Opera Carolina and Community School of the Arts announce a unique educational opportunity for young singing actors in the Charlotte region. This summer, they will host a week-long, music-drama workshop featuring hands-on instruction, coaching and training by professional artists highlighted by three special Master Classes conducted by internationally recognized opera stars.
Opera Carolina Academy – 2010 Music-Drama Summer Workshop – to be held at Spirit Square, June 21-25 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – is open to students who have completed grades 6-8 or grades 9-12. The next auditions for the workshop are on Sat., May 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Space is limited and students must register for an audition at www.csarts.org by Wed., April 30. Students are not required to have prior private artistic instruction but the comprehensive curriculum is geared toward individuals with a strong desire to pursue a high level of music-drama training and a propensity to achieve goals and exceed expectations. “We are thrilled to be able to provide professional instruction to young people in our region and to partner with Community School of the Arts.” said James Meena, General Director and Principal Conductor. “This is an exciting opportunity for aspiring young artists to work first-hand with exceptionally gifted opera artists who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from their years of performing on the world’s great stages. Opera Carolina is committed to creating exciting, high quality professional educational opportunities for young people.” About the Curriculum The Music-Drama curriculum will include instruction in stage combat, stagecraft skills, theater exercises and games, musical interpretation, orchestral improvisation and movement. The vocal instruction curriculum will include basic training in proper breathing, laryngeal positioning and relaxation, practice exercises and tactics, diction, song interpretation and care of the voice. All vocal study is geared to the healthy production of acoustic solo singing. In addition to regular class instruction, students may also qualify (if they choose) to participate in master classes with internationally recognized opera stars. About Opera Carolina Founded in 1948 as the Charlotte Opera Association by a small group of volunteers, today Opera Carolina is the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas with an operating budget of over $3.3 million for the fiscal year 2009. The mission of Opera Carolina is to inspire the region’s diverse community through the presentation of excellent Opera, Operetta, and Education & Outreach programs that elevate the quality of life in the Carolinas. Opera Carolina is a community resource with a commitment to artistic excellence and community service. Opera Carolina is supported by the Arts & Science Council-Charlotte/Mecklenburg and the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the state of North Carolina, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Opera Carolina is a member of OPERA America. About Community School of the Arts Founded in 1969, Community School of the Arts provides music and visual arts programs to more than 2,000 students each year. Through music lessons, art classes, summer camps and extensive outreach programs at more than a dozen Mecklenburg County studios, the School fulfills its mission to transform lives and inspire community through outstanding, accessible arts education. Community School of the Arts is supported by the Arts & Science Council of Charlotte/Mecklenburg and the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the state of North Carolina.
Opera Carolina Academy – 2010 Music-Drama Summer Workshop – to be held at Spirit Square, June 21-25 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – is open to students who have completed grades 6-8 or grades 9-12. The next auditions for the workshop are on Sat., May 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Space is limited and students must register for an audition at www.csarts.org by Wed., April 30. Students are not required to have prior private artistic instruction but the comprehensive curriculum is geared toward individuals with a strong desire to pursue a high level of music-drama training and a propensity to achieve goals and exceed expectations. “We are thrilled to be able to provide professional instruction to young people in our region and to partner with Community School of the Arts.” said James Meena, General Director and Principal Conductor. “This is an exciting opportunity for aspiring young artists to work first-hand with exceptionally gifted opera artists who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from their years of performing on the world’s great stages. Opera Carolina is committed to creating exciting, high quality professional educational opportunities for young people.” About the Curriculum The Music-Drama curriculum will include instruction in stage combat, stagecraft skills, theater exercises and games, musical interpretation, orchestral improvisation and movement. The vocal instruction curriculum will include basic training in proper breathing, laryngeal positioning and relaxation, practice exercises and tactics, diction, song interpretation and care of the voice. All vocal study is geared to the healthy production of acoustic solo singing. In addition to regular class instruction, students may also qualify (if they choose) to participate in master classes with internationally recognized opera stars. About Opera Carolina Founded in 1948 as the Charlotte Opera Association by a small group of volunteers, today Opera Carolina is the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas with an operating budget of over $3.3 million for the fiscal year 2009. The mission of Opera Carolina is to inspire the region’s diverse community through the presentation of excellent Opera, Operetta, and Education & Outreach programs that elevate the quality of life in the Carolinas. Opera Carolina is a community resource with a commitment to artistic excellence and community service. Opera Carolina is supported by the Arts & Science Council-Charlotte/Mecklenburg and the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the state of North Carolina, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Opera Carolina is a member of OPERA America. About Community School of the Arts Founded in 1969, Community School of the Arts provides music and visual arts programs to more than 2,000 students each year. Through music lessons, art classes, summer camps and extensive outreach programs at more than a dozen Mecklenburg County studios, the School fulfills its mission to transform lives and inspire community through outstanding, accessible arts education. Community School of the Arts is supported by the Arts & Science Council of Charlotte/Mecklenburg and the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the state of North Carolina.
