Our Spring 2024 opera scenes workshop program will focus on repertoire of the "bel canto" style, primarily by the composers Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti. In weekly rehearsals, participants will work on their vocal/musical skills, learn bel canto style elements, practice basic Italian IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), and rehearse their scenes and solos with YOC Executive Director, voice teacher and stage director Sarah Cullins and YOC Music Director, pianist and conductor Mary Jane Austin. W
REHEARSALS: January 21-April 7 on Sundays from 12-3. Additional rehearsals on Wednesdays from 5-8 will be scheduled during the 4 weeks before performance dates.
Rehearsals will alternate between the Waterbury Congregational Church and the Faith United Methodist Church in South Burlington.
PERFORMANCES:
Friday, April 12: 6pm
Saturday, April 13: 2pm
Sunday, April 14: 2pm
School visits TBD during April: participants should plan to miss at least 1 day of school
SPECIAL EVENTS: We are often invited to perform in special events for other arts organizations and/or for our new umbrella organization, the Opera Company of Middlebury (OCM). Participation in any special event is always optional.
TUITION: The tuition for the entire program is $500. Installment plans and various levels of scholarship assistance are available. No singer will be turned away! Information about payment options and scholarship assistance can be found at the end of this form.
REQUIREMENTS: Singers from 8th grade-beginning college. While we do not hold auditions to enter the program, most of our participants are recommended to us by their individual voice teacher. Our cast members usually participate in their school's select choirs and musicals, and attend regional festivals. No previous experience in opera is necessary or expected. No language/singing experience in Italian is required.
FACULTY: Instruction will be given by YOC founder and voice teacher Sarah Cullins, YOC Music Director and pianist Mary Jane Austin.
