OperaWorks
OperaWorks is an opera training program, founded by program director Ann Baltz, and conducted in Northridge, California, USA.
Type | Summer Program, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. |
---|---|
Established | 1987 |
President | Ann Baltz |
Academic staff | 16 |
Location | , California , United States |
Website | OperaWorks.com |
Description
OperaWorks is a training program for singers and instructors working in the field of classical music. Accepting a limited number of students selected each year from up to eight cities across the United States, the program operates from the beginning of June and runs through the end of July, annually. OperaWorks was founded in 1987[1] by classical pianist Ann Baltz as a response to what she saw as the myopic tendencies of conventional operatic training. Baltz envisioned a new approach to the training of vocalists, in which the "total instrument" would be addressed, not just the voice itself. Over the years, her program has expanded to include instruction in movement, Yoga, acting, visualization, conducting, improvisation and the Alexander technique, as well as career management.[2][3]
In 2006, Baltz invited independent filmmaker Brad Mays to spend an entire summer filming the various classes and events at OperaWorks. The results are to be seen in the documentary feature film SING*ularity.[4]
Notable alumni
- Grammy Awards: Hila Plitmann, Priti Gandhi, Jessica Rivera
- Metropolitan Opera: Julie Makerov, Jessica Rivera, Rebecca Ringle, Michael Chioldi, Ashley Emerson, Robert McPherson
- New York City Opera: Raymond Ayers, Randall Scotting, Priti Gandhi, Basia Revi, Rebecca Ringle
- Los Angeles Opera: Michael Chioldi, Erica Wueschner, Priti Gandhi
- Solo Pop recording artist: Arden Kaywin
References
- "OperaWorks – About Us".
- "Media". OperaWorks.
- "Classical Improvisation Workshop: Anderson University, a Christian College in Indiana". www.anderson.edu. Archived from the original on 2011-07-19.
- Sing*ularity at IMDb
External links
- Ann Baltz in residence at AU’s School of Music at Anderson University (Indiana) (14 November 2007)
- IndiWire article about "SING*ularity" (OperaWorks)
- OperaWorks at answers.com
- SING*ularity at Turner Classic Movies (TCM)