Teen vocal soloists
For experienced singers in the high school grades who study classical technique and repertoire, SHAK's 2019-20 season offers many unique opportunities to perform -- from concert solos with our skilled high school instrumental ensemble to costumed chamber opera with a professional orchestra!
Rehearsal schedules are streamlined, and participants receive their music to learn in advance with their own teachers. Openings are filled on a rolling basis, so use the form on this page to let us know right away if you're interested in participating!
The World of Salamone Rossi with SHAK's Early Music Youth Academy
This semi-staged program with SHAK's Early Music Youth Academy brings gorgeous music of Salamone Rossi to life in the context of his vibrant yet troubling times. Rossi composed during one of the most exciting transitions in music history, and our sampling of his works reveals how he helped transform the poignant symmetries of the Renaissance into the expressive virtuosity of the early Baroque on voices and instruments. This instrumental ensemble of skilled teen players on violas da gamba, violin, lute, and harp is joined by nationally-acclaimed continuo player John Lenti on theorbo and by guest teen singers who bring to life Rossi’s courtly Italian madrigaletti and his innovative sacred music in Hebrew. With spoken period-source readings, guest soloists also bring to life Rossi's fascinating circle of collaborators, including the philosopher poet Sara Copia, the humanist rabbi Leon Modena, and Rossi's own sister, the opera singer Madama Europa. By day Rossi commuted to work in the household of Mantua's Gonzaga dukes, composing music for their court ceremonies and performing in their wedding festivities. But at night, he and all of the city's Jewish population were required by law to return behind the walls of the Jewish ghetto. The Early Music Youth Academy is directed by Shulamit Kleinerman, and this program features vocal coaching by Nancy Zylstra and semi-staging by Carmen Mettler.
Guest soloist openings: Soprano or alto
Memorization needed?: No -- you'll want to track the rhythmic interplay of the scores
Languages: Italian and/or Hebrew
Schedule:
Costume fittings to be scheduled at time of enrollment.
Some rehearsals in May to be scheduled per participants' availability. Learn the music first with your teacher.
Sun May 31 afternoon: Rehearsal. Time and location TBD.
Tue June 2: Evening community performance (no costumes) 7:30pm at Skyline residence, call time TBD
Thu June 4: Formal performance including costumes, 7pm at Temple Beth Am, call time TBD
Sat June 6: Fly to San Francisco
Sun June 7: Rehearsal or local community performance TBD
Mon June 8: Daytime concert at the San Francisco Conservatory. Participants are free to fly back to Seattle on Monday evening.
Cost: There is no tuition fee for guest vocal soloists. Participants must either fund their own travel and lodging in San Francisco or may request partial travel subsidies from SHAK to include homestays with San Francisco Conservatory high school music students' families.
How to enroll: Fill out the form to let us know of your interest. We'll ask you to send a short video audition featuring any piece of classical music that shows your current technical and expressive level. The spot is open until filled, so please get in touch right away if interested. We look forward to hearing from you!
*About SHAK's boy scholarships:
These days, boys and men are often underrepresented in the arts of drama, dance, and singing, and may be reluctant to sign up. We want to encourage you to give these historical arts a try! SHAK programs tend to draw together a varied mix of creative, strong-minded, curious young people who often find a unique sense of community together across categories of age and gender. Boys attending a SHAK theater, dance, or singing program are invited to take a one-time 15% discount off your tuition level. Need-based financial aid is always available for everyone.
At SHAK we know that everyone benefits when our programs are accessible, diverse, and welcoming!
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