WNO Institute At American Univ. Prepares Teens for Careers In Opera 6/22-7/11

Washington National Opera (WNO) today announced the commencement of Opera Institute at American University, the opera company's competitive pre-professional training program. Unlike many teenagers who dream of Broadway or becoming the next pop idol, Opera Institute participants dream of performing in world-renowned opera houses. Beginning June 22, these young people will take one step closer to realizing their dreams, training with internationally acclaimed singers and opera professionals. Opera Institute culminates on July 11, when students have the rare chance to perform publicly on the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. See below for event information for all of Opera Institute's free and public performances, including two performances at American University's Katzen Arts Center, July 3 and 10.

Now in its eleventh season, WNO's Opera Institute is a one-of-a-kind program designed for exceptionally talented and committed students ages 15 to 18. Implemented by opera professionals through WNO's award-winning Center for Education and Training, Opera Institute specializes in individual coaching and mentoring. Daily classes include drama, movement, yoga, music theory, chorus, opera history and Italian diction. Participants study operatic classics such as Verdi's La Traviata and Bernstein's Candide, and attend professional performances.

Experienced artists, scholars and teachers present workshops and master classes. Sessions highlight and expand upon auditioning, vocal health, résumé preparation, professionalism, self and peer critique, and goal setting. Instructors will include singers who enjoy international careers, such as mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Bishop, baritone Gregory Rahming and mezzo-soprano Susanne Marsee.

More than one hundred teenagers across the U.S. and abroad auditioned for 32 spots in the rigorous summer session. In addition to cultivating singers, for the first time Opera Institute will host two young pianists, both of whom are coach/accompanists-in-training. Coach/accompanists are critical to the development of professional opera singers, working with singers and production teams on all elements of musical preparation.

Approximately half of Opera Institute students are from outside of the Washington, D.C. region, making Opera Institute one of WNO's significant national programs. Each year, students come from as far as California, Costa Rica, Canada and Belgium to attend Opera Institute. WNO continues to offer need-based financial assistance to Opera Institute participants in the form of scholarships toward tuition. Nearly all participants pursue degrees in vocal performance, many at leading conservatories around the country.

Performance Information

Italian Art Song Recital-Friday, July 3 at 4:00 p.m.

* American University's Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family RecitAl Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.
* This event is free and open to the public, and reservations are not required

Opera Scenes Recital-Friday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m.

* American University's Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family RecitAl Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.
* Staged scenes from well known operas, including Bernstein's Candide and Verdi's La Traviata, as well as recital performances
* This event is free and open to the public, and reservations are not required

Millennium Stage Opera Scenes Recital-Saturday, July 11 at 6:00 p.m.

* The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, 2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C.
* Staged scenes from well known operas, including Bernstein's Candide and Verdi's La Traviata, as well as recital performances
* This performance is free and open to the public, and reservations are not required

 

 

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