Opera in the 21st Century: Instrumentalists and répétiteurs

Overview

Opera in the 21st Century is a performance-based, collaborative training experience for emerging opera professionals that truly challenges the conventions of opera performance, production, and design. 

The residency’s focus is to develop young opera professionals with the skills and experience to take them to the next level of their careers and beyond. The multi-disciplinary program offers a unique opportunity to work with diverse artists. It is open to singers, instrumentalists, conductors, and stage directors.

What does the program offer?

Opera in the 21st Century is a five-week intensive residency devoted to practical skill extension and development. Instrumentalists will participate in rehearsals and performances of No One's Safe (a Mozart Murder Mystery), composed and arranged by Canadian composer Nicole Lizée with stage direction by Joel Ivany. In No One’s Safe, instrumentalists will play a character and will be immersed in the theatricality of the opera as well as accompanying singers in this immersive opera experience. In addition to playing in chamber music concerts during the first two weeks of the residency, under the guidance of Guest Faculty Artists Adrian Fung and Min-Jeong Koh, instrumentalists will join with singer participants in a Closing Night celebratory concert of operatic hits.

Répétiteurs will participate in all projects listed above as well as La bohème (Against the Grain Theatre’s original English-language hit; in a bar with piano).

The program will also introduce participants into new technologies available to enhance production.

The stellar faculty, led by Joel Ivany, is comprised of Against the Grain artists and other internationally recognized professionals from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. Nicole Lizée will join the program as Composer-in-Residence, and participants will also work with featured artists-in-residence. Opera in the 21st Century features the unique opportunity for participants to meet and work with Alexander Neef, General Director of the Canadian Opera Company, during concentrated career development sessions.

Who should apply?

We invite applications from post-secondary students and emerging artists already at an advanced level of accomplishment, with a well-documented record of artistic exploration. Artists from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. 

Instrumentalists must possess a strong theatrical desire. Instrumentalists will be expected to be involved in staging and have some music memorized.

The program offers space for 10 instrumentalists including: drum kit/percussion, electric guitar (doubles as classical guitar), harp, violin, violoncello, electric bass, and double bass. There may also be opportunities for a flute, trumpet and/or tuba. We welcome applications from these instrumentalists also.