Want a Career in Opera?

Opera Camp Returns to the Detroit Opera House to Train Future Opera Stars

Performances Wednesday, August 8 and Sunday, August 12

DETROIT, April 2, 2007…For ambitious singers that would like to pursue opera as a career, Opera Camp at the Detroit Opera House is the perfect training ground. Vocalists that participate in the intense two-week camp can expect to learn the various aspects of opera performance, including dance, movement, vocal technique and acting from professional opera singers. Students will also be able to learn practical aspects of the opera business, including self-promotion, audition tips and practical etiquette. Following weeks of intense training, these students will present a recital on Wednesday, August 8 at 7 p.m. and final performance Sunday, August 12 at 3 p.m.

New this year, students have the opportunity to participate in a special seminar called Opera in the Cyber World, instruction in using the internet and computers to further singing careers. The seminar will include such topics as basic web design, contacting opera companies via email, music software, internet research of opera performance techniques, plots and history, self-promotion and dramatic character development.

Opera Camp 2007 will feature experienced opera singers and professionals in the opera business. Directing Opera Camp and Opera Workshop is Candace de Lattre, an accomplished and highly regarded opera singer, teacher and professional. De Lattre has appeared with several opera companies throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, and has sung with major orchestras and professional ensembles throughout the country. De Lattre is the first American vocal examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Ontario and is the founder and president of DIVA!, or the DeLattre Institute of Vocal Arts in Flint, Michigan.

Past master class instructors have included Daniel Washington, Associate Dean for the University of Michigan School of Music, Nadine Washington, renowned voice instructor from Oakland University, Betty Lane, Department of Community Programs Singing Voice Specialist, and Suzanne Acton, Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus Master.

Admission to Opera Camp at the Detroit Opera House is limited and by audition only. Applicants must meet the minimum age requirements of 18 years old. The camp meets from July 30 through August 12 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cost for the full Opera Camp is $1000, and includes an Opera Workshop, onstage performances at the Detroit Opera House and a recital workshop performance with actual opera scenery and costumes. Housing and college credit are available on an individual basis. To determine eligibility, call the Learning at the Detroit Opera House department at (313) 237-3270.

Opera Workshop is an option for performers who are employed full-time and offers an evening and weekend workshop that goes on during the same time as Opera Camp. The workshop has a $500 fee, and offers a condensed version of the full Opera Camp. It includes vocal coaching, rehearsal, blocking of operatic solos, ensembles and scenes for an on-stage presentation. Opera Workshop runs Monday through Friday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with full days during weekends.

Opera Chorus participation is perfect for performers who may not yet feel comfortable as soloists. Participation is also limited and admission is by audition only. Opera Chorus is $250 and runs Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The chorus involves participation in a select group of scenes as a chorus member.

To apply, applicants must submit a completed Opera Camp audition form, available at www.motopera.org. Audition portfolios must also include enrollment information, two reputable letters of recommendation from a non-family member, a resume or biography, headshot, audition recording and a $100 nonrefundable deposit. Audition portfolios are due May 1, 2007 to Learning at the Detroit Opera House ATTN: Trish Shandor, Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway Detroit, MI 48226. Further questions regarding the application process or the program can be directed to Trish Shandor, (313) 237-3419 or email tshandor@motopera.org.

All Opera Camp performances are open to the public and will be held at the Detroit Opera House. Tickets for the Wednesday, August 8, 2007 Opera Camp Recital are $5 at the door. The recital begins at 7 p.m., and includes a performance of classical recital art songs. The Opera Camp Final Performance includes performances of actual opera scenes, and will be held August 12, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door for this final performance.

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Contacts

Laura Nealssohn
Michigan Opera Theatre
(313) 237-3416
laura@motopera.org

Tracy Galligher
Opera Company of Philadelphia
(215) 893-3600
galligher@operaphilly.com

Erin Charlton
Florida Grand Opera
(305) 444-8668 echarlton@fgo.org

Cyrano home page
cyranotheopera.com