Bryan native Veronica Richer is accepted to the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, for a four-year paid residency. The 27-year-old opera singer is one of two sopranos selected to join during the 2023 audition season. Richer said she has been singing opera for over 10 years, since she was a student at Bryan High School. During the rigorous program, Richer will receive instruction and participate in fully-staged productions. Prior to this achievement, Richer studied with the Toledo Opera. She then received a Bachelor of Music degree at the Boston Conservatory and a master’s degree in vocal performance at Mannes College of Music in Manhattan, New York.