As the final notes of her student years faded, Hope Nelson has already stepped into a new role, this one on a European opera stage.

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Hope Nelson. Photo by Helenna Santos Photography.

The 2024 graduate is now at Theater Basel in Switzerland as one of its OperAvenir studio artists. "My first assignment here is Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, which was the very first dream role of mine when I discovered opera, and one of the first scene excerpts I learned, which feels very full circle," Nelson said.  

Nelson was part of SFCM's first graduating class of Opera Artistic Diploma students in May. “I really can't thank my teacher Rhoslyn Jones enough— she changed my life when I was in high school and continues to be the most important mentor in my career,” Nelson said. The Artistic Diploma in Opera Studies is a two-year, highly selective and individualized non-degree program designed for the artist on the path to a professional performance career. The program has already seen several successes including Alissa Goretsky joining Houston Grand Opera and Chea Kang performing on the San Francisco Opera stage. 

It was during the Artistic Diploma in Opera Studies program that Nelson had coachings with the Merola Opera Program's Carrie-Ann Matheson, which has deep ties to SFCM, that led to her heading across the pond,"I had spoken with her about how interested I was in working in Europe and asked her for advice, since I knew she had worked at the opera house in Zürich." Nelson said. 

"Hope is at the beginning of what is sure to be an exciting and important career," SFCM's Rhoslyn Jones said. "She is a unique artist and communicator and has that performing thing that just can't be taught." Jones has been working with Nelson since she was a sophomore in high school, "From opera to art song, cabaret to musical theater, Hope is the kind of artist who will help shape the future of what a career in singing will look like. Just give Hope a stage and an audience and you will be in for an unforgettable experience," Jones added.

Hope Nelson performs at SFCM in 2024.

As one of six members of the OperAvenir studio Nelson will perform in various roles for a full year, "I'm so thrilled to be able to join a young artist program where I am actually part of the ensemble and get to perform some major roles on the main stage," Nelson said. She has upcoming roles in Carmen, Cunning Little Vixen, Die Walküre, and more. “I also appreciate the frequency of performances here.”

Working abroad had always been a goal of Nelson's, but this job came with some fun surprises. "The process of making art is pretty universal but there is a definite learning curve with the language, cultural adjustments, and logistics of moving to a new country," Nelson said. 

It's something that folds nicely into her advice for current students, "Take advantage of language classes!" Nelson continued, “And if there's something you want in life, don't be afraid to actually tell people you want it. And be prepared for your chance to take it."

Hope Nelson performs at SFCM.

"I am so grateful for SFCM for introducing me to so many wonderful artists who have been so influential in my life," Nelson said of her time at SFCM, taking time to thank many faculty including Kevin Korth, Catherine Cook, Curt Pajer, Heather Mathews, and especially her teacher, Rhoslyn Jones saying, “Of course she taught me how to sing, but also how to advocate for myself, how to believe in myself, how to encourage, protect, and share the artistic flame inside me."

Learn more about studying Opera and Musical Theatre or the Artistic Diploma in Opera Studies program at SFCM.