Opera Nuova's Collaborative Piano Program

The Edmonton-based program Opera Nuova (now in its 12th year) is offering a five-week Collaborative Pianist and Vocal Coach Program from May 18 to June 22, 2009 as part of its annual early-summer roster of programs for singers and pianists at the emerging artist level. About the course:

Intensive study will focus on developing tools that pianists with advance training require to become accomplished pianist/coaches. Practical training will emphasize skills in coaching diction, cueing the singer, conducting and prompting during rehearsals, learning recitative and understanding musical and vocal traditions. In tandem with this training, pianists will have a professional experience of performing the duties of an operatic repetiteur. Each day pianists will receive classes with Michael McMahon, regular Alexander sessions, dictation class, recitative classes and weekly masterclasses focusing on accompanying artsong.

The Opera Nuova faculty includes Carol and Nico Castel, Michael McMahon, Peter Dala, Stuart Hamilton, Wendy Nielson, John Fanning, Laura Loewen, and Kinza Tyrrell.  Tuition for the five-week course is $800 CDN for first-time participants and $500 for those in their second year at the festival.

For more information, fill out the contact form.  Pianists can also apply online for the program, and the deadline for booking auditions is October 31.  Check the Opera Nuova home page for a list of audition cities and dates.