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Opera in the 21st Century: Singers - Adoration and New Work
Program Information

Rosemary Thomson (conductor) and Christine Marie Li (performer), Opera in the 21st Century, Banff 2022. Photo by Joel Ivany
Overview
Opera in the 21st Century: Singers - Adoration and New Work is a 3 week intensive residency in Banff focusing on developing the skills of early career opera singers taking them to the next level of their careers in an evolving industry. Led by Artistic Director Joel Ivany, the stellar faculty is comprised of internationally recognized professionals from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines.
You will workshop and present the music of a new opera Adoration written by Mary Kouyoumdjian and Royce Vavrek in collaboration with Beth Morrison Projects based on the film by Atom Egoyan.
What does the program offer?
Opera in the 21st Century is an intensive residency devoted to practical skill extension and development for emerging professionals.
This program offers 3 singers classes in acting, voice, movement, websites/resumes, and the chance to perform in community concerts and workshop new and newly-adapted opera.
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: July 3 - 22, 2023
- Daily coaching and voice lessons.
- Masterclasses.
- Public community concerts.
- Prepare musical read-through and public showcase of Mary Kouyoumdjian and Royce Vavrek’s Adoration.
- Sessions on producing opera, website/resumes/social media.
- New music workshops of participant librettist/composer pair.
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.
For the Banff program we are accepting 3 singers for the below positions to work with our faculty.
Adoration singing roles:
Simon; Tenor
Rachel; Mezzo-Soprano
Sami; Tenor
NOTE:
- Opera in the 21st Century will also incorporate participants working on Don Giovanni. Further details can be found HERE
- Opera in the 21st Century will also incorporate a participant composer/librettist pair. Further details can be found HERE
The Opera in the 21st Century 2023 programs will accept at least one artist from British Columbia in recognition of the David Spencer Endowment Encouragement Fund.
Banff Centre invites applications from anywhere in the world, and artists of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities, and expressions.
This program is generously supported by the David Spencer Endowment Encouragement Fund.
For full details on vaccination requirements, masking, safety protocols, and COVID related policies please visit: www.banffcentre.ca/covid-19-measures
Itinerary
- Arrival: July 2
- First day of program: July 3
- Opera Pub at Royal Canadian Legion: July 7 & 14
- Public Reading of Adoration: July 15
- New music workshops of participant librettist/composer pair: Week 3
- Departure: July 23
*Schedule subject to change
Faculty
What's Included
Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
The Full Flex meal plan is equivalent to $61.95 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.
Join in group seminars/workshops.
This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Create in one of our specialized studios.
The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives - Current Services
The Library is delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty with the following services:
- Open hours: 9:30 am to 1 pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Access to collections, including program relevant books, scores, artists’ books, recordings, periodicals, and object library.
- Library accounts for borrowing materials.
- Digital Library, on campus and remote access.
- Library research assistance, by appointment.
- Archives research, by appointment only.
Please email library@banffcentre.ca or archives@banffcentre.ca for more information or assistance.
Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes at the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre.
Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided by our Participant Resources team.
Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application fee: $65 ($35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous).
*Financial Aid of 100% is available to cover the full Program Fee, including single accommodation and full flex meal plan. Note, participants are required to arrange travel at their own expense.
Application fees are not refundable.
Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.
Help fund your experience at Banff Centre! View a compiled list of external national and international opportunities here.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Adjudication
Adjudication is based on artistic merit, the potential impact of the program on artists’ practice and careers, project feasibility and the capacity of Banff Centre to help realize the project, and the project’s fit with Banff Centre’s values and strategic directions as described in its strategic plan. Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified as soon as adjudication is complete.
Please note that all application fees are non-refundable and support the review of each program application and the audition process. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not provide feedback on applications and cannot guarantee acceptance to the program.
International Applicants
Banff Centre welcomes domestic and international applicants for this program. Please note, Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa eligibility requirements, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted individuals are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. Current wait times to receive a visa are much longer than normal, so applicants who require a Visitor Visa should check the current expected processing times prior to applying.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Contact the Registrar
For questions on preparing your application, please contact the Office of the Registrar: