The Loyola Dramatic Voice Symposium brings together world-renowned artists and teachers in the field of opera to present master classes and lectures for young dramatic singers and for teachers of voice. Full registration includes two days of professional development. The next day, the guest clinicians and two participants will perform on the Opera Gala (tickets available separately).
Loyola's Dramatic Voice Symposium will have a limited number of masterclass spots this year. Anyone can attend but only sixteen selected singers will be able to participate in the masterclasses. At the end of the symposium, two participants will be chosen to perform on the September 24th Opera Gala with the guest artists. One participant will also receive a $500 Encouragement Award. In order to qualify for the award or performance opportunity, participants must attend the entirety of the symposium.
Auditions
Individuals who wish to participate in masterclasses must be singers between the ages of 18 and 35, and submit a video audition of three contrasting arias. The full registration fee for masterclass participants, including a ticket to the Opera Gala and accompanist fees, is $175. Please send a link of your audition videos to Dr. Tyler Smith at thsmith@loyno.edu BEFORE registering for the symposium.
The schedule and clinicians listed below are subject to change.
Schedule
Thursday, September 22nd
10-12pm: Welcome and Opening Masterclass with Greer Grimsley
2-3:30pm: Vocal Health Seminar with Joseph Evans
3:45-5:45pm: Masterclass with Luretta Bybee
Friday, September 23rd
10-12pm: Masterclass with Clifton Forbis
2-4pm: Masterclass with Amy Johnson
4:15-6pm: Round Table Discussion and Q&A
Saturday, September 24th
7:30pm: Opera Gala
Clinicians
Luretta Bybee, mezzo-soprano is proven to be an artist of remarkable range and versatility in her performances throughout the world. she is now in demand as a dynamic and comedic singing actress.
Clifton Forbis, tenor is engaged to sing the most demanding tenor repertoire around the world, including the title roles of Samson et Dalila, Otello and Tristan und Isolde.
Greer Grimsley, baritone is internationally recognized as an outstanding singing actor and one of the most prominent Wagnerian singers of our day.
Joseph Evans, tenor is the Division Chair and Professor of Voice at the University of Houston Moores School of Music.
Amy Johnson, soprano exhibits a unique combination of versatility, stage magnetism and striking physical beauty, able to portray youth yet having ample vocal brilliance and power to soar over the largest orchestra.
Carol Rausch, accompanist/coach is currently director of the Loyola Opera Theatre and chorus master for the New Orleans Opera Association and the Chautauqua Opera's summer festival season.
Michael Bunchman maintains a fulfilling schedule as a collaborative pianist with both singers and instrumentalists throughout the United States. He is currently on faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi as the director of the Collaborative Piano Program.
Tyler Smith, tenor has appeared in numerous operatic and concert performances throughout the United States, Europe, and South America.