Vocal Intensive - Bach & Mendelssohn

Sunday, July 21 - Sunday, August 4, 2019

Open to classical singers at undergraduate, graduate, and young artist levels who are interested in a focused and intense learning and performing experience.

THE PROGRAM

This year’s program offers a unique opportunity to study and perform solos in a concert work of J.S. Bach, explore Bach’s connection to Mendelssohn, and polish your audition repertoire with renowned faculty. Coachings, masterclasses, diction training, professional development, multiple concerts, and world premiere performances.

J.S. Bach’s Concert work:  Explore the finer points of oratorio performance through lens of Bach’s celebratory Cantata BWV 77 as well as arias from his many other vocal works. Participants will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra under the direction of Artistic Director Erin Freeman. Topics of discussion include: when to connect with the conductor, how to project over an orchestra, and even more mundane lessons, such as whether or not to follow along with the score in performance.

Mendelssohn’s vocal work: From solos from large oratorios to lieder and intimate chamber music written for a salon party, Mendelssohn’s vocal music is powerful, charming, and inspired by Bach. Vocal Intensive singers will coach, rehearse, and perform this repertoire alongside the music of Bach, for a unique study opportunity.

Audition Repertoire: Work on your audition repertoire with esteemed vocal teachers, conductors, and coaches. Singers will performing in masterclasses and multiple performances, fine tuning details of technique, interpretation, and stage presence. Special focus will be paid to techniques for managing performance anxiety. With so many challenges to sing in front audiences, any stage fright you might have will surely be conquered at the Wintergreen Vocal Intensive.

CORE FACULTY (Soon to be updated)

• Arianna Zukerman - Chair of Vocal Studies, Wintergreen Summer Music Academy; Senior Director and Faculty, Potomac Vocal Institute; Faculty, Young Artist’s Program|National Arts Centre (Canada)

• Erin Freeman - Artistic Director, Wintergreen Performing Arts; Director of Choral Activities, Virginia Commonwealth University; Director, Richmond Symphony Chorus

• Michael Dean - Bass-Baritone, Music Department Chair and Professor of Voice at The University of California, Los Angeles; voice faculty at the Chautauqua Music Festival

• Heather Johnson - Mezzo-Soprano

• Peter Marshall, Georgia State University; Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus

Please see our Artists Page for a complete list of artist-teachers

2018 Faculty and Academy singers rehearse Bernstein on a foggy Wintergreen evening.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• At least 8 masterclasses with voice faculty

• At least 8 coaching sessions with our coaching faculty

• Daily Practice time with fellowship pianist and/or coach

• Multiple performances, including:

• Solos in the Bach Magnificat with the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra

• Evening of Bach and Mendelssohn, performing side by side with vocal faculty

• Multiple solo concerts for supportive patrons

• Classes on:

  • Diction

  • Career and image management

  • Best practices for video/audio recording

  • Vocal and mental health

  • Working with a conductor

  • Audition process

  • Stage comportment

  • Repertoire selection

  • Optional private lessons with the faculty for a minimal additional fee

• Other opportunities include:

• Beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking overlooks, and free access to the Wintergreen Resort Fitness and Aquatics center

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Deadlines:

• February 1: Early Bird Deadline. Fee $45.

  • Beginning February 2, fee increases to $65

• March 1: Application Deadline

• March 15: Acceptance Notification

Application requirements:

• Audio or video (preferred) recordings of at least three contrasting works demonstrating your best singing. One work in German, specifically a Bach aria, is encouraged, but not required. Applicants may upload file or provide a link during the application process.

• Current performing resume, including repertoire list

• Contact information for one reference

• Those wishing to apply for need-based financial aid will need to submit a Statement of Need and an electronic copy of their parents' 2017 or 2018 Federal Tax Return with sensitive information removed. We encourage all applicants to apply for financial aid in addition to merit scholarship. Each is considered separately by different committees, and each committee can only evaluate the information provided by each applicant.

  Visit https://app.getacceptd.com/wintergreen for more details.

FEES

• Application Fees: $45 on or before February 1

  • Beginning February 2, fees increase to $65

• Tuition: $1300 (scholarships available)

• Room and Board: $960 ($480 per week. Room and Board includes all food and lodging, free admission to the aquatics center, a Festival t-shirt, admission to all Festival events, and transportation to and from the Charlottesville airport, train station, or bus terminal.)

CONTACT

With questions or for more information: academy@wintergreenperformingarts.org