Testimonials

Thank you, Joan [president, San Miguel MetOpera Trust],  for the professionalism and dedication you bring to the Laffont Competition process, and for your exemplary support of these young singers in the competitions and beyond.  Your sincere and focused work is amazing.  You truly are a role model for presenting the [Laffont Competition] with grace, dignity, and honor.
Carol Domina, Trustee and Managing Director, The Metropolitan Opera

. . .the work of [the San Miguel MetOpera Trust] is important, as it is helping the most promising young Mexican singers to become recognized and valued on a worldwide level.  They become a key ingredient in the promotion and dissemination of the arts of Mexico on national and international levels, hence communicating to the world the depth of talent that exists in our country.  – 
Alonso Escalante, Director, Opera de Bellas Artes

Much of the world’s future operatic talent resides in Mexico, so for me to be able to participate in the discovery and training of these young artists in your Prelude to New Orleans coaching program is a service to the art form I love.  It’s my tremendous joy to be able to share my accumulated knowledge & experience with the next generation.  –
Michael Sylvester, Associate Professor of Voice, Wichita State University, KS

I teach every year in the Prelude to New Orleans program, knowing I have a very good chance of encountering singers who have:  raw talent, heart, courage, discipline, ambition, and the humility/willingness to be open to what we can give them.  When I encounter talent with these ingredients, my ability to share what I know comes alive.  Prelude give me that opportunity, in abundance, every time. –
Ted Taylor, retired faculty member, Mannes School of Music & Yale University; independent voice coach based in NYC.

It has been clear to our students and faculty that when the very best of both cultures, that of Mexico and that of the United States, work together, the results are exceptional.  Before our partnership with the San Miguel MetOpera Trust, we did not understand how to prepare our students adequately for competitions at an international level.  The outstanding group of North American and Mexican maestros you created have shown us the way to change that.  Last year [2021], for the first time, four of our graduates went on to postgrad studies in the USA.  –
Maestro Joaquin Cruz, Director of Cultural Activities, University of the Americas/Puebla

I was invited in 2021 to give a masterclass to the finalists of the [San Miguel MetOpera Trust’s Laffont Competition Mexico District], and so, have been able to work with them first-hand.  I can say with confidence that the training and support the Trust provides can make the difference between a talented singer and an accomplished artist, – one who might well take her/his place on the world’s greatest opera stages.  I have been thrilled by the Mexican operatic talent that you have regularly brought to my attention.  Thank you, San Miguel MetOpera Trust and Joan Mitchell in particular, for your commitment to our shared opera culture and to the advancement of so many extremely gifted Mexican artists.  Your work is worth supporting in every way. –

Peter Mark, Artistic Director Emeritus, Virginia Opera; www.operavoiceboywork.com

Unforgettable opera productions of the highest quality do not require huge financial investments.  What is required is that opera speak the truth and that this truth comes from deep in the hearts of all those involved.   Today’s performance [2022-23 SMMT Winners’ Concert, March, 2023] reaffirmed for me that only the sky is the limit for our art form.  Thank you, Maestros Conde and Sarre, for your commitment, your discipline, your dedication.  Thank you, sopranos Dulce Guadarrama and Cristina Nakad, for your passion, your talent.  Thank you, San Miguel MetOpera Trust and Joan Mitchell, for your commitment to our culture and to our Mexican artists. –

Maestra Maria Katzarava, Director, Estudio de opera de Bellas Artes

Thank you, Joan [president, San Miguel MetOpera Trust], for the professionalism and dedication you bring to the Laffont Competition process, and for your exemplary support of these young singers in the competitions and beyond. Your sincere and focused work is amazing. You truly are a role model for presenting the [Laffont Competition] with grace, dignity, and honor.-

Carol Domina, Trustee and Managing Director, The Metropolitan Opera

. . .the work of [the San Miguel MetOpera Trust] is important, as it is helping the most promising young Mexican singers to become recognized and valued on a worldwide level.  They become a key ingredient in the promotion and dissemination of the arts of Mexico on national and international levels, hence communicating to the world the depth of talent that exists in our country. –

Alonso Escalante, Director, Opera de Bellas Artes

Much of the world’s future operatic talent resides in Mexico, so for me to be able to participate in the discovery and training of these young artists in your Prelude to New Orleans coaching program is a service to the art form I love.  It’s my tremendous joy to be able to share my accumulated knowledge & experience with the next generation.  –
Michael Sylvester, Associate Professor of Voice, Wichita State University, KS

I teach every year in the Prelude to New Orleans program, knowing I have a very good chance of encountering singers who have:  raw talent, heart, courage, discipline, ambition, and the humility/willingness to be open to what we can give them.  When I encounter talent with these ingredients, my ability to share what I know comes alive.  Prelude give me that opportunity, in abundance, every time.  –

Ted Taylor, retired faculty member, Mannes School of Music & Yale University; independent voice coach based in NYC.

It has been clear to our students and faculty that when the very best of both cultures, that of Mexico and that of the United States, work together, the results are exceptional.  Before our partnership with the San Miguel MetOpera Trust, we did not understand how to prepare our students adequately for competitions at an international level.  The outstanding group of North American and Mexican maestros you created have shown us the way to change that.  Last year [2021], for the first time, four of our graduates went on to postgrad studies in the USA.-

Maestro Joaquin Cruz, Director of Cultural Activities, University of the Americas/Puebla

I was invited in 2021 to give a masterclass to the finalists of the [San Miguel MetOpera Trust’s Laffont Competition Mexico District], and so, have been able to work with them first-hand.  I can say with confidence that the training and support the Trust provides can make the difference between a talented singer and an accomplished artist, – one who might well take her/his place on the world’s greatest opera stages.  I have been thrilled by the Mexican operatic talent that you have regularly brought to my attention.  Thank you, San Miguel MetOpera Trust and Joan Mitchell in particular, for your commitment to our shared opera culture and to the advancement of so many extremely gifted Mexican artists.  Your work is worth supporting in every way. –

Peter Mark, Artistic Director Emeritus, Virginia Opera; www.operavoiceboywork.com

Unforgettable opera productions of the highest quality do not require huge financial investments.  What is required is that opera speak the truth and that this truth comes from deep in the hearts of all those involved.   Today’s performance [2022-23 SMMT Winners’ Concert, March, 2023] reaffirmed for me that only the sky is the limit for our art form.  Thank you, Maestros Conde and Sarre, for your commitment, your discipline, your dedication.  Thank you, sopranos Dulce Guadarrama and Cristina Nakad, for your passion, your talent.  Thank you, San Miguel MetOpera Trust and Joan Mitchell, for your commitment to our culture and to our Mexican artists.-

Maestra Maria Katzarava, Director, Estudio de Opera de Bellas Artes

Thank you for including me in the volunteer group.  I was very impressed with all the care and attention to every detail of a very complicated audition process.  How lucky I was to be there!  What a wonderful group of talented and passionate singers!

Luisa Field, 2022 Competition volunteer; great-grand niece of Gaetano Merola, founder of the San Francisco Opera

All these wonderful youngsters are winners, with such a dedicated and well managed organization.

Ana Thiel, 2022 Competition volunteer; internationally exhibited glass sculptor.

Please hear my applause and take a bow for a well-executed competition, for your commitment to this important and worthy mission, and for the warmth, grace and encouragement extended to these talented, courageous singers every step of the way.  It was an honor to serve; thank you for the opportunity.

Sandra Florence, 2022 Competition volunteer.

Thanks to the entire team for a wonderful opportunity to support young talent in San Miguel de Allende.

Stephanie Hough, 2022 Competition volunteer, SMA Baroque Music Festival executive

What exciting opportunities you offer to young singers.  You open doors that allow the larger world to hear the finest talent Mexico has to offer.  ¡Felicidades!

Kate Burt, Founding Director, Opera Guanajuato

Thank you for including me in the volunteer group.  I was very impressed with all the care and attention to every detail of a very complicated audition process.  How lucky I was to be there!  What a wonderful group of talented and passionate singers!

Luisa Field, 2022 Competition volunteer; great-grand niece of Gaetano Merola, founder of the San Francisco Opera

All these wonderful youngsters are winners, with such a dedicated and well managed organization.

Ana Thiel, 2022 Competition volunteer; internationally exhibited glass sculptor.

Please hear my applause and take a bow for a well-executed competition, for your commitment to this important and worthy mission, and for the warmth, grace and encouragement extended to these talented, courageous singers every step of the way.  It was an honor to serve; thank you for the opportunity.

Sandra Florence, 2022 Competition volunteer.

Thanks to the entire team for a wonderful opportunity to support young talent in San Miguel de Allende.

Stephanie Hough, 2022 Competition volunteer, SMA Baroque Music Festival executive

What exciting opportunities you offer to young singers.  You open doors that allow the larger world to hear the finest talent Mexico has to offer.  ¡Felicidades!

Kate Burt, Founding Director, Opera Guanajuato

Sunday’s concert was a showcase of the miracles you and your team are accomplishing with our fabulous Mexican singers.  The singers I spoke to afterward each spoke about how much they had grown during the week of rehearsals.  We look forward to future involvement.

Carla Carlsen, San Miguel de Allende opera enthusiast & opera singer parent

You must be very proud of the progress made with the auditions over the last [five] years, and deservedly so.  So much talent needs to be supported and recognized by the community in which it lives.  You are doing an incredibly good job, and I congratulate and commend you for the great success that it has become.

Connie  Calaway,  retired  Houston Grand Opera leadership volunteer.

The Opera was a sensation, the young singers marvelous, and the event a pure delight.  Bravo to all!

Franceen Fuger, San Miguel MetOpera Trust sponsor

. . . .I have talked to many people who say the Winners’ Concert was one of the best music events of the year [in San Miguel de Allende].

Joan Duke, San Miguel MetOpera Trust program patron.

The concert was fabulous.  Our guests’ comments:  It was far beyond my expectations.  What amazing young people.  As good as anything we have heard at the Met.

Katherine Ortega, San Miguel MetOpera Trust program patron

. . . a fantastic concert at the Convento de San Francisco yesterday; incredible singing, dedication, joy.

Blanche Carragher, San Miguel MetOpera Trust friend

Thank you SO VERY MUCH for today’s concert.  it was radiantly beautiful, as were the young people making their voices heard.  You speak eloquently and beautifully about the work of this cause, and Mike and I are so grateful for your leadership.

Marjorie Pope, San Miguel MetOpera Trust sponsor

The concert was spectacular!  So much talent in such a small space was absolutely transporting!

Alessandra Lippucci, San Miguel MetOpera Trust program patron

The concert was a marvelous affair!  A tremendous success!

Nicole Mills, San Miguel MetOpera Trust program patron

I am thrilled these young people are receiving the coaching, training, exposure, prize money and a chance to advance based on merit.  It would not happen without the unstinting effort of the San Miguel MetOpera Trust.  Thank you, Joan, for everything you do, for your resolve, your humor, your unflappability in this challenging task you have assumed.

Heather Hanley, San Miguel MetOpera music community patron

The idea of including Mexico in the MetOpera auditions is extraordinary all by itself.  Now that we can see the astonishing success so many of the singers have achieved, it is clear the project is brilliant and heartwarming.  I congratulate Joan Mitchell and her team for supporting young singers and bringing exceptional opera to San Miguel.

Susan Page, Director Emerita, San Miguel Writers’ Conference

Sunday’s concert was a showcase of the miracles you and your team are accomplishing with our fabulous Mexican singers.  The singers I spoke to afterward each spoke about how much they had grown during the week of rehearsals.  We look forward to future involvement.

Carla Carlsen, San Miguel de Allende opera enthusiast & opera singer parent

You must be very proud of the progress made with the auditions over the last [five] years, and deservedly so.  So much talent needs to be supported and recognized by the community in which it lives.  You are doing an incredibly good job, and I congratulate and commend you for the great success that it has become.

Connie  Calaway,  retired  Houston Grand Opera leadership volunteer.

The Opera was a sensation, the young singers marvelous, and the event a pure delight.  Bravo to all!

Franceen Fuger, San Miguel MetOpera Trust sponsor

. . . .I have talked to many people who say the Winners’ Concert was one of the best music events of the year [in San Miguel de Allende].

Joan Duke, San Miguel MetOpera Trust program patron.

The concert was fabulous.  Our guests’ comments:  It was far beyond my expectations.  What amazing young people.  As good as anything we have heard at the Met.

Katherine Ortega, San Miguel MetOpera Trust program patron

. . . a fantastic concert at the Convento de San Francisco yesterday; incredible singing, dedication, joy.

Blanche Carragher, San Miguel MetOpera Trust friend

Thank you SO VERY MUCH for today’s concert.  it was radiantly beautiful, as were the young people making their voices heard.  You speak eloquently and beautifully about the work of this cause, and Mike and I are so grateful for your leadership.

Marjorie Pope, San Miguel MetOpera Trust sponsor

The concert was spectacular!  So much talent in such a small space was absolutely transporting!

Alessandra Lippucci, San Miguel MetOpera Trust program patron

The concert was a marvelous affair!  A tremendous success!

Nicole Mills, San Miguel MetOpera Trust program patron

I am thrilled these young people are receiving the coaching, training, exposure, prize money and a chance to advance based on merit.  It would not happen without the unstinting effort of the San Miguel MetOpera Trust.  Thank you, Joan, for everything you do, for your resolve, your humor, your unflappability in this challenging task you have assumed.

Heather Hanley, San Miguel MetOpera music community patron

The idea of including Mexico in the MetOpera auditions is extraordinary all by itself.  Now that we can see the astonishing success so many of the singers have achieved, it is clear the project is brilliant and heartwarming.  I congratulate Joan Mitchell and her team for supporting young singers and bringing exceptional opera to San Miguel.

Susan Page, Director Emerita, San Miguel Writers’ Conference