The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program Elevates Young Singers

For over 40 years, an unlikely place has been ground zero for the professional development of young singers with their sights set on careers in opera, musical theater and classical music. Central City, Colo., a small mountain town 35 miles west of Denver, is typically known for its mining history and casino resorts. However, during the summer months it becomes a performing arts mecca, with select rising stars traveling to Colorado for the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program during Central City Opera's annual Festival.

"There are many places to learn how to sing, but there are few places to learn how to be a performing artist," says Central City Opera General/Artistic Director Pelham G. "Pat" Pearce. "There's no greater baptism by fire than singing at 8,500 feet above sea level in Central City Opera's jewel box theatre."

The program was created by Artistic Director Emeritus John Moriarty in 1978 and named in honor of an endowment gift from the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. Out of nearly 1,000 applicants each year, 28 hand-selected singers are cast in Festival productions and receive valuable training in performance and career management. Sessions include audition strategy, resume writing and maintaining a performance portfolio. The rigorous ten-week program also includes daily training in language, movement, stage combat and individual vocal coaching.

"The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is proud to have endowed the Central City Opera Artists Training Program in 1998 with a total gift of $2.5 million," says Bonfils-Stanton Foundation President and CEO Gary Steuer. "Our original namesake benefactors, May Bonfils and Charles Edwin Stanton, both loved Central City Opera and would be honored that this program that carries the Foundation's name has become a national model for the development of young opera singers. The Foundation believes deeply in the power of the arts to transform lives and communities, and for the arts to remain vibrant we must cultivate and support our young artists, which this program does so well."

Trainees earn a salary with benefits and are categorized into two tiers, Apprentice Artist and Studio Artist. Apprentice Artists have solid educational and professional performance backgrounds and are continuing to develop the vocal and acting skills necessary for a lasting career. Studio Artists are younger singers, often in the process of completing degrees in performance, who have demonstrated potential and are seeking professional experience beyond their college or university.

Thanks to its unique location and history as the fifth oldest opera company in the country, Central City Opera has built an effective and successful training program perennially sought after, with alumni including notable opera professionals Denyce Graves, Alan Held, Cynthia Lawrence, Margaret Lattimore, Alexandra Loutsion, Michael Mayes, Mary Mills, Emily Pulley, Greg Turay, Latonia Moore, Matthew Polenzani, Jesus Garcia, Chad Shelton, Daniel Belcher and Celena Shafer.

The 2019 season marked the inauguration of Michael Baitzer as the Director of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program. A fixture of the Central City Opera music staff since 1999, Michael has been the Festival's Principal Coach since 2012 and is also the Head of Music Staff at Washington National Opera. An active coach and collaborative pianist, Michael has served on the faculties of many other premier programs, most recently Wolf Trap Opera Company, The Juilliard School, Spoleto Festival USA and Aspen Music Festival and School.

Central City Opera's 2020 Summer Festival opens on July 4 with Rodgers & Hammerstein's beloved musical Carousel, followed by Verdi's thriller, Rigoletto, and Purcell's bewitching, hour-long opera Dido and Aeneas. Single tickets go on sale April 1, 2020. Don't miss this chance to witness timeless tales in a historic opera house.

2020 APPRENTICE ARTISTS

Dylan Davis, Tenor

Madeline Ehlinger, Soprano

Corey Gaudreau, Baritone

Zach M. Goldman, Tenor

Kevin Thomas Harvey, Tenor

Rebekah Howell, Soprano

Eric J. McConnell, Bass-Baritone

Bernardo Medeiros,Baritone

Michelle Monroe, Mezzo-Soprano

Erik Nordstrom, Baritone

Laura Corina Sanders, Soprano

Andrew Simpson, Bass-Baritone

Pascale Spinney, Mezzo-Soprano

Sable Strout, Mezzo-Soprano

Polixeni (Xeni) Tziouvaras, Mezzo-Soprano

Carla Vargas Fuster, Soprano

2020 STUDIO ARTISTS

Aryssa Leigh Burrs, Mezzo-Soprano

Han-Wei Chen, Baritone

Dylan Elza, Tenor

Robert Hartfield, Tenor

Katherine Holobinko, Soprano

Phillip Lopez, Bass-Baritone

Ryan Lustgarten, Tenor

Kaylee Nichols, Mezzo-Soprano

Matthew Payne, Baritone

James Resch, Bass-Baritone

Madison Rice, Mezzo-Soprano

Marin Tack, Mezzo-Soprano

For information, visit centralcityopera.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.