The Verbier Festival Academy’s Atelier lyrique is unique among voice programmes in Europe. Singers are accepted for either or both of the Atelier’s Opera and/or Song Programmes. They are mentored by living legends of opera and art song performance.
with the generous support of
Fondation Juchum
Anonymous (2)
opera programme
After nearly three weeks of vocal, language and stagecraft coaching and public masterclasses, singers in the 2021 Atelier Opera Programme give a semi-staged performance of Puccini’s La Bohème on the final afternoon of the Festival’s mainstage programme in collaboration with the Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra and its new Music Director, James Gaffigan.
song programme
Repertoire choice is free although singers are encouraged to bring a variety of songs in different languages and styles. Students can expect to work through six to eight songs in the various masterclasses and will have the opportunity to work on other repertoire in coaching sessions. They are advised to bring groups of songs in German, English (British and American) and French, but are also encouraged to prepare songs in their choice of languages. Singers will perform in two recitals as part of the Festival’s afternoon mainstage programme, as well as a cabaret programme on the Festival’s Unlimited stage.
application deadline
Applications are now closed.
The deadline was 15 November 2019.
masterclasses
The schedule of Academy masterclasses will be announced mid-April 2021. While admission is free to attend, reservation will be required this summer and seating availability will be limited in the interest of public safety.
mentors 2021
Emma Abbate
James Baillieu head, song programme
Stéphane Degout
Caroline Dowdle head, opera programme
Barbara Frittoli
James Gaffigan
James Garnon
Véronique Gens
Thomas Hampson
alumni mentors
In its quest for excellence, the Academy has developed collaborations with some of the greatest mentors and coaches. Returning 2021 mentors are marked with an asterix.
Thomas Allen
Emma Abbate*
Theo Adam
James Baillieu*
Barbara Bonney
Tim Carroll*
Diego Cossu
Claudio Desderi
Caroline Dowdle*
Gian-Carlo del Monaco
Dan Ettinger
Brigitte Fassbaender
Barbara Frittoli*
Hàkan Hagegàrd
Thomas Hampson*
Gundula Janowitz
Stanislav Kochanovsky
Yannis Kokkos
Jonathan Miller
Alexandre Naoumenko
Ken Noda*
Elena Pankratova
Dimitri Platanias
Franziska Roth
Thomas Quasthoff*
Peter Schreier
Andreï Serban
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
Anna Tomowa-Sintow
Roger Vignoles
Susannah Waters
