Page 37 - 2020 Classical Singer Magazine January Summer Program Issue

where he would go on to sing several leading baritone roles before turning his focus to business administration.
“There were few singers,” he adds. “Our rst opera production wasn’t until 1940. But through World War II, we grew. And we began attracting more singers and seeing them take on careers at major opera houses.”
With that growth, more and more singers have been put on the musical map throughout the years.
Since its inception, the Academy of Vocal Arts is credited with helping launch the careers of countless operatic luminaries, with approximately 50 alumni joining the roster of the Metropolitan Opera since 1980.
Alumni from the organization also have been recognized with ve Richard Tucker Awards and
ve Beverly Sills Artist Awards, distributed by the Metropolitan Opera.
Today, the Academy of Vocal Arts is marking its 85th year. It
also recently welcomed a new vice president and general manager and continues keeping an eye to the future in an ever-evolving industry. Yet, it never loses sight of its most valued mission: the singer.
“The focus for us always comes back to the music,” McDowell says. “We want students to be prepared both musically and dramatically for professional careers and for what is needed for a sustainable career in opera today. What sets us apart is that this is all we do, all day long, every day. It’s our sole focus.”
The Program
Continuing as the only tuition- free educational institution dedicated exclusively to the
study of voice, the Academy of Vocal Arts’ four-year program
is highly competitive, selecting approximately 30 singers in a given year.
Those who audition and are accepted into the program are immersed in one-on-one repertoire coaching, weekly voice lessons, language classes, movement
and dance, stagecraft and stage combat, opera history and vocal care seminars, and professional development preparation. This
is led by a faculty of coaches, conductors, voice and course instructors, accompanists, and guest artists who represent some of the best in the industry.
The perfect place
for your talents to bloom
REDWOODS OperaWorkshop June 18-28, 2020
in Mendocino
Elizabeth Kirkpatrick Vrenios TArtistic Director
he dramatic California coast
is the perfect setting for
this intensive program, open
to just 15 partipants. Focus on scene performance and audition technique as you experience an extraordinary level of personalized instruction from an outstanding faculty. Scholarships available to select students.
Application deadline April 15
redwoodsoperaworkshop.org
Valerie Girard
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Casentino Voice
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July 3 – 13, 2020 | Pratovecchio Sa (AR) Italy
Amidst the natural beauty of the Casenno Valley with its ancient country churches, castles, sanctuaries and panoramic views of the Apennine mountains, join soprano Valerie Girard and vocal coach/conductor James Gray for an intensive vocal course culminang in a fesval concert at the Pieve San Pietro a Romena.
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James Gray
Now in our 9th successful year!
www.csmusic.net 37
© Giovanni Orru