Join us: Vocal Academy of Orvieto 2019

Situated in stunning Orvieto just over an hour outside of Rome in the hills south of Tuscany, all accepted students perform fully-staged roles with chamber or full orchestra as they study with prestigious (and kind!) faculty from the Metropolitan Opera and other distinguished institutions. Intensive voice lessons, coachings & masterclasses, role preparation, "recitativo intensives," character study, language & postural-alignment (Feldenkrais method and yoga) lessons are all provided in an intimate setting where we dine together, family-style, in local osterie. Published reviews of select concerts and productions from established journals will be offered for your portfolio.

All roles are open in Mozart's Cosi fan' tutte and our "boutique opera," Il giuoco del quadriglio, by Antonio Caldara.

Our website: www.vocalacademyorvieto.com

Program Dates are June 02, 2019 - June 23, 2019

Extra-curricular, optional performance opportunities may be available past the end of the festival.

Our auditions continue until both operas are fully cast, with our larger opera doubly cast (multiple performances). This year’s season includes Mozart’s Così fan tutte and our “boutique” chamber opera, Il giuoco del quadriglio by Antonio Caldara. Baroque opera is popular in Europe where smaller venues abound, with Baroque singing an important specialization for those considering a European career. Orvieto is currently on the list for entrance to UNESCO “World Heritage” cities, and we will be performing in some of its more splendid and prestigious venues and piazzas.

Program Dates
June 02, 2019 - June 23, 2019

This season’s faculty include:
Dr. Hugo Vera, tenor  -  The Metropolitan Opera of New York, NYC Opera, Aspen, Spoleto, New York City Opera, Sarasota Opera, and Glimmerglass Opera, University of Arizona.

Jim Meredith, pianist and vocal coach  -  Frequent collaborator (also upcoming) with Frederika von Stade and Olivia Stapp, collaboration with San Jose Opera and others,  past accompanist for such artists as Elly Ameling, Elizabeth Schwarzkopf, Eleanor Steber, and Evelyn Lear.

Dr. Raffale Cipriano, conductor and vocal coach -   Sarasota Opera (coach and conductor), Music Director of the Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, Olimpic Theatre in Vicenza, Pollini Auditorium in Padova, St. Mark Cathedral in Venice, and Lawrence Opera Theater.

Marco Bellussi, stage director and drama program - Mr. Bellussi has directed operas at the Teatro La Fenice (Venice Opera House), Teatro Goldoni di Venezia, Biennale Musica, Teatro Olimpico di Vicenza, Teatro Comunale di Treviso, Mittelfest, Teatro Comunale di Ferrara, and Palais des Beaux Arts in Bruxelles, among others at international grand opera theaters.

Marie Te Hapuku, soprano  -  The Metropolitan Opera of New York, Merola, Sarasota Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Kristin Roach, vocal coach, pianist, and conductor  -  Music Director of Alamo City Opera, Music Director of Spotlight on Opera, and Lecturer in Opera at Texas State University. She has prepared (coached) productions for the San Francisco Opera, San Diego Opera, Utah Opera, San Antonio Opera, Brevard Music Institute, and Aspen Music Festival.

Daily language and diction courses, a lunch lecture and conversation series, as well as a mind-body-spirit morning program which includes Feldenkrais, yoga, and meditation classes. Mental health and togetherness as a group are emphasized by family-style meals as the social and emotional center of our program.

Further, we are developing Opera Argentario beyond the confines of the studio program, such that in future years successful students will have the opportunity to join faculty in professional appearances. Due to the extreme competitiveness of the opera profession in the recent decades, we feel that singers able to handle the roles we are offering should view themselves as young professionals, irrespective of the realities of the job market for paid performance.

No Age Limit: This season we have a few singers who have already apprenticed or performed roles at major opera houses but who want to use our resources to prepare, coach, and perform a new role in a safe and supported setting. We also welcome undergraduates ready to take on more challenging roles.

Auditions will be ongoing until operas are cast.

Audition is by video submission or appointment (Chicago-Tucson-Los Angeles-Manhattan). We still have open roles.

Audition Requirements
1. Prepare two (3) selections of contrasting styles and languages. One selection can be from the musical theatre or operetta repertoire. Successful applicants will keep the 2019 productions in mind when choosing selections.

2. Applicants interested in principal roles in “Cosi fan tutte” or “Il gioco del quadriglio” are required to prepare at least one selection, with a recit/aria as one of their selections. One selection can be from the musical theatre or operetta repertoire.

3. Stage presence, characterization, movement, and the candidate’s ability to interact with the public will be taken into consideration equally with vocal and stylistic qualities. Please keep this in mind when choosing your selections.

Materials Required
Application (YAP Tracker);
One page Resume & Bio;
Recent Headshot/Photograph;
The submission of three (3) solo video, audio or combination of both performance files one which should have a recitative

Please note that the application fee for the audition is non-refundable and does not guarantee an audition opportunity or placement in the company.