Opera From Scratch

ts. The plan was to select five composers and pair them with five singers, but the response was so great that six of each were chosen. The composers each wrote a short opera, approximately ten minutes in length, for solo voice and piano, based on Nova Scotian themes. These pieces were completed six weeks prior to the workshop and sent to the composers’ designated singers for familiarization and rehearsal. During Opera From Scratch, the six brand new mini-operas (see page 5) are being intensively workshopped in private daily sessions with senior composer James Rolfe, singing teacher Lucy Hayes Davis, and pianist/accompanist Simon Docking. Master classes and lectures are being given by Rolfe, Davis, dramaturge Roberta Barker, theatre director Linda Moore, and new vocal music specialist Janice Jackson. Composers and singers are expected to attend each other’s lessons in order to gain insight into their respective creative processes, and all master classes are available to all participants. The general public is invited to attend the three lectures (free) and the four master classes ($10 admission fee). The opening event of Opera From Scratch is a lecture and roundtable titled What is Opera? The closing event is a gala performance of all six operas. Public Events

These are the type of events which are open to the public during Opera From Scratch. Monday, August 20
11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Lecture and Roundtable with Jennifer Bain
What is Opera? Tuesday, August 21
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Master Class with James Rolfe and Lucy Hayes Davis
Learning From Each Other

Wednesday, August 22
10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Lecture by James Rolfe
Opera Through the Composer’s Lens

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Master Class with Janice Jackson
Perspectives on Contemporary Singing

Thursday, August 23
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Master Class with Linda Moore
The Director’s Perspective 1

Friday, August 24
10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Lecture by Roberta Barker
The Dramaturge’s Perspective

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Master Class with Linda Moore
The Director’s Perspective 2

Sunday, August 26
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
World Premiere Performance of Six New Operas
See details on page15

All Lectures and Master Classes take place in Room 406,
Dalhousie Arts Centre, 6101 University Avenue, Halifax. Admission to Master Classes is $10 per person. All Lectures are free. For more information and application forms go to:
http://www.vocalypse.ca/operafromscratch.html

For information regarding our mentors for the workshop go to:
http://www.vocalypse.ca/operafromscratchinstructors.html

This program is generously sponsored by:
The Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage
Cultural Activities Program