Written by Stephen J. Edwards-Trygar, Development and Alumni Relations Coordinator A few years ago, I had the opportunity to do some research on Schubert's Winterreise for a podcast I hosted and produced called The Composer Chronicles. With three performances of this beloved song cycle taking place this week, I wanted to take the opportunity to... Continue Reading →
Written by Stephen J. Edwards-Trygar, Development and Alumni Relations Shrimp linguine with shrimp tartar from The Opera Kitchen menu Alexandra Nowakowski ('18) has teamed up with photographer and chef Riccardo Riccio to create a new experience for opera and food lovers alike. From beginning to end, The Opera Kitchen provides their guests with delicious food,... Continue Reading →
Written by Stephen J. Edwards-Trygar, Development and Alumni Relations Coordinator Gaetano Donizetti (1797 - 1848) December 26, 1830: Gaetano Donizetti's new opera Anna Bolena premiered at the Teatro Carcano in Milan. The opera was a triumph in Donizetti's career, receiving critical and popular acclaim. After Anna Bolena's premiere, Donizetti's former teacher, Johann Simon Mayr, began... Continue Reading →
Alumnus Luigi Boccia ('12) was a featured guest on the podcast Strong Songs with Kirk Hamilton in an episode titled "An Operatic Odyssey, with Luigi Boccia". This episode introduces listeners to the many operatic tenors who shaped the voice type and the roles within the repertoire, framed by Luigi's own journey of becoming an operatic tenor.
Written and interviewed by AVA Development and Alumni Relations Coordinator Stephen Edwards-Trygar Rehearsals for the Academy of Vocal Arts' new production of Donizetti's Don Pasquale have been underway for the past few weeks! Since we began, AVA has been abuzz with excitement, thanks to some phenomenal publicity opportunities. From radio to television to TikTok and... Continue Reading →
Written and interviewed by AVA Administrative Associate Stephen Trygar La traviata, one of opera's most cherished works, is returning to our stage here at the Academy of Vocal Arts once again. This beloved tale of love and tragedy has delighted audiences around the world, but it has equally impacted the careers and personal lives of... Continue Reading →
Welcome to a brand new season of beautiful singing and gorgeous opera here at the Academy of Vocal Arts! In its forty-three years as part of our opera season, the Giargiari Bel Canto Competition has presented hundreds of phenomenal voices singing opera's most powerful, impressive, and touching arias. It is tradition that this competition kicks off our season every year, and it stands out as one of our audience's favorite annual events. As it promises in its name, the Giargiari Bel Canto Competition is a night of "beautiful singing", but at AVA, it is more than that. This is the night where our Resident Artists put their best foot forward to not only show you what that upcoming season holds in store but what exactly they are capable of as the future of opera.
Thomas Petrushka is from Johnstown, Ohio and entered the Curtis Institute of Music in 2019, where he studied with Bill Schuman. Mr. Petrushka has performed the roles of Don Alfonso (Così fan tutte), Basilio (Il barbiere di Siviglia), Spt. Budd (Albert Herring), and performed Publio in a feature length film titled Mercy based on La... Continue Reading →
Cumhur Görgün was born in Istanbul, Turkey. While he was studying physiotherapy and rehabilitation at Yeditepe University, he started his vocal studies with Prof. Güzin Gürel at Istanbul University State Conservatory. He graduated with an honors degree in physiotherapy and rehabilitation and completed his opera and singing program in 2018. In the same year, he... Continue Reading →
Yue We was born in Tianjin, China. Mr. Wu holds a B.M. in Voice Performance from Tianjin Conservatory of Music and a M.M. degree in Voice Performance from Mannes School of Music, where he studied with Diana Soviero. He has performed a variety of different roles, such as Mandarino in Turandot, Bartolo in Le nozze di... Continue Reading →
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