The Opera Buffs, Inc.

Established in 1983 and based in Los Angeles, The Opera Buffs is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting emerging opera singers in Southern California at a pivotal point in their careers—those transitioning from student to professional performer. Over the decades they’ve provided direct grants (for costs such as coachings, audition travel, head-shots, and scores) and created performance opportunities that bridge the gap between training and professional life. With more than 700 singers assisted and over one million dollars awarded in support, the organization has become a vital part of the region’s operatic ecosystem.

For audiences and community partners, The Opera Buffs offers several ways to engage:

Showcases and recitals featuring rising singers who are both talented and ready to step into the next stage of their careers, often accompanied by professional musicians in venues that give them public visibility.

Masterclasses, competitions, and educational events that build the next generation’s vocal artistry and connect them with mentors, industry professionals, and community supporters.

A membership and donor community that invests not only in individual careers but in the vitality of opera in Los Angeles—helping singers, yes, but also keeping live vocal performance vital and visible in the region.

When you attend a performance presented by The Opera Buffs, you’re witnessing an artist early in their professional journey—so there is immediacy, possibility, and energy in the work. You’ll hear voices at a fresh stage, surrounded by professional craft and ambition, in programs that reflect high standards but also a commitment to giving these artists a real platform.