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Laura Claycomb's Young Artist Corner

YOUNG ARTISTS' PROGRAMS

Ask your teachers and coaches about festivals and programs they recommend. Many teachers receive promotional material about festivals in the mail and would be happy to share these materials with you. I have not updated this page in a long time, so check out ClassicalSinger.com for more updated info on programs.

Watch bulletin boards. Some festivals and summer programs don't advertise in journals and aren't listed in reference books because they are too new, small, etc. However, many of these programs mail out promotional materials to schools and faculty. Frequently these are posted for student use. If your teacher has no information and you see no materials posted, ask the chairperson of the voice faculty, as they are usually the recipients of promotional materials.

First, GO TO THE LIBRARY and look in
Musical America International Directory of the Performing Arts - Ref. ML12 A1 M8 For subscription information call: 800.547.8753. Or for more information:

Alan Glass, President and Chief Executive Officer
PRIMEDIA Directory Corporation

10 Lake Drive
Hightstown, NJ 08520
Tel: 609.371.7700
Fax: 609.371.7879
Send e-mail to cpzmrkt@aol.com .

PROGRAMS:

YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS/APPRENTICESHIPS

Lots of opera companies try to do some kind of community outreach, and lots of times use young artists for these types of performances. It seems that "Young Artist" Programs are springing up all over the place. Ask your local opera house if they have any such thing, and how you can audition. Other opera companies have more comprehensive TRAINING programs, whereas some use their singers for principal roles. Look for a mixed program of both training (icing on the cake) and performance experience:

• Adler Fellowship Program San Francisco Opera ; San Francisco, CA; - absolutely made me who I am today!! Great program - you must first get into Merola, then are PICKED for the Adler fellowship. (if you're lucky!) Salaried, do small/medium roles, cover principal roles (sometimes go ON!), daily coachings, Master Classes, Acting coaching, abundant performance opportunities in outreach programs in off-season, in mainstage productions and one show per year just for the Adlers. No included voice lessons. Auditions for visiting companies and conductors.

• Austin Lyric Opera Residency Program - Had to be curtailed because of budget.

• Aspen Music Festival and School - Aspen is also where the world's brightest young musicians comes to study with the world's foremost instructors, where thousands of musical influences converge in a white-hot crucible of creativity. Year after year, the Music School has inspired young musicians to mature into some of the most brilliant and creative classical artists in the world, from New York to Paris, from Tokyo to Rome. Generation after generation, masters of the craft pass along their knowledge and passion for music to students, merging lines of musical and cultural differences and creating a constantly growing cycle of artistic magnificence.

• Atelier della voce - Italian vocal program that seems year-round

• Bordeaux , France - they just started a "fest" type of apprenticeship there; artists do medium sized roles in mainstage productions; I don't know if it's just for French nationals or not. No mention of it on the website. French speaking an obvious must. Ask your agent about it

• Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio ; In this two- to three-year programme, singers receive vocal and theatrical instruction, understudy major roles, participate in Outreach and Education programmes and perform in COC mainstage productions at the Hummingbird Centre. Stage directors and vocal coaches participate in the preparation of the Company's mainstage productions, as well as Education and Outreach performances and special Ensemble Studio projects. The Ensemble Studio programme serves as a bridge between academic programmes and the professional world of opera, offering the experience and practical skills necessary to succeed as self-employed professionals in a highly competitive international environment. For this reason, in addition to displaying exceptional talent, applicants to the Ensemble Studio programme must already have had extensive operatic training and a thorough musical education. Prospective applicants to the Ensemble Studio Program are asked to complete an application form, available from the COC, and return it to the COC by the September deadline. Auditions take place every fall in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and, if numbers warrant, Calgary. For more information contact the COC's Ensemble Studio Administrator at 416-363-6671 or send us an e-mail.

• Cincinnati Opera Outreach - The Cincinnati Opera Education Ensemble includes four young professional singers (soprano, mezzo, tenor and baritone) in residence with Cincinnati Opera from January through May 2003. Singers perform a variety of K-12 grade programs throughout the Tristate designed to entertain and educate through opera. Through audition, Outreach artists may appear in the main stage opera chorus and/or in small roles, and may have the opportunity to understudy roles in the Summer Festival productions. The Education Ensemble program contract includes a weekly salary, round-trip airfare from the city of origin, health insurance, workers' compensation. A housing stipend is also provided.

• Dayton Opera Association Artists in Residence Program - Call Pam Eyink, Auds Coord, 937-228-0662

• Des Moines Metro Opera - Indianola, Iowa - Young Artist Training Program. Private coaching in standard operatic repertory including important scene or one-act assignments for presentation in semi-staged performances for public audiences. Valuable instruction in acting and interpretation, body movement, makeup, diction and languages. Comprimario role & chorus participation in the company's 2002 mainstage productions. Consideration for roles in the 2002 cover performance of a mainstage work. Master classes and seminars with resident principal artists, stage directors, and singers' representatives. Opportunity to audition for agents and other opera companies. DMMO is a non-AGMA program in which you can participate without jeopardizing your AGMA apprenticeships. Dates for the 2001 Summer Festival Program are May 24–July 14, 2002. There is no age limit to this program. Past participants have generally been between 23 and 35 years of age.

• Florida Grand Opera ; Miami, FL - -
  YOUNG ARTIST STUDIO
  September 2004 - May 2005
  At least 8 singers, 1 coach/accompanist
  The Florida Grand Opera Young Artist Studio targets those skills necessary to develop a successful opera career. Singers attend classes concentrating on vocal interpretation, acting, style, language, and movement, receive regular individual coaching sessions, and participate in coachings, masterclasses and seminars given by acclaimed guest artists and teachers. Young Artists have the opportunity to perform or cover mainstage roles, sing in the FGO chorus, take part in school and community performances and perform art song recitals. The coach/accompanist works extensively with the resident and visiting musical staff. Duties include coaching the Young Artists, taking part in school and community performances, accompanying chorus rehearsals and some main-stage performances, and calling titles (projected English translations).
  Compensation: Members of the Young Artist Studio are provided with housing in Miami, utilities (except phone), health insurance, round-trip transportation to Miami, and a weekly stipend of $200, plus additional compensation for chorus participation at AGMA rates. Financial assistance for voice lessons is also available. Additional fees may also be paid for main-stage appearances in principal and comprimario roles. The coach/accompanist receives additional remuneration for calling titles. The weekly stipend is all-inclusive of community outreach and special events appearances on behalf of FGO. All vocal coaching, classes, seminars and master-classes are provided to Young Artists at no charge. Young Artists are responsible for their own transportation during their residence which necessitates the rental or ownership of a vehicle.
  RESIDENT ARTISTS
  10-16 week residencies during the 2004-2005 Season
  5-6 singers
  The Resident Artist Ensemble provides young singers with significant main-stage performance experience. Resident Artists perform at least one principal role on the main-stage, and also take part in one or more other productions. They do not sing in the chorus. The Resident Artists' program centers on their main-stage roles, and includes language and vocal coachings, classes and masterclasses. Resident Artists also perform in some special events, including previews.
  Compensation: Resident Artists are provided with single-occupancy housing in Miami, utilities (except phone), round-trip transportation to Miami, and weekly fees at agreed AGMA rates. The weekly fees are all-inclusive of special events. All vocal coaching, classes, seminars and masterclasses are provided to Resident Artists at no charge. All Resident Artists are responsible for their own transportation during their residence - use of a rental or personal vehicle is recommended.
  Non- U.S. citizens must provide proof of U.S. work permission.

• Glimmerglass young artists - Cover roles, do smaller ones during the summer festival; give a recital during the summer festival, coachings... they do a little outreach tour in the fall, too, I believe....

• Eugene Opera Apprenticeship Program - Oregon

• European Opera Studio

• Houston Grand Opera Each season Houston Grand Opera Studio provides eight to twelve young artists with the opportunity to study and perform under a highly respected professional staff of teachers and performers. Studio artists commit themselves to an intense individualized study program while in residence in Houston from September through May. Classes in voice, acting, stage movement, diction and languages are scheduled regularly. Extensive individual coachings are part of the daily work and career counseling sessions are provided throughout the year. Special classes focusing on topics such as fight choreography, audition techniques, taxes and personal finance, Alexander technique, performer's stress managment, public relations, and agent representation are conducted by experts in their field. Adjunct instructors include master coaches and conductors.The Studio requires its artists to commit to the standards and demands of the profession. Because the training process is progressive and each member's artistic development is unique, the Studio program allows artists to continue their training over a two to three year period with opportunities for advanced study abroad. The main-stage performance exposure enables Studio artists to be reviewed individually by local, national and international press.Other opportunities include Studio-produced recitals, concerts and, since the 1993-94 season, full-scale productions. Based upon their level of ability, the artists are assigned supporting roles in HGO's main-stage productions. Additional performance experience includes principal roles in student matinees, study cover assignments of major roles and paid public engagements for community outreach. These assignments provide the opportunity to learn major roles, expand repertoire and demonstrate individual abilities. Other opportunities include Studio-produced recitals, concerts, and, since the 1993-94 season, full-scale productions. The Studio recognizes performance experience with newer forms of music theater and in innovative stagings of standard repertoire as an essential training element in developing well-rounded professionals. Given HGO's commitment to commissioning and producing new works and the success of its Opera New World program, Studio artists are provided opportunities to create new roles and premiere new pieces. Performing and Networking Studio artists interact with professional singers, conductors, stage directors, designers and technicians of national and international acclaim and follow a standard rehearsal and production schedule for a major opera company. Houston Grand Opera arranges auditions for Studio artists throughout the year with artist management, visiting general directors of other opera companies, and guest conductors and stage directors.

• Interlochen Center for the Arts , at 231/276-7200 - year round boarding Arts School in upper state Michigan for high school students

• - International Vocal Arts Institute (IVAI) Joan Dornemann's programs - includes lessons, coachings, and performances - Institutes in Nagano, Japan; Shanghai, China; Bourgogne, France; Chiari, Italy; Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel; Portland, Oregon, USA

• INTERNATIONAL OPERASTUDIO MERANO No info yet

• Los Angeles Opera 's young artist program - basically a fest contract to do smaller roles and cover larger ones: they seem to have about 4 artists on salary at a time. There is not much information on the LA Opera site about this, but there are periodic auditions for openings in the ensemble

• Lyons, France - Lyon, Opéra de Lyon: Mainly a fest nowadays for the lead roles, and mainly French singers Address: Opéra de Lyon Place de la Comédie, 69001 Lyon, FRANCE Phone: +33 7200 4500 Fax: +33 7200 4501 / 4507

• Lyric Opera Center for American Artists; Lyric Opera of Chicago Chicago, IL - two-tiered training program for young singers. Founded in 1974, the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists, the professional artist development program of Lyric Opera of Chicago, selects the finest young singers from across the country and provides them with advanced training, in-depth performance experience, and immersion in an atmosphere that prepares them for international opera careers. The Opera Center offers these aspiring, young artists regular opportunities to work alongside the world's greatest opera stars during Lyric's mainstage season. In addition, they perform in Opera Center productions each spring and summer at various Chicago-area venues. More than 500 singers annually audition for the Opera Center's limited Ensemble positions. Those selected to join bring with them an extensive array of stage appearances and awards, and, upon emerging from the Opera Center, these gifted artists are well on their way to building successful careers in the world of international opera. Preliminary auditions for the Opera Center Ensemble are held in up to 12 U.S. cities each year beginning in the spring. Successful candidates will be invited to the final auditions in Chicago in September. Those chosen for the Ensemble will begin their 12-month residency the following March. For further information, please email audlocaa@lyricopera.org
  Nancy Proctor, Auditions Coordinator, PH: 312-827-3521
  

• Marseille Opera Centre National d'Insertion Professionelle d'Artistes Lyriques - This course, which takes place over one to two seasons, is reserved for soloists at the start of their career (aged 21 to 32), having already been awarded a 1st Prize by their National Academy, or possessing a written recommendation from a recognised opera singer. Grant: 6 000 FF (914.69 Euros); Also a 5-day module (25 hours), directed by the CNIPAL's Coach Musical Responsable, concerns professional artists wishing to undergo an intensive preparation for a specific role, concert or recital in order to honour a short-term professional contract.

• Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Development Program; New York, NY - The Lindemann Young Artist Development Program uses The Met's unique resources to identify and educate the most talented young American artists for performances not only at The Met, but with opera companies throughout the country. To meet the individual needs of each young artist, the program provides specialized training in music, language and dramatic coaching from The Met's own artistic staff and invited master teachers. Along with an annual stipend of $27,000, the program also funds private voice lessons with approved teachers from outside the Met staff. In addition to individual lessons, LYADP participants have access to rehearsals for all Metropolitan Opera Productions. Participants are offered a position with the program for a period of one year with second and third year options held by The Met. During this period, the artist performs roles only at The Met or outside engagements approved by the Artistic Director.

• Middle America Opera Apprentice Program - Info: The Middle-America Opera Apprentice Program is a collaboration between the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. It prepares the exceptional young singer for a professional operatic career. At the Lyric there are four productions per year, outreach and community service and a proven record of casting program alumni in leading roles when appropriate. At the conservatory there are two fully staged opera productions each year in original language. Recent operas include, Le Nozze di Figaro, The Consul, Cosi fan Tutte and La Boheme. While attending the program you can receive a $5000 annual stipend from conservatory or a $5000 annual salary from Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Dates: 2000-2001 Contact: Lee Fowler University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music 4949 Cherry St. Kansas City, MO 64110-2229 Phone: (816) 235-5209 Audition Dates: Sunday, February 18, 2001 at White Recital Hall Performing Arts Center UMKC Campus.

• Opera Kentucky, The Rudd Program for Young Artists - Info: The Rudd Program for Young Artists is a 15 week (September 10-December 22, 2001) program for singers and pianists that bridges that bridges the gap between study and a professional career. For singers and pianists who have exhibited outstanding career potential will be chosen through nation-wide auditions. While in the program, the young artists will be involved with one of Kentucky Opera's main stage productions, be the principal artists for the touring opera programs for adult and young audiences and will present an operatic showcase. Besides performing, the Young Artists will have the opportunity to have weekly vocal instruction and coachings with the opera and voice faculty at the University of Kentucky. In addition, the Young Artists will participate in master classes in voice, movement, acting and career management. Each Young Artist will be paid $375 per week. Housing in Louisville will not be provided, however, Kentucky Opera will provide assistance towards housing. Contact: Kimcherie Lloyd, Director of Music or Alise Oliver, Music Administrator Kentucky Opera Attn. The Rudd Program 101 South Eighth Street Louisville, KY 40202 Phone: 1.800.690.9236 Audition Requirements: Auditions for the 2001 season will be held in New York City December 19, 2000 and in Louisville, Kentucky on January 27, 2001. Please complete the Application Form and return it with $25 application fee, a current photograph, resume and 2 letters of reference postmarked on or before December 4, 2000 for New York auditions (notified December 11, 2000) and December 11, 2000 for Louisville auditions (notified after January 29, 2001). Late applications are not guaranteed consideration. Audition Dates: NY, Dec. 11, 2000; Louisville, Jan. 11, 2001 Material: Resume, Photo, 2 letters of reference, $25

• Minnesota Opera Resident Artists Program - The Minnesota Opera's Resident Artist Program offers a full season of employment for talented artists beginning their professional careers. From October through May, resident artists gain valuable performing experience in our mainstage productions. Resident artist assignments range from ensemble, understudy and comprimario to leading roles during our five-opera season. Resident artists also perform for donor functions, adult education classes and regional recitals and concerts. Master classes with guest artists, individualized language classes, coaching from our artistic staff, movement and stage combat training and professional career development are just a few of the benefits of the program. In support of the company's bel canto artistic philosophy, resident artists receive training in the traditional bel canto disciplines of effortless and expressive delivery of musical line and mastery of language and style. The vibrant, diverse and progressive Twin Cities arts community boasts an impressive number of performing arts groups with which resident artists have performed. Past engagements have ranged from beer commercials to oratorios.For the 2002-2003 season, resident artists will receive $475 per week while under contract. Resident artists provide their own housing and transportation. This program is designed to bridge the gap between an artist's education and professional career; ideal candidates are singers, pianists and conductors who have completed their postgraduate education and may have some professional experience. We have no age limit, but most applicants are between 23 to 32 years of age.

• Natchez Opera Festival Young Artist Program - The Natchez Opera Festival offers two major opera productions and two Broadway Musicals for the public in Natchez, MS, during May of each year. The festival sponsors an Artist in Residence Program component, which provides the opportunity for talented young singers to study with the major artists involved in the productions. The young artists, who are selected on a competitive basis after an audition, gain invaluable experience performing operatic excerpts and scenes in the elementary and secondary schools in southwest Mississippi. This requires three casts. Artists in Residence also perform in the chorus of all productions and some serve as understudies to major roles. First priority in New York and regional auditions is given to young artists from Mississippi. Each year we have had one or more artists from Mississippi in our program and further seek to assist them with their career. A real effort is made to encourage participation of minorities in the arts. We are delighted with the rate of success involving minorities in the Natchez Opera Festival. We especially encourage African American involvement in all phases of the Natchez Opera Festival.

• New York City Opera Mainstage auditions- General mainstage auditions heard on on-going basis. To request audition, send letter, résumé, and photo to Kevin Newbury, Auditions Coordinator, New York City Opera, 20 Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023

• Nice, France - Opéra de Nice

• Opera San Jose - San Jose, CA - Principal Artist-in-Residence Program; Opera San José is a professional, regional opera company that is unique in the United States. Maintaining a Resident Company of Principal Artists, this company specializes in showcasing the finest young professional singers in the nation. Featuring fresh, new talents in the first years of their careers, Opera San José’s performances are always dramatically stimulating and vocally accomplished. Adding to the immediacy of the performance, the company performs in the 519-seat Montgomery Theater, among the most intimate opera theaters outside Europe. The Montgomery Theater is located on Market Street at San Carlos in downtown San Jose where convenient parking facilities and excellent restaurants are in easy walking distance of the theater.In addition to mainstage performances, Opera San José maintains extensive educational programs in schools and in the community at large, and offers Previews lectures and two Introduction to Opera symposiums for all mainstage productions.

• Savannah American Traditions Competition for Singers - March 2-11, 2002 - The American Traditions Competition was born of the desire to foster and preserve traditions of musical expression which have been significant in the culture of the United States, both in past eras and at the present time. In contrast to many music competitions that focus on European repertoire, the American Traditions Competition celebrates the that represents both the art and popular cultures of our country. The Competition embraces and recognizes the validity of the many performance styles that emanate from this repertoire. It subscribes to the belief that, although some of the styles were born in an environment of spontaneous expression and at one time or another enjoyed widespread popularity, these musical forms evolved to incorporate identifiable characteristics of excellence and artistic integrity. These qualities form the basis of adjudication in the American Traditions competition. It is hoped that the Competition will foster heightened appreciation for and celebration of these forms of musical expression, and that through this process we will become more intensely aware of the fact that at the heart of our beauty and strength as a people is our diversity. $32,500 In Prizes - Oxnard Gold Medal $10,000; Solomons Silver Medal $5,000; Stanton Bronze Medal $2,500; Finalists $1,000; Semifinalists $500; Quarterfinalists $250; Contestants receive one cash award.

• Opera Orchestra of New York ; New York, NY - Young Artists Program. - Participants are selected by being asked to audition, after their materials are evaluated by our Musical Administrator. We only invite a small number to audition--only those candidates for whom a role in the current season is available. Participants sing small roles in Carnegie Hall and understudy the principal roles. Since there are times when these understudies are called upon to perform a major role in Carnegie Hall if another singer is indisposed, participants must have a fair amount of professional performing experience, usually with regional opera companies. For that reason, we almost never invite singers who are just completing their schooling. Singers in the Program are paid fees for their work. They are usually under contract for about 2 weeks prior to the date of the Carnegie Hall performance, but there is often additional, earlier coaching with Maestro Queler before the official rehearsal period. If you have not yet submitted them, please mail your resume, repertoire, performance history and photograph to Opera Orchestra of New York, PO BOX 231226, Ansonia Station, New York, NY 10023.

• Opera Theatre of Saint Louis; St. Louis, MO; Young artist program - Opera Theatre productions showcase outstanding young artists in an unusual small theater where audiences and critics alike have come to expect sophisticated and musically impeccable productions. The company offers a mix of familiar and unconventional repertory, all sung in English and accompanied by members of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Young singers in Opera Theatre's Ensemble receive extensive professional experience. In addition to chorus responsibilities they sing supporting roles or cover leading and featured roles in mainstage productions, enjoy extensive coaching, appear in challenging master classes with renowned artist like Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Marlena Malas, Phyllis Curtin, Evelyn Lear, Stephen Lord, and Colin Graham, and appear in solo settings occasioned by various outreach programs. Ensemble members are hired on an AGMA contract and receive: a weekly salary, round-trip transportation, a modest sustenance allotment and accommodations for the duration of their engagement.

• Opera Memphis Artist in Residence - Opera Memphis hires four young artists each season to serve as Artists-in-Residence. The AIR performers generally receive two contracts, which are sometimes contiguous. First, AIR performers serve as the core group for the opera's education and outreach tour, generally for a six to eight week period. In addition, all AIR performers receive a contract to sing on the mainstage in one of the Opera's productions at the Orpheum Theatre. These roles are generally supporting or comprimario roles. Compensation varies according to the level of experience of the artist and the size of the role, but is no lower than $250 per week. Compensation includes housing and travel. Mainstage roles are $500 per performance and up.

• Paris Opera International Studio - Classes/coachings will be in French... decent French-speaking a must, or at least a facility with it before going!! I no longer recommend this program. Especially for Americans.

• Pittsburgh Opera ; Pittsburgh, PA; young artist program - Pittsburgh Opera Center is one of the nation's most noted programs for young professional opera singers. Each year, ten of the most promising young artists are selected through competitive auditions to join Pittsburgh Opera for the season. During their residency, the young artists participate in a series of master classes with the most dynamic coaches in the field, such as Renata Scotto, Regine Crespin, John Wustman and Mikael Eliasen. They also perform supporting roles and cover leading roles on the mainstage productions

• San Diego Opera's artist in residence - 6 singers who do educational shows in the metro area program; San Diego, CA

• Sarasota Opera Apprentice Program - The Apprentice Artists Program is a season-long intensive training program for aspiring young opera singers, with an emphasis on performance. The company firmly believes that singing is a form of emotional communication and not just a technical function undertaken for the sake of itself. The company attempts to teach this philosophy to the apprentice participants by giving them numerous and varied performance opportunities that are backed by rehearsals that stress content of language, refinement of interpretation, musicality, polishing of ensemble and by providing extended contact with seasoned professionals who share this view of singing. Sarasota Opera's Apprentice Artists Program consists of 24 professional singers who are graduates of university music schools and conservatories. Some have completed their doctoral studies, choosing this path towards breaking into the highly competitive world of professional opera. During their stay in Sarasota, the apprentice artists work with the music staff and the stage directors in one-on-one coaching: musical, dramatic and language. The language program uses volunteers who are native-born speakers of the language concerned, an invaluable benefit derived from Sarasota's international community. Apprentices also have opportunities to audition for other opera companies whose representatives attend the season here searching for new talent. Master classes with the resident staff, guest conductors and guest directors provide more essential guidance and training. The apprentices perform in all the main stage productions and at numerous outreach events in Bradenton, Venice and Sarasota, including two evenings of staged opera scenes at the Opera House.

• Sarasota Opera Studio Artist Program -The 12 Studio Artists help take opera out of the Opera House and into the community by performing in concert at many venues in Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice, including community centers, retirement facilities and schools. Studio Artists have completed their apprenticeship with Sarasota Opera or other companies; many have performed leading roles throughout the country and will go on to do so at higher levels in the future. Studio Artists provide another great service to the local community: their annual concert, scheduled for Sunday, March 10th, 2002, will be held at the Opera House

• Seattle Opera's outreach program - Includes a role in a fully produced, non-mainstage opera;Other performance opportunities including special concerts and recitals, community outreach programs, and an in-school residency program; Acting classes, language classes, private coaching, workshops, seminars, and master classes from Seattle Opera staff, guest teachers, and internationally celebrated opera artists.;An audition with Seattle Opera's general director;An open invitation to attend Seattle Opera mainstage rehearsals ;$400 per week for 20 weeks ;Referrals to reasonable and affordable housing

• TENNESSEE OPERA THEATRE YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM - TOT Young Artist Program is a division of Nashville Opera Association. Four young professional singers (Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass-Baritone) will be chosen from both local and national auditions to participate in this 12-15 week residencey program. During the contract period, February to mid-May 2002, young artists will be involved in three different areas: Performing roles in Nashville Opera's mainstage production of Verdi's Rigoletto with orchestra. Covering lead roles and singing in the chorus in the mainstage production of Bizet's The Pearl Fishers with orchestra. Performing in a fully staged one-act children's opera for OperaNET, Nashville Opera's 5-week education tour. Contract includes a weekly salary, round-trip airfare from the city of origin, and subsidized housing. Return application to: Lynn Newcomb, Nashville Opera Association, 3628 Trousdale Dr., Suite D, Nashville, TN, 37204. Please include with your application: A copy of your resume, An 8 X 10 black and white photo, $10 non-refundable processing fee (check to Nashville Opera Association) Auditions will be held in Nashville in July 2001 by invitation only. The deadline to apply is May 25, 2001. Selected artists should prepare: Three arias of contrasting styles, one in English, One musical theatre or operetta selection in English; One 1- to 2-minute memorized monologue from a play, operetta, or musical comedy.

• Tri-Cities Opera Resident Artist Training Program   New York - The members of the Resident Artist Training Program are featured in two annual second stage productions at the Tri-Cities Opera Center. Both a holiday performance and a scenes program in March give artists opportunities onstage and are a part of the overall training program. SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The Tri-Cities Opera Guild and Endowment Fund makes some limited scholarship support available. Applications for these funds may be made upon acceptance into the Resident Artist Training Program. MASTER OF MUSIC IN OPERA Since 1979, Binghamton University has joined with Tri-Cities Opera to create a unique and exceptional program combining practical studies, an academic track, and professional experience leading to the Master of Music degree in Opera. The artist-teachers of the faculty bring the wide experience of long and continuing careers in opera to the program. Students complete a minimum of 36 graduate credit hours in music courses including the master classes of the Tri-Cities Opera Resident Artist Training Program, studio voice, theory, history, lyric diction, coaching, vocal literature, movement and acting. ORATORIO COURSES OFFERED Voice Lessons and Vocal Coaching , Voice Masterclass, Lyric Diction, Languages, Vocal Pedagogy, Vocal Literature and Interpretation, Stage Combat, Dance/Stage Movement, Music History, Music Theory. The 170 member Binghamton University Chorus performs major choral works with orchestra each year. Students enrolled in the MM Opera program are encouraged to audition as soloists. Offered by the University in collaboration with the Tri-Cities Opera Company, this is a two-year program of professional training in preparation for an operatic career. Students must complete a minimum of 36 graduate credit hours in music with a B average or above

• Utah Opera Ensemble - Info: Studio Artists - Leading roles in studio artist opera, Comprimario roles in mainstage opera, Principal artist covers, Outreach concerts, coachings and master classes Apprentice Artists - In-school presentations, Regional Touring, Outreach Concerts, Concerts, coachings and master classes, Studio artist covers ,Utah Opera Chorus for one production Pianists - Accompany apprentice artists performances, Accompany studio artist opera, Cover mainstage opera productions Repertoire: Carmen, A Little Night Musik, Pagliacci & Carmina Burana Dates: Apprentice Artists: Aug-May, Studio Artists: Oct-Feb Address: Ensemble Program Utah Opera Production Studios 336 North 400 West Salt Lake City, Utah 8410 Application Information: Applications materials must be postmark by Dec. 1, 2000, for all locations. Please include: 1. Cover letter (include audition city) 2. Current resume 3. Headshot 4. Two recent letters of recommendation -Send no recordings Audition Dates: You will be notified when you materials have been received, and whether or not you have been accepted for an audition. January 24 -February 2 Chicago, Boston, Houston & Salt Lake City. An integral step between graduate studies and a professional career. Selected through national auditions, participants spend 5-10 months with Utah Opera in coachings, workshops, masterclass sessions, and performing. Studio Artists perform mainstage supporting roles and community concerts, while Apprentice Artists form the core of the Opera-in-the-Schools educational outreach program. Studio Artists: Leading roles in studio artist opera Comprimario roles in mainstage operas. Principal artist covers Outreach concerts, coachings, and masterclasses Apprentice Artists In-school presentations Regional touring Outreach concerts Concerts, coachings and masterclasses Studio artist covers Utah Opera Chorus for one production. Audition dates: January 24-February 2; Chicago, Boston, Houston, and Salt Lake City.

• Virginia Opera young artist outreach - Virginia Opera's touring program is made up of Spectrum Resident Artists, a select group of performers who bring opera programs to schools and communities in 53 regions across Virginia and perform in mainstage productions. Among the eight artists travelling with the program this season, six are international artists.

• Zurich Opera Young Artists Program, Switzerland ; don't know what's up with the program or website: check this link periodically

• Washington Opera, D.C. - Alberto Vilar - The program will provide private voice lessons, voice coaching and dramatic coaching from the finest teachers/coaches based in the United States along with intensive language study. In addition, the Young Artists will receive counseling on the essential non-musical aspects of building a career, including nutrition, stress reduction, movement and advice from agents on how to audition and manage a career. Master classes will be given by visiting conductors, singers, directors and coaches. Special sessions will be organized with professionals working with The Washington Opera mainstage productions, such as the fight master, choreographer and make-up artist. While taking part in a rigorous training program, Young Artists will also have the opportunity to sing and cover roles on the main stage of The Washington Opera and perform scenes or a full-length opera through the Opera's nationally acclaimed education and outreach programs. In addition, the Young Artists will have the privilege of attending rehearsals and performances of some of the world's most respected international opera artists and observe, up close, the ways in which accomplished performers rehearse, develop, and perform roles. The Young Artists will thus be able to apply what they have learned in their training sessions to their performances, and then receive further feedback from their mentors.

Sources in the Music Library - WARNING: Some of these directories are not very up-to date. Addresses, phone numbers, and some of the festivals themselves may have changed or gone out of business. They are listed in reverse chronological order:

• British Music Yearbook. Ref. ML21.M94. Lists festivals from the United Kingdom as well as worldwide (including the USA and Canada); also jazz festivals.

• The Music Lover's Guide to Europe: A Compendium of Festivals, Concerts, and Opera. 1992. Ref. ML12.M87 1992.

• Musical America's Festivals. ML1.M874. Library has 1988-1991.

• Book of British Music Festivals. Ref. ML37.G7 A3A. Published in 1986.

• Music Lover's Europe: A Guidebook and Companion. ML240.B43. Published in 1983.

• Music Festivals in America. Ref. ML35.R2 1983. Published in 1983.

• Music Festivals in Europe, including the United States, Canada, and Israel: An Annotated Directory. ML12.M9. Published 1980.

• International Guide to Music Festivals. Ref. ML35.S83. Published 1980.

• Music Festivals in Europe and Britain. ML35.R23. Published 1980.

• Europäische Musik-Festspiele. ML35.E86. Published 1977 (in German).

• Festivals de musique européens. ML35.F43. Published 1976 (in French).

OPERA America Publications - OPERA America publishes a wide variety of resources in addition to its other activities. These publications address the needs of OPERA America's many audiences: members, the media, funders, government agencies, and the public at large. Orders by check for any of these publications should be prepaid in U.S. dollars and sent to OPERA America at 1156 15th Street, NW, Suite 810, Washington, D.C., 20005-1704. VISA and MasterCard orders also are accepted and may be placed by phone (202/293-4466), fax (202/393-0735), or e-mail ( frontdesk@operaam.org ) For all orders to U.S addresses, please include an additional $3.00 service charge per order; for orders to Canadian addresses, please include $5.00 per order; for orders to all other addresses, please include $10.00 per order. To receive information on volume discounts (10 or more copies of a single publication), call the OPERA America Office at 202/293-4466. Here are two good publications of theirs:

• ( Opera America) Careers in Opera - Career Guide for Singers. This resource has proven invaluable to aspiring artists seeking opportunities in the opera field. The publication lists producing organizations, institutes and workshops providing advanced training, degree-granting educational institutions with opera/performance degrees and major opera workshops, and competitions. Entries include casting policies, repertoire, and audition/application procedures, along with other pertinent information. Published once every two years. $25 members, $45 non- members.

• (Opera America) Perspectives: Audition Advice for Singers - This new publication contains twenty-six essays by general directors, artistic directors, artist managers, and singers offering advice about the audition process. $10 members, $15 non- members.

Periodicals - These are better sources, since they're more up-to-date. In addition to Musical America's Festivals and the British Music Yearbook, many periodicals have listings and/or advertisements for various festivals, summer programs, and summer camps. Check periodicals in your field of interest. Many summer festivals begin their listing or advertisements the February preceding the festival.