Collaborative Piano Program

June 1-11, 2023

California State University,

Sacramento

Operation Opera is an innovative 10-day summer music festival and educational academy for composers, singers, and collaborative pianists, to prepare and present professional-level performances of contemporary chamber operas and art songs.

Four new chamber operas will be selected through an international call for scores.

Art song composers will be paired with singer-participants, collaborative pianists, and additional instruments by 4CE musicians (optional) to create and rehearse new art songs for premiere at the festival.

Together with composers, vocalists, and 4CE musicians, collaborative pianists will participate in a variety of career-enhancing, professional activities at Sacramento State, including masterclasses, presentations, individual coachings with festival and guest faculty, stage and concert rehearsals – all culminating in final performances open to the public.

2022 Operation Opera
Gonzaga University

Program Info

The Collaborative Piano Fellowship seeks musicians who are ready to step into professional engagements, and lend their interpretive expertise.

Submissions are due by Feb. 15, 2023.

Results will be announced by Mar. 15, 2023.

Vocal collaborative pianists will work with Vocal Director Robin Fisher and Collaborative Piano Faculty as part of the Art Song Intensive.

Program Description:

Daily rehearsals and lessons with singers and art song composers
Masterclasses and coachings with guest faculty
World premiere performances of new art songs
Professional recordings
Serve as rehearsal pianist for opera chorus (as needed)
Free admission to all Operation Opera events (lectures, rehearsals, performances)
Tuition waivers and scholarships will be awarded based on audition review by the admissions panel.

Instrumental collaborative pianists will work with 4CE musicians in the chamber opera ensemble. Full-orchestra score reading and score reduction are highly desirable skills for this program. Prior experience performing new music and orchestral repertoire should be highlighted in the resumé.

Daily rehearsal with Four Corners Ensemble for chamber opera premieres

Coachings, rehearsals with conductors, professional singers, composers, guest faculty
World premiere performances of new chamber operas
Professional recordings
Serve as rehearsal pianist for opera chorus (as needed)
Free admission to all Operation Opera events (lectures, Q&A, rehearsals, performances)
Tuition waivers and scholarships will be awarded based on audition review by the admissions panel.

Application Requirements

Category A:

Vocal collab applicants will prepare video recordings of the following repertoire:

- Two or more performances accompanying a singer (or duet) of contrasting art songs/chamber duets/singer with instruments in French, German, English, or Italian repertoire.

- One additional recording of any opera aria accompaniment with a singer may be submitted.

- A 24-hour quick-learn piece. Applicants will be given a piece to learn and record in a short period of time.

Category B:

Instrumental collab applicants will prepare video recordings of the following repertoire:

- Solo piano work(s)

- Duo/chamber work(s)

- A 24-hour quick- learn piece. Applicants will be given a piece to learn and record in a short period of time.

Additional materials to be submitted (both categories):

1) One-page resume, hi-res headshot, and list of collaborative repertoire performed.

2) Non-refundable application fee of $30

3) Applicants must upload at least two recent (maximum 18 months old) video clips via YouTube to their Google Form application.

APPLY NOW

Tuition & Housing

Travel and Accommodations

On-campus housing and meal plans are available from June 1-June 11 (10 nights, check-in on June 1st, check-out on June 11th). Rates for the entire festival start at $230: visit our housing page for more information.

Participants may also arrange your own housing in Sacramento.

Participants are expected to cover their own travel, accommodations, and meals.

Limited scholarship funds available.

Tuition & Fees