August 4, 2021
FOR IMMEDITATE RELEASE: AVA ANNOUNCES 2021/22 OPERA SEASON
The prestigious opera institution is back with live performances
Philadelphia, PA (July 2021) – The sound of opera will once again ring out throughout the Philadelphia region. After a successful, inaugural virtual season, the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is pleased to announce their 2021/22 live opera season. The opera season will open at the Kimmel Center with A Celebration of Opera! a medley of opera acts and ensembles, including Rigoletto, La bohème, The Tales of Hoffmann, Fidelio, and The Barber of Seville. This November 12th performance evening also includes an opening night gala, which will also be held at the Kimmel Center.
In the winter, audiences can look forward to Mignon by Thomas and Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky. The season will conclude with Puccini’s beloved La bohème. Concerts and recitals will also be held throughout the year.
“We are delighted to present this exciting season, which features something for everyone,” said Scott Guzielek, Vice President and General Manager. “While we are proud of our virtual programming that was presented in response to COVID-19, live performances with audiences are crucial to the successful training of our Resident Artists. They have missed performing in front of a live audience just as much as you’ve missed hearing them!”
Located in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, AVA’s student body is intentionally small and admission is highly competitive. More than 200 singers from across the globe audition each year for the fewer than eight spots available in each class. The program is limited to fewer than 30 total Resident Artists, who are immersed in a uniquely intensive and highly personalized program where they learn from world-renowned faculty. They receive training in voice, vocal repertoire, acting, stage combat, opera history, several languages, and each year are presented in fully-staged opera productions accompanied by the professional AVA Opera Orchestra. They are cast in leading roles that they will in all likelihood continue to perform for the rest of their careers.
No other opera training program in the world rivals AVA’s success in developing individual artists whose extraordinary voices inspire millions on international stages. Numerous AVA alumni have won the Richard Tucker Award, five of the thirteen Beverly Sills Artist Awards presented by The Metropolitan Opera, and multiple alumni are Grammy Award winners.
AVA proudly counts among its alumni such distinguished international stars as Stephen Costello, Ellie Dehn, Joyce DiDonato, Joyce El-Khoury, Michael Fabiano, Nancy Fabiola Herrera, Bryan Hymel, Luis Ledesma, Angela Meade, Latonia Moore, James Morris, Corinne Winters, Stuart Neill, Ailyn Pérez, Ruth Ann Swenson, Taylor Stayton and Richard Troxell, and currently making their mark in the opera world, recent graduates Dominick Chenes, Scott Conner, Marina Costa-Jackson, André Courville, Othalie Graham, Alasdair Kent, Zachary Nelson, Musa Ngqungwana, Nicole Piccolomini, and Vanessa Vasquez.
2021/2022 SEASON PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Please note that performances and dates are subject to change.
Additional recitals and events will be announced at a later time. Additionally, AVA looks forward to the continuation of Young Professional performances. Philadelphia’s Young Professionals (ages 45 and under) are invited to exclusive, one-night only performances at special prices. The evenings include premium seating in AVA’s historic Helen Corning Warden Theater, an intermission reception with wine and light bites and an exclusive post-performance Champagne toast with the AVA Artists.
Information on subscriptions and single tickets will be available to the public soon. Patrons are encouraged to follow AVA on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to join the email list and actively visit their website for the most up-to-date performance information.
SAFETY: In taking into consideration recommendations by public health officials and with discussion with outside venues, AVA will establish a safe and welcoming environment for audiences. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@avaopera.org.
This year’s roster of Resident Artists includes (in voice order):
###
ABOUT ACADEMY OF VOCAL ARTS (AVA)
The mission of the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is to be the world’s premier institution for training young artists as international opera soloists. Through rigorous instruction and coaching, and by presentations of Resident Artists from around the world in concerts, oratorios, public programs and fully staged professional opera productions, AVA will train artists with the high potential for career success while enriching lives in Philadelphia and beyond. Gifted singers come from throughout the world to seek the exceptional guidance and training that AVA offers. Admission is determined by competitive annual auditions. AVA is distinguished by its reputation for high quality performances that are acclaimed by critics locally, nationally and internationally. Each year AVA Resident Artists are presented in four or five fully-staged opera productions accompanied by orchestra. Resident Artists are cast in leading roles that they will in all likelihood continue to perform for the rest of their careers.
Press Contact:
Camille Mola
Cell Phone: 484-832-0134
AVA Phone: 215-735-1685