June 3-27 - Training Session June 24 - Russian Romances Concert June 25, 26 & 27 - Iolanta Warden Theater at AVA
Brief Synopsis Tchaikovsky's masterpiece is a suspenseful and romantic story of coming of age in a fairy-tale-like setting. Click for complete video
Opera Roles René, King of Provence - Bass (listen to Ghiaurov) Robert, Duke of Burgundy - Baritone (listen to Hvorostovsky) Count Vaudémont, Burgundian Knight - Tenor (listen to Beczala) Ibn-Hakia, Moorish Physician - Baritone (listen to Tom Krause) Alméric, armor-bearer to King René - Tenor Bertrand, doorkeeper of the castle - Bass Iolanta, blind daughter of King René - Soprano (listen to Netrebko) Marta, Bertrand's wife, Iolanta's nursemaid - Contralto Brigitta, Iolanta's friend - Soprano Laura, Iolanta's friend - Mezzo Soprano Iolanta's girlfriends - Ensemble
The Maid of Orleans (Joan of Arc) by Tchaikovsky
July 8 - August 1 - Training Session July 29 - Russian Romances Concert July 30, 31 & Aug 1 - The Maid of Orleans Warden Theater at AVA
Brief Synopsis With libretto and music by Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky, The Maid of Orleans is a story of Joan of Arc. Believing she was chosen by God, Joan of Arc inspired French troops to triumph over the English in a battle for Orléans. Later captured by the English, she was accused of heresy and witchcraft, and burned at the stake. Click for complete video
Basses Thibaut d'Arc, Joan's father Archbishop Bertrand, a peasant Soldier
Location
Russian Opera Workshop is a privately operated, independent program in summer residence at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia.
Housing
Applicants are responsible for securing their own housing. In the past, Russian Opera Workshop Artists took advantage of the following specially arranged option:
We encourage both advanced and young singers to audition for the program.
Young singers, undergrads, will be assigned songs and arias according to voice and level, and will understudy full roles. This will ensure a healthy entry level experience into Russian repertoire.
Advanced singers including master's degree and professional levels will add important roles and arias to their repertoire.
Accepted Artists
Accepted artists will require advance preparation. Upon commitment, singers will get access to electronic files for self guided preparation of operas.
- Daily Russian Class - Vocal Coaching - Master Classes
Master Classes
All master classes are on standard (non-Russian) opera repertoire. Singers can sing any aria, in any language.
Daily Schedule
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Evenings and weekends are off. Explore Philadelphia and enjoy Jersey shore.
All schedules are subject to change.
Opera Performances
We perform operas in concert format and on book. Our goal is to get the roles into the voice.
Concerts
Free public concerts are in the final week of each opera session. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Helen Corning Warden Theater at the Academy of Vocal Arts.