary students designed and illustrated by YPO members which shares the story of a famous opera through games, poetry and more. YPO programs are funded through the organization’s fundraising efforts as well as through grants and donations.