Renée Fleming Leads Innovative New Workshop Celebrating The Art Of The Vocal Recital

From January 21-26, 2019, renowned soprano Renée Fleming will mentor 10 aspiring young singers and 10 collaborative pianists from around the world in the inaugural year of SongStudio, an innovative new program exploring the future of the vocal recital. Building on Marilyn Horne's remarkable work with The Song Continues, the intensive workshop will bring emerging vocalists and pianists together with leading artists and composers for a week of instruction and performance at Carnegie Hall.

"I fell in love with song literature through Marilyn Horne. I'm grateful that she devoted her artistry and agency to this art form. SongStudio has evolved out of her contribution," said Ms. Fleming. "My initial goal, beyond honing skills crucial for this art form, will be encouraging singers to be more adventurous in their approach to performance, and to experiment with incorporating movement, media, and unconventional repertoire and venues."

The week will feature special guest composers, vocalists, and other artists from a wide variety of disciplines lending their insights and expertise. On Monday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Room, composers John Musto, Paola Prestini, and Chris Thile, along with sopranoDawn Upshaw will join Ms. Fleming for "What Composers Want," a panel discussion exploring the collaborative process between singer and composer, including performances of works by these and other contemporary composers.

The next day, on Tuesday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m., Ms. Fleming will lead a public master class for program participants. A second public masterclass with acclaimed tenor Piotr Becza?a follows onFriday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Nico Muhly will serve as SongStudio's first composer-in-residence, working with the singers and pianists on a cross-section of his vocal music. On Thursday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m., he will join Ms. Fleming for a discussion and masterclass dedicated to his vocal writing, with performances by SongStudio artists.

A series of Open Studio sessions for the young singers and an invited audience will include a presentation on theatrical approaches to the recital from acclaimed stage director Kevin Newbury; a workshop about programming strategies with Steven Blier, Artistic Director of the New York Festival of Song; a seminar on German lieder by Eastman emeritus professor Jürgen Thym; and a session devoted to poetry and text analysis.

All participating singers and pianists will receive private coaching throughout the week, learning from teachers, coaches, and collaborative pianists Javier Arrebola, Hartmut Höll, Bénédicte Jourdois,J.J. Penna, and Gerald Martin Moore. There will be a master class by Mr. Höll, focused on the art of the collaborative pianist, for an invited audience on Friday, January 25 at 4:00 p.m.

The week will culminate in informal pop-up performances throughout the city on Saturday afternoon and a final "Young Artists Recital" on Saturday, January 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Room.

Tickets for master classes and other events held in Carnegie Hall's Resnick Education Wing can be purchased exclusively by calling CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800 or by visiting the Carnegie Hall website, carnegiehall.org. Tickets are not available at the Carnegie Hall Box Office.

For more information on Carnegie Hall discount ticket programs, including those for students, Notables members, and Bank of America customers, visit carnegiehall.org/discounts. Artists, programs, and prices are subject to change.

Photo by Richard Termine

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