Seattle Opera Launches Seattle Opera Academy

Seattle Opera launches a new chapter in its commitment to training young artists and preparing singers for opera careers with its new Seattle Opera Academy. Presented in collaboration with Seattle Youth Symphony's Marrowstone Music Festival, this three-week intensive training program for singers ages 16-22 will be hosted at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash.

"With educational and engagement programs for all, Seattle Opera aims to serve people who've never experienced this art form before, as well as those who live and breathe it," said the company's General Director Aidan Lang. "We are thrilled to be able to collaborate with Marrowstone Music Festival, the Pacific Northwest's premier orchestral training program, to nurture the next generation of opera singers."

The SO Academy will offer two different programs of study: the Principal Artist Program and Opera Chorus Program. Both tracks include opportunities for young performing artists to learn in the classroom and on the stage. All will participate in masterclasses, workshops, and performances, including Aaron Copland's The Tender Land on Aug. 4-5.

Auditions are required, to be submitted via YouTube, and financial assistance is available (more information here).

PRINCIPAL ARTIST PROGRAM
Students accepted to the Principal Artist Program will:

- Learn and perform (with orchestra) one of the principal roles in Aaron Copland's The Tender Land, to be performed on Aug. 4-5

- Participate in masterclasses with guest master teachers

- Sing in additional community performances

- Receive coaching from Seattle Opera staff

- Receive instruction in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), Acting, Theory, Diction, and Vocal Health

OPERA CHORUS PROGRAM

Students accepted to the Opera Chorus Program will:

- Perform in the chorus for Aaron Copland's The Tender Land, to be performed with full orchestra on Aug. 4-5

- Public performance of Brahms' Shicksalslied (with orchestra) and his Zigeunerlieder Cycle (with piano) during the second week, offering additional solo opportunities

- Perform in and/or audit masterclasses

- Receive instruction in lyric diction for singers, International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), Acting, and Vocal Health

Students of both programs will participate in and/or audit masterclasses. Those selected to perform in the masterclasses will be notified at registration on July 16. A collaborative pianist and rehearsal times will be provided to soloists. During the course of the training program, students will attend various lectures and presentations on the business of music, careers in the arts, conducting, and vocal health.

LEAD FACULTY
Stephen Rogers Radcliffe - Music Director
Barbara Lynne Jamison - Assistant Music Director & Seattle Opera Director of

Education and Community Engagement
Kelly Kitchens - Stage Director

2017 Tuition, Room, and Board: $3500

Off-Campus Option: Those living in Whatcom County, Washington can choose to live off-campus. Tuition is $2500 and includes all meals.

APPLICATION FEES & DATES
$65 - Applications submitted on or before March 17, 2017
$80 - Application submitted after March 17, 2017

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
SO Summer Academy offers partial scholarships and work-study programs to assist students with their tuition. A limited number of merit sponsorships are available to those students who demonstrate excellence in their audition. Additional scholarships for musicians may be available through schools, service clubs, performing arts organizations, businesses, and foundations. More information on financial resources available to singers here.

For registration and more information, go to:

seattleopera.org/summer-academy/

2016/17 Season Sponsor:
Seattle Opera Guild
In memory of Marian E. Lackovich and Captain Louis J. Lackovich

Education and Community Engagement Lead Sponsors:
The Boeing Company
The Chisholm Foundation
Classical KING FM
Hearst Foundations
The Hot Chocolate Fund
Peach Foundation
Seattle Opera Foundation
True-Brown Foundation
The Wallace Foundation

Seattle Opera Academy Program Sponsor:
Hearst Foundations

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About Seattle Opera

Established in 1963, Seattle Opera is committed to serving the people of the Pacific Northwest with performances of the highest caliber and through innovative educational and engagement programs for all. Each year, more than 95,000 people attend Seattle Opera performances, and more than 400,000 people of all ages are served through school performances, radio broadcasts, and more. Bydrawing our communities together, and by offering opera's unique fusion of music and drama, we create life-enhancing experiences that speak deeply to people's hearts and minds. Connect with Seattle Opera on Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, and through the Seattle Opera channel on Classical King FM. 98.1.