16 Dec The Magic of Opera, Onstage and Off

Opera for the Young thrives on the artistry and dedication of returning performers, and this year, we are especially grateful to welcome back Gillian Hollis for her eighth season. Gillian is a shining example of the connection, passion, and resilience that define our mission to inspire young audiences through opera.

Last spring, Gillian performed the role of Beauty in Beauty and the Beast – a part she has made her own in three separate productions. Her performances are marked by effortless sophistication and a voice that soars through the most demanding passages. However, behind the scenes, Gillian began noticing unexplained fatigue and breathlessness. By April, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a rare cancer that challenged her not only physically but also as a singer.

Through it all, Gillian’s OFTY castmates became her support system, stepping in to cover performances as she returned home for treatment. Her love for singing and the encouragement of the Opera for the Young family gave her hope during some of the most difficult moments.

This fall, after months of chemotherapy and recovery, Gillian returned to the stage with the cast of The Magic Flute. Her artistry is as stunning as ever, and her new resilience inspires everyone around her. Following one performance, a student asked her about her hair. Without hesitation, Gillian shared her story, speaking openly about her illness and the friends who helped her keep going. When a child later approached to talk about his own family’s experience with cancer, it was a poignant reminder of how opera connects us in the most human ways.

Stories like Gillian’s underscore the power of opera to heal, uplift, and inspire—not just audiences but also the artists who dedicate their lives to this art form. Your generosity ensures that Opera for the Young continues to be a place where music, community, and education come together in transformative ways.

As we close the calendar year, we invite you to renew your support of Opera for the Young. Your gift today helps sustain the artistry and magic that make moments like Gillian’s possible. Together, we can ensure opera continues to touch the lives of thousands of children – and the artists who bring it to life.