Chamber Music and Opera: Interplay

Overview

This innovative new program is a celebration of both opera and chamber music. With the common goal to capture the emotional essence of chamber work, whether that be in the form of instrumental pieces or new operas, this residency will foster the potential of unique voices and creative visions that culminate in live performances that create excitement and growth. Created by some of the most thrilling leaders of opera and chamber music, this is a unique opportunity to work side-by-side with living composers on the creation of new work, leading to world premieres. Participants are given the chance to discover, to take risks, and learn from each other and leading practitioners.

The four-week program offers early career and established musicians, singers and creatives the opportunity to explore two new operas (new arrangements by Daniel Schlosberg of Poul Ruders / Paul Bentley’s The Handmaid’s Tale, based on Margaret Atwood, and Ian Cusson / Royce Vavrek’s Indians on Vacation, based on Thomas King) created by the program’s faculty composers and new music by participant composers.  

Musicians, singers and creatives will also have the opportunity to explore the rich history and contemporary evolution of chamber music, ranging from classical compositions by Haydn to new music by participant composers.

Working with soon-to-be-announced internationally celebrated faculty in a unique educational environment, artists will have the opportunity to hone their craft, engage in diverse approaches to chamber music and opera interpretation, explore the composer – performer process, and elevate critical writing skills.

You will have 24-hour access to studios. Larger studios will be available for group work and small individual spaces for private practice. 

When possible, participant instrumentalists and singers will be partnered with a participant composer and be involved in the development, preparation, and premiere of a new chamber work. This residency includes public performance opportunities; repertoire from the traditional canon will be studied and performed alongside contemporary works.  

Join the future of opera and chamber music, looking at traditional and new works in bold new ways to shape your own artistic vision and advance your career.
 

What does the program offer?

This innovative new program offers all participants:

• Mentorship by internationally renowned faculty (soon to be announced).
• Masterclasses.
• Public chamber music concerts.
• Musical read-through and public showcase of The Handmaid’s Tale and Indians on Vacation.
• Sessions on producing opera, website/resumés/social media.
• New music showcase of own work performed by program participants.
• Online meetings with faculty in May 2024 before on-site program to go over work and program goals.

Opera Singers & Répétiteurs

This program combines elements of both opera and chamber music. It features reduced orchestration and intimate venues, allowing for a more intimate and immersive theatrical experience. Chamber operas often explore contemporary or unconventional subject matters and emphasize the emotional depth of the characters and the intricacies of the musical score. Both chamber music and opera display the artistry and virtuosity of the performers, providing an intimate and nuanced musical experience that captivates audiences with its intricate textures and expressive power. 

You will be cast in either/or both of The Handmaid’s Tale and Indians on Vacation.  These works will be presented in a concert/workshop setting.  Répétiteurs will be assigned to the operas and work with singers in coachings, lessons and masterclass situations.

Instrumentalists

Instrumentalists of string, woodwind, brass, percussion and piano will have transformative experiences in both chamber music and opera. For two weeks, delve into chamber music that emphasizes collaboration and intricate interplay among instruments and voice, fostering a rich, nuanced musical conversation that culminates in public concerts. Chamber groups may be paired with a composer to explore the dynamic evolution of creation and performance. For the other two weeks, participate in a chamber ensemble dedicated to one opera, either 'The Handmaid’s Tale’ or ‘Indians on Vacation,' merging narrative power with instrumental virtuosity. This program goes beyond mastering your instrument by fostering connections, exploring new musical territories, and embracing collaborative artistry. 

You will receive ensemble coaching and one-on-one mentorship with renowned chamber and orchestral musicians to hone skills to build an impactful, inspiring, and engaging chamber music practice. 

Group presentations and faculty-led discussions will focus on collaboration, communication, sound production, interpretation, performance practice, audience engagement, and strategies for career development.

Composers, lyricists and librettists

The composers, lyricists and librettists will have access to the invaluable resource of singers and collaborative pianists in a rehearsal and educational setting that will allow the pair to explore their own new and existing works. The selected pair will also audit the rehearsal process in the musical exploration of the new arrangement of The Handmaid’s Tale and the new opera, Indians on Vacation. Participating composers will work with faculty composers in a process that supports the creation, performance preparation, and premiere of a new chamber work approximately ten minutes in length for strings, or woodwinds, or brass, with percussion and/or voice, with/without piano. 

Prior to the program’s start date, composer group and individual meetings will take place online in May 2024 with composer faculty. These sessions will allow composers to meet one another, introduce their work and ideas, and discuss the full scope of their projects. Having established their individual creative departure points, composers will engage in an intensive and impactful process that allows them to learn from, and deeply invest in one another’s creative development. 

Arts Writers 

Participating arts writers will create content for Opera Canada magazine as they are embedded in the program. A unique opportunity to write and document new opera creations, and work with the editor of Opera Canada; gaining experience and a published portfolio.  

Stage Directors

The chosen stage directors will have access to the invaluable process of opera creation and adaptation. They will work alongside the artistic director/dramaturg assigned to both The Handmaid's Tale and the new opera, Indians on Vacation. 
 

Who should apply?

This program is for classically trained opera singers, instrumentalists, pianists, composers, lyricist, librettists, arts writers and stage directors. Applications are welcome from those who have completed or are in the process of post-secondary studies in a related field with an advanced level of performance or writing experience. We welcome artists of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply.

Composers, Lyricists, Librettists

We will accept applications from solo composers, lyricists and librettists, or two-person collaborative teams. Applicants should have experience writing for the voice and have collaborative work ready to be performed by experienced singers in a non-public setting and evaluated by accomplished artists. 

Instrumentalists

Pre-formed chamber music ensembles and soloists (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp and piano) are welcome to apply.

Singers - Indians on Vacation

Please note that while the subject matter is Indigenous, we are casting from any heritage for these roles:

Bird - Baritone
Mimi - Mezzo
Oz - Bass-baritone
Kitty - Soprano
Didi - Mezzo
Desi - Tenor
Eugene - Baritone
Chip - Bass-Baritone

Singers - The Handmaid’s Tale

Offred - Mezzo-Soprano
Serena Joy - Alto
Aunt Lydia - Soprano
The Commander - Bass
Offred in the Time Before - Mezzo-Soprano
Luke - Tenor
Nick - Tenor
Rita - Alto
Ofglen - Soprano
Moira - Soprano
Janine/Ofwarren - Soprano
Offred's Mother - Mezzo-Soprano
Doctor - Tenor
New Ofglen - Mezzo-Soprano
Commander X - Tenor
Moira‘s Aunt - Alto
Warren's Wife - Mezzo-Soprano

Arts Writers

Emerging and early career arts writers are welcome to apply.

Stage Director

Stage directors should have experience in opera and have a collaborative spirit to engage with creators, singers and musicians. 

Banff Centre is grateful to the following for making this program possible:

• David Spencer Emerging Vocalists Endowment
• Yolande Freeze Master Artists in Music Fund