Opera Residency

The Lakes Area Music Festival is one of the fastest growing arts organizations in the nation. Set amongst the stunning beauty and lakeside recreation of central Minnesota, LAMF fosters the highest level of artistic excellence, while connecting its art and artists to a vibrant community of music lovers.

Our 2024 Resident Artist Program will offer up to 4 talented vocalists and one pianist a paid residency in Brainerd, Minnesota in July and August, 2024. We look forward to welcoming you to Minnesota this summer!

Application materials are due Friday, February 16, 2024.

 

Benefits

$1,500 stipend, travel, and host accommodations in the Lakes Area of central Minnesota. Activities begin Wednesday, July 17, 2024; final performance is Sunday, August 11.

VOCALISTS

  • Participation in the Lakes Area Music Festival’s production of Stravinsky’s The Rake's Progress as chorus members and, potentially, principal-role covers and comprimario roles. LAMF is seeking singers to cover the roles of: Anne Truelove, Tom Rakewell, Nick Shadow, Baba the Turk, and Mother Goose.
  • Perform with orchestra in a video-recorded, live-streamed aria showcase. The LAMF orchestra includes musicians from the best orchestras in the nation, including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and others.
  • Participate in additional festival events including two cabaret events (classic musical theater and jazz standard repertoire) and, potentially, performances of art song and/or reading sessions of new works by LAMF’s 2024 composition fellow.
  • Vocal coaching and/or masterclasses with artistic staff and guests from top opera companies nation-wide
  • Professional development coaching from Paul Hopper, senior director of Artistic Planning at L.A. Opera and LAMF artistic advisor.

PIANIST

  • Assist in preparation of LAMF’s production of Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. (Responsibilities may include: playing for staging, music, and chorus rehearsals; coaching singers; playing in the pit, etc.)
  • Coach and rehearse singers for other festival events
  • Perform in festival events, e.g. performances of art song and reading sessions of new works by LAMF’s 2024 composition fellow
  • Receive instruction and mentorship from LAMF music staff and guest artists

Application

Applications will be accepted through Friday, February 16.

Interested singers and pianists should submit materials and information through the google forms linked below. There is no application fee or age limit. Applicants must be able to work in the U.S. legally during the dates of the festival. LAMF is committed to accessibility; if you require any additional accommodations, please email vocal@lakesareamusic.org.

VOCAL APPLICANTS

  • Materials should include 3 recordings of arias or art songs, with at least one in English. Video is preferred; audio-only will be accepted.
  • Additional materials such as CVs, resumes, headshots, or personal statements are accepted but not required.

CLICK TO APPLY – VOCAL

PIANO APPLICANTS

  • 2 unedited video files of the Applicant performing in collaboration with a singer, one of which must be an opera aria. Both pieces must have been recorded within the last 12 months. (Recordings of a solo piece and/or an operatic excerpt with the applicant singing/playing simultaneously may be submitted, but are not required.)
  • A brief CV listing education/training and any relevant professional experience
  • Additional materials such as references or personal statements are welcome but not required.

CLICK TO APPLY – PIANO