Open Space is a one-of-a-kind performance-based collaborative training experience for emerging opera professionals that truly challenges the conventions of opera performance, production, and design.
The focus of Open Space is to impart the skills of tomorrow to the young opera professionals of today. Open to singers, musicians, dancers, administrators, conductors and stage directors, this is truly a unique opportunity to work with diverse artists in a multi-disciplinary program. The stellar faculty is comprised of Against the Grain artists and other internationally recognized professionals from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. The program features the unique opportunity for participants to meet and work with Alexander Neef, general director of the Canadian Opera Company, during concentrated career development sessions.
What does the program offer?
The program will accept musicians for the final 3 weeks of the 5-week intensive residency devoted to practical skill extension and development, while participating in rehearsals and performances of a new production of Canadian Claude Vivier's Chamber Opera, Kopernikus directed by program director Joel Ivany. In addition, the program will feature a semi-staged chamber music program featuring great vocal works from the 20th and 21st century.
Banff Centre's artists will participate in informal conversations, rehearsals, hikes, public performances, and more. All programs include cross-disciplinary collaborations with other Banff Centre artists and programs to influence the development and interpretation of new work. Programming will create rich collaborative relationships and stimulate intense experiences in music-making.
Each week will balance rehearsals, regular performance opportunities in the community, and collaborative skill exchange between faculty and artists.
Production: Kopernikus - Claude Vivier (1948-1983)
In this ‘mystic tale’ the central character Agni – named after a Hindu deity – calls on historical and mythical figures: Lewis Carroll, Merlin, a witch, the Queen of the Night, a blind prophet, an old monk, Tristan, Isolde, Mozart, the Lord of the Waters, Copernicus and his mother.
Is Agni merely dreaming that they are present? Are they no more than figments of her imagination? Or are they memories of the human archetypes that accompanied her during her ritual initiation? Kopernikus was written by arguably Canada’s greatest composer Claude Vivier and will explore themes of loss, longing and reconciliation.
Building on the three years of staged chamber music, Open Space goes even further breaking down the traditional concert format. We will be enhancing standard chamber music and artsong through stage direction, lighting, costuming and room arrangement.
Who should apply?
Musicians who have completed their post-secondary training and who are keen to explore working in opera and vocal repertoire in a different way. Led by Music Director Christopher Mokrzewski, the musicians role onstage will be explored as participants are staged into the production. The program offers space for 3 clarinets, 1 oboe, 1 trumpet, 1 trombone, 1 violin and 1 percussion.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/open-space-opera-musicians-21st-century-musicians/20170619