Named for San Francisco Opera's first General Director Gaetano Merola, the Merola Opera Program is an 11-week summer training program featuring classes and public performances of operas to give the selected artists a comprehensive education early in their career. Known for its world-class faculty and superb alumni, Merola provides a one-of-a-kind summer training experience for 20 singers, 4 apprentice coaches, and one apprentice stage director. Began in 1957, Merola is the oldest program of its kind.