2012 VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Presented in partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute (IVAI) founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the Vocal Arts and Music Festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes, performances, and more. Blacksburg hosts one of the three international IVAI programs–the other two are in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Montreal, Canada.

Through a comprehensive arts initiative, Virginia Tech has made a strong commitment to the arts on campus and in the surrounding communities. The cornerstone of the initiative is the $94 million Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech. Opening in late 2013, the Center for the Arts will include a 1,260-seat, state-of-the-art performance hall for music, theatre, and dance performance and visual arts galleries for traditional, digital, and new media exhibitions. It also will house the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, an applied research environment wherein researchers from multiple disciplines, artists, and educators collaborate to develop new processes and tools to enhance teaching and learning in PK-12 and higher education environments with an emphasis on math, science, social studies, and language arts.

Vocal Arts and Music Festival 2011: A performance during Closing Celebration:Italian Opera.

A Listing of Events for the 2012 Vocal Arts and Music Festival

Thursday, June 14, 7:30 pm

VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, MASTER CLASS WITH JOAN DORNEMANN
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
Joan Dornemann, the charismatic assistant conductor of the Metropolitan Opera and co-founder of the International Vocal Arts Institute, leads an insightful master class with the festival’s talented singers.
Squires Recital Salon
Free

Friday, June 15, 7:30 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, SNEAK PEEK COMPETITION
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
Festivalgoers are treated to a preview of the great singing to come, and have a vote in this all-for-fun, high-spirited competition among many of this year’s singers.
Squires Recital Salon
Free

Saturday, June 16, 8:00 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
The opening concert celebrates German composers and works, and features the festival singers and guest faculty musicians, including Michael Klotz, viola; Dmitry Kouzov, cello; and Peter Laul, piano. Repertoire to include a dynamic range of German Lieder and Schumann’s “Piano Quintet.” The first large-scale piano quintet and Schumann’s only one, it became the model for Brahms and Dvorak.
Squires Recital Salon
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Sunday, June 17, 3:00 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, VOICES FROM THE VALLEYS
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
A tapestry of music from Schubert to Verdi, Vaughan Williams to Osvaldo Golijov, this concert celebrates festival chamber musicians, including David Ehrlich, violin; Alexander Fiterstein, clarinet; Michael Klotz, viola; Dmitry Kouzov, cello; Peter Laul, piano;  Mathias Tacke, violin; and Benjamin Wyatt, cello. Featured guest singers are Blacksburg-based Ariana Wyatt, soprano, and Opera Roanoke’s Scott Williamson, tenor, singing solo works and duets.
Squires Recital Salon
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Monday, June 18, 7:30 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, MASTER CLASS WITH SHERRILL MILNES
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
Legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes coaches the next generation of opera stars, sharing wisdom and wit gained throughout his extensive career.
Squires Recital Salon
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Tuesday, June 19, 7:30 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, MASTER CLASS WITH LEON MAJOR
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
Internationally acclaimed stage director Leon Major brings his unique insights to the festival vocalists, as he has in master classes around the globe, from Shanghai to Tel Aviv.
Squires Recital Salon
Free

Wednesday, June 20, 8:00 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, CHAMBER MUSIC CELEBRATION
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
Instrumentalists David Ehrlich, violin; Alex Fiterstein, clarinet; Michael Klotz, viola; Dmitry Kouzov, cello; Peter Laul, piano; Mathias Tacke, violin; and Benjamin Wyatt, cello, present a program that demonstrates both the virtuosic and the collaborative nature of chamber music, including Shostakovich’s piano quartet and C. M. von Weber’s clarinet quartet.
Squires Recital Salon
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Thursday, June 21, 8:00 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, AN EVENING OF ITALIAN OPERA AND SONG
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
Music lovers of all stripes can bask in the beauty of this program, featuring some of opera’s best-loved works from Puccini, Rossini, Verdi, and perhaps a few surprise nuggets along the way.
Squires Recital Salon
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Friday, June 22, 8:00 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, SINGERS WITH STRINGS
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
David Ehrlich, violin; Michael Klotz, viola; Dmitry Kouzov, cello; Peter Laul, piano; Mathias Tacke, violin; Milana Strezeva, piano; and Benjamin Wyatt, cello, collaborate with the singers on Samuel Barber’s “Dover Beach,” Respighi’s “Il Tramonto,” and pieces by Richard Danielpour.
Squires Recital Salon
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Saturday, June 23, 7:00 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, AN EVENING WITH RENATA SCOTTO
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
The evening begins with a film based on the life of Renata Scotto, followed by her master class with the festival singers. Considered one of the preeminent singers of her generation, Scotto has specialized in the bel canto repertoire, complimented with experiences in the verismo and Verdi repertoires. She performed around the world for more than 40 years, and continues to contribute to the field as a stage director and teacher.
Haymarket Theatre
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Sunday, June 24, 7:00 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, THREE DECEMBERS
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
This 90-minute, one-act opera by Jake Heggie (composer of “Dead Man Walking” and “Moby Dick”), with a libretto by Gene Scheer, is one of the most performed new operas in America. The story centers on letters from a mother to her son and daughter across the decades, illuminating the love, hope, sadness, and compassion they share as they struggle with both personal and family identity. This staged production is sung in English and performed with piano accompaniment. Contains mature themes. Conducted by Paul Nadler and staged by Candace Evans, featuring singers Aidan Ferguson, Corrie Donovan, and Logan Walsh.
Haymarket Theatre
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Monday, June 25, 7:30 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, MASTER CLASS WITH DIANA SOVIERO
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
American opera great Diana Soviero returns to Virginia Tech and teaches young singers with the same passion that characterized her singing and acting career.
Squires Recital Salon
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Tuesday, June 26, 8:00 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, GREAT MOMENTS IN OPERA
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
Excerpts from the best-loved operas take center stage as the festival singers perform from masterworks across the centuries. This evening is conducted by Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera.
Squires Recital Salon
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Wednesday, June 27, 8:00 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, AMERICAN MUSICAL SONGBOOK
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
A festival favorite, this evening features a wide range of Broadway and musical theater selections of the 20th century. This event is directed by Maria Zouves.
Squires Recital Salon
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Thursday, June 28, 8:00 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, THE MENDELSSOHN QUINTETS
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
Festival guest artists and string faculty Shmuel Ashkenasi, Mathias Tacke, and David Ehrlich on violin; Beth Guterman and Michael Klotz on viola; and Marc Johnson on cello, perform Felix Mendelssohn’s two string quintets, “No. 1 in A major, Opus 18” and “No. 2 in B-flat major, Opus 87.” These magnificent works, rarely performed together, demonstrate the elegance of one of the first of the great 19th century Romantic composers.
Squires Recital Salon
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth

Friday, June 29, 8:00 pm
VOCAL ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, GRAND FINALE: RUSSIAN-FRENCH CONNECTIONS
In partnership with the International Vocal Arts Institute founders Joan Dornemann and Paul Nadler of the Metropolitan Opera, the festival unites opera’s rising stars with legendary coaches and outstanding instrumentalists for two weeks of master classes and performances.
The 2012 festival closes in grand style with a focus on international artistry from the perspective of both French and Russian composers, those who influenced one another across boundaries of place and nationality. This fascinating program draws on music from Borodin, Debussy, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and others. Instrumental faculty players are Shmuel Ashkenasi, Mathias Tacke, and David Ehrlich on violin; Beth Guterman and Michael Klotz on viola; Marc Johnson on cello; and Milana Stezeva on piano.
Haymarket Theatre
$20 general public, 
$10 students/youth