Renée Fleming, co-artistic director
Patrick Summers, co-artistic director 

The Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS (AOTVA) program, under the co-artistic direction of Renée Fleming and Patrick Summers, launched in summer 2021. The program trains young singers for a future of vocal artistry including opera and concert work, emphasizing technical skill, process, and versatility. The AOTVA program performs fully and semi-staged productions in the historic Wheeler Opera House, Benedict Music Tent, and Harris Concert Hall.

Performances in the 2023 Season will include the following productions:

• JIMMY LOPEZ: Bel Canto*
  • Conductor: Patrick Summers
  • Director: Kevin Newbury
      
• MOZART: Idomeneo 
  • Conductor: Robert Spano
  • Director: Francesca Zambello

All AOTVA singers participate in the weekly Saturday Opera Encounters Class. The series includes opera scenes workshops led by Renée Fleming, Patrick Summers, and AOTVA artist-faculty. All artists participate in RepLab, which offers seminars on Art Song, 21st-Century Music, and American Songbook/Music Theater. RepLab produces bi-weekly public VocalARTS Showcases. Singers will receive extensive musical and diction coaching from internationally recognized coaching staff and will participate in weekly studio classes with AOTVA artist-faculty. Singers will also have the opportunity to participate in Composer-Artist Collaborations with members of the Susan and Ford Schumann Center for Composition Studies. Additional classes to include acting, meditation, and movement training.

Singers may also be assigned to perform in vocal chamber music programs, professional music theater productions, opera chorus, and House Music recitals, which are all ticketed events. Singers and coaches will have the opportunity to perform for Young Artist programs and industry professionals. 

The program is anticipated to attract 300–500 applications, of which 12–16 will be invited as Renée Fleming Artists. Approximately 30 will be invited as Studio Artists.  

• Renée Fleming Artists will sing and cover leading roles in mainstage productions and will receive vocal consultation and mentorship from Renée Fleming. When Ms. Fleming is in residence, they will receive 45 minutes of vocal instruction with Ms. Fleming weekly along with a 45-minute lesson with their primary artist-faculty member, or may opt out of one of these two lessons. Fleming Artists will receive 60-minute lessons their primary artist-faculty member outside of Ms. Fleming’s residency. Fleming Artists will receive fellowships covering tuition, room, and board as well as a $1500 stipend. 
   
• Studio Artists will sing and cover leading and supporting roles and/or perform in the chorus for mainstage productions. They will receive 60 minutes of vocal instruction weekly from an AMFS artist-faculty member. Studio Artists are eligible for scholarship assistance covering up to full tuition and, in some cases, room and board. 
   

Please see our Fellowship and Financial Assistance page to learn more.  

*Singers interested in accessing a recording of Bel Canto may contact the Office of Student Services at admissions@aspenmusic.org.

HOW TO APPLY 

APPLICATION OPENS AUGUST 1

All applicants must submit a video audition and will be pre-screened for admission. Applicants being considered for a Fleming Artist fellowship will be invited to audition live.

The materials below will be required with the application.

• Resume
• Head shot
• Two letters of recommendation from a musical authority
   

The Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS program is best suited for individuals between the ages of 20–30 years old, but is open to singers of any age and at any stage of their career.  Renée Fleming Artists are expected to have at least completed their junior year of an undergraduate degree program in vocal performance and/or participated in a young artist program. To be considered for a Fleming Artist appointment, singers must have performed (or covered) a complete role. Singers at this level should also have extensive experience singing in multiple languages.   

PRE-SCREEN / RECORDED AUDITION REQUIREMENTS 

All applicants must submit a video audition and will be pre-screened for admission. Applicants being considered for a Fleming Artist fellowship will be invited to audition live. 

• At least 12 minutes of music (minimum three pieces) in at least two languages that is representative of the singer's artistic profile  
• OPTIONAL — Spoken monologue of one to two minutes (can be dramatic, comedic, poetic, contemporary)    
• OPTIONAL — A selection from the 2023 season repertoire (JIMMY LOPEZ: Bel Canto, MOZART: Idomeneo) 

LIVE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants being considered for a Fleming Artist fellowship will be invited to audition live. Live audition repertoire does not have to be the same as the recorded audition. Singers will be asked to submit their audition list when they sign up for a live audition time and are not required to bring a printed audition list, a head shot, or a resume to the audition.    

Singers will be allowed to choose their first piece and may be asked to sing additional pieces by the audition panel.    

• At least 12 minutes of music (minimum three pieces) in at least two languages that is representative of the singer's artistic profile  
• Spoken monologue of one-two minutes (can be dramatic, comedic, poetic, contemporary). Must be memorized. 
•  OPTIONAL — A selection from the 2023 season repertoire (JIMMY LOPEZ: Bel Canto, MOZART: Idomeneo) 

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION