NEW Agreement between Brandon University & Mount Royal University

There are new options for students from Mount Royal University in Calgary to gain a degree from Brandon University should they wish to continue their studies!  Here is the announcement made just a few weeks ago:

May 11, 2012

BRANDON, MB — A new option is now available at Brandon University for young musicians with a Performance Diploma from Mount Royal University. Thanks to an articulation agreement between the two Western Canadian institutions, students wishing to continue their studies after obtaining a 63-credit hour diploma from Mount Royal University will have the opportunity to audition for entrance directly into the third year of either a Brandon University Bachelor of Music degree (Honours) or (Performance Major) program.

“I am very pleased that we have negotiated an agreement that will facilitate Mount Royal University music students who wish to continue with Music degree opportunities at Brandon University. When universities partner for the benefit of students, both institutions benefit,” said Dr. Deborah Poff, Brandon University’s President and Vice-Chancellor.

“The School of Music is greatly honored to have forged this alliance with Mount Royal University’s Music Diploma Program,” said Dr. Michael Kim, the Dean of the School of Music at Brandon University. “This collaborative venture will be of great and mutual benefit to both our music programs, and we look forward to welcoming the very talented young musicians from this program in the near future.”

This new agreement between Brandon University’s School of Music and Mount Royal University’s Faculty of Communications Studies was preceded by similar transfer agreements between the Calgary-based University and other Albertan universities. This arrangement will be advantageous for Brandon University, Mount Royal University and the students involved.

“With the signing of this articulation agreement, Mount Royal University will be able to provide its Music Diploma students with a remarkable opportunity to complete a four-year degree at Brandon University in a most prestigious Music School,” said Mount Royal University’s President Docherty.

Highlands Opera Studio - new program for the community!

Soprano Colleen Skull sent me this exciting information about the upcoming season for the Highlands Opera Studio Community School:

Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Haliburton Highlands in central Ontario, Canada, Highlands
Opera Studio provides advanced operatic experience to talented young professionals. Provide yourself with the necessary skills to embark on a career in opera!

Featuring sessions with nationally recognized performer and voice instructor, Colleen Skull
• Special opportunity for participants to work with experts in vocal performance
• Featuring private lessons and masterclasses focusing on technical and stylistic aspects of voice performance of all genres
• Opportunities for participants to perform and benefit from unlimited access to masterclasses, performances and rehearsals of the Highlands Opera Studio.
• The advanced studies provided at the HOS Community School will provide the skills necessary for participants to earn a place in the chorus and perform in a opera production as part of the Highland's Opera Studio.

For more information please visit our website or email: colleen@colleenskull.com


Our vision is to enrich the music and fine arts programs in the community, build on existing music programs, and to provide opportunities that expand the development of music skills and talent in prospective students.

Our two main objectives are as follows:

1. To offer special opportunities for participants to work with experts in vocal performance in the form of private voice lessons to teach voice skills including technical and stylistic aspects of voice performance of all genres, provide opportunities for participants to perform, and to inspire participants through access to performances and rehearsals of advanced performers in the Highland's Opera Studio.

2. To provide advanced vocal and language training for the purpose of establishing an accomplished regional opera chorus. The advanced studies provided at the Highland's Opera Studio Community School will serve to cultivate the skills necessary for participants to earn a place in the Highland's Opera Studio Opera Chorus and perform in professional opera production as part of the Highland's Opera Studio.

Alcina is ESSENTIAL Opera!

I am tardy in getting up information on Opera Essential's information that they sent to me last week on their upcoming production of Handel's Alcina (tomorrow, in fact!)

Not an opera I am overly familiar with Alcina (despite it being essential) however I have heard my fair share of the coloratura aria "Tornami a vagheggiar" sung by the sorceress Morgana and of course the knight Ruggiero's "Verdi prati, selve amene" at various undergrad recitals!

Here is their press release:

Essential Opera mounts long-absent favourite, Alcina

TORONTO, Ontario - May 16, 2012- Thriving new Toronto opera company, Essential Opera, wraps up its second season this May with the elegant and evocative Alcina by Handel. The Toronto performance will take place on one night only: May 25, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity St. Paul’s Centre. Tickets are available in advance at www.essentialopera.com and at the door.

"In just one year, we've gone from a couple of singers with an idea for one show, to selling out and performing with a chamber orchestra," said Erin Bardua and Maureen Batt, Co-Artistic Directors and Co-Founders, Essential Opera. "Our cast for Alcina is made up of passionate singers, many of whom are favourites of Toronto audiences."

Essential Opera keeps all its high-quality productions accessible to a wider audience by providing an on-screen English translation and offering affordable ticket prices. A focus on storytelling and character relationships brings the “concert” formula to life.

Essential Opera was founded in Toronto in the fall of 2010 by sopranos Erin Bardua and Maureen Batt. Debuting in February 2011 with one of the most essential operas, Le nozze di Figaro, their goal is to provide audiences and singers with the chance to experience opera at its most essential.

The Great Fischer-Dieskau has Died

I just received a notice from Toronto blogger and writer John Terauds that the great baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau has died at the age of 86.  His influence on the art of the song recital can not be understated - he was the greatest interpreter of the art form of the 20th Century and set the standard by which all have been judged.

Here is a young Fischer-Dieskau with Gerald Moore singing Schubert's An Die Musik:




For more on his career, check out the Wikipedia entry here.

Un Air De Famille - Be the next Von Trapp Family!

This notice came into my inbox last night...I"m sure this will be the next big thing! :-)

SUBSCRIBE TO UN AIR DE FAMILLE !

We are currently seeking singing families (3 members or more) who will thrill the Radio-Canada audience next fall.

Every week, Un air de famille, hosted by Patrice L’Écuyer, will spotlight three families who will each present a singing act. The families will have to amaze their coach and the studio audience, as well as offer happiness… and emotion to the viewers. Families who distinguish themselves will go on to the grand finale where the favourite one from across Canada will be crowned.
Your coaches: Johanne Blouin, Jean-François Breau and Bruno Pelletier
Director and artistic director: René Simard

THERE ARE THREE OPTIONS FOR REGISTERING:

1) ONLINE:
Fill out the online form at www.radio-canada.ca/airdefamille

2) BY MAIL:
Fill out the paper form and send your photos and demo to the following address:

Bubbles Télévision
Inscription Un air de famille
5455, avenue de Gaspé, suite 806
Montréal (QC)  H2T 3B3

3) IN PERSON:
Present yourselves to one of the designated venues to tape your demo.
(See the poster for more information.)

Opera on the Avalon: Last minute roles to fill

Opera on the Avalon in St. John's Newfoundland has experienced some singer emergencies leaving the following roles vacant:

Female Roles in Suor Angelica
Osmina
Mistress of the Novices

Male Roles in Gianni Schicchi 
Spinelloccio
Marco and the Notary

For more information, contact Katherine Tuck, Festival Coordinator at (709) 722-8124 or info@operaontheavalon.com ASAP!

UPDATE MAY 10:  Just received a message that that roles of Marco and the notary have been filled :)

Three Operas, Two Companies, One Amazing Trend!

It would seem that despite the efforts of Toronto's mayor to continue to cut funding to the arts, Opera in many forms in alive and well!  I have blogged about a number of new, small companies and here are two more!

Opera Five believes that opera is an art form that has unlimited potential, that has inspired artists for centuries, an art form we love and most importantly one that can move any audience, period.
When opera was developed it was meant to combine all art forms and we intend to push that to the limit by combining opera with any and every distinct art form such as dance, photography, visual art, performance art, creative writing, and even culinary arts by showcasing new talent in each medium.


Check out their upcoming double production of La voix humaine & Bluebeard's Castle
Arts and Lettters Club
May 15, 16 & 18
Click here for ticket information

Against the Grain Theatre (AtG) is a hip newcomer to the scene who says they are a band of rogue arts makers.  We're a director, a pianist, a few opera singers, actors, dancers, writers, some arts professionals and a couple of visual artists...oh, and a photographer.  We perform, we make stuff, and we drink beer.  A lot of beer.

Their upcoming production of The Turn of the Screw (my favourite, creepy opera ever!) promises to have some serious young artist star power!

Check them out on May 24, 25, 26 & 27 2012 @ 7:30 PM

Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse

90 St. George St. TO 
For tickets, go here and scroll to the bottom of the page.