Summer Opera 2027

Summer Opera 2027 Associated Residency Program Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity | Performing Arts OrganizationBanff Centre for Arts & Creativity Summer Opera brings together emerging and early-career singers, conductors, and stage directors for an intensive training exploration of contemporary opera. Working with an international faculty of leading artists, participants engage in rehearsals, coachings, masterclasses, role study, and collaborative creation. The program emphasizes musical and dramatic excellence, artistic experimentation, and the development of flexible, responsive opera artists. Through hands-on experience with new and contemporary repertoire, participants expand their creative practice, collaborate across disciplines, contributing to performances, informal sharings, and other public events. Centred on contemporary opera, new work, and innovative approaches to the art form, Summer Opera provides hands-on experience with new and contemporary repertoire supporting participants in expanding their creative practice through mentorship, collaboration across disciplines, and performance opportunities. The 2027 program will feature new operas by Niloufar Nourbakhsh and Cecilia Livingston, alongside selected scenes from the classical opera repertoire. Program content includes: Individual and group vocal coaching. Role study, musical preparation, and language work. Acting, movement, and dramatic interpretation. Conducting and stage-directing mentorship. Rehearsals with singers, pianists, conductors, and creative teams. Masterclasses, seminars, and interdisciplinary exchange. Public performances, informal sharings, and community events. Participants have access to rehearsal studios, coaching rooms, pianos, production resources, and Banff Centre’s professional performance venues, providing an immersive environment to develop their artistic practice and collaborate with peers from across the opera field. Scholarships are available. Application Deadline November 04, 2026Program Dates Jul 05, 2027 - Jul 31, 2027 Deadline November 4, 2026 Url/web link to application http://url.banffcentre.ca/bh21LU Residency Eligibility Residency Length4 weeks - 4 weeks Languages English Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time 20 Collaborative Residency Must apply and be accepted individually Discipline Music Opera Performance Art Companions N/A Country of Residence Open to artists based anywhere in the world Family Friendly N/A Stage of Career Emerging Additional Expectations/Opportunities Participate in public programming Give artist talk or presentation Residency Experience Summary Accessibility Statement/Info Page https://www.banffcentre.ca/medical-information Accessible Housing ADA Compliant Partially Accessible (50% or more) Meals Provided Some meals (at least 2 meals provided) Studios/Special Equipment Performance/Presentation Facilities Theater Piano Studios/Facilities Accessibility Partially Accessible (50% or more) Type of Housing Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus Application Information Additional Eligibility Information Summer Opera is intended for emerging and early-career singers, conductors, and stage directors seeking intensive professional development in contemporary opera and collaborative performance practice. No specific degree or formal credential is required. Applicants should demonstrate: Strong foundational training or equivalent professional experience in their discipline. Readiness to work at an intensive, professional level. Musical and dramatic curiosity. An interest in contemporary repertoire and innovative approaches to opera. Openness to experimentation, feedback, and collaborative creation. The ability to prepare independently and contribute generously to an ensemble environment. Additional discipline-specific expectations: Singers should demonstrate secure vocal technique, strong musicianship, and the ability to engage with dramatic interpretation. Conductors should have experience leading singers and instrumentalists, working with scores, and supporting collaborative rehearsal processes. Stage Directors should demonstrate theatrical imagination, storytelling ability, and experience collaborating with performers and creative teams. Participants must be available to attend all elements of the program for its entire duration, variable participation dates will not be considered. Artist Stipend Travel Stipend/Material Stipends Residency Fees 12184 Canadian Dollar (CAD) Fee Details Total Program Fee $12 184.20 Banff Centre Arts Scholarship $9 494.10 Participant Cost* $2 690.10 Application Fee $65 for individuals or $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous. This non-refundable fee covers the full cost of processing your application, including the SlideRoom fee. Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support 9494 Canadian Dollar (CAD) Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details We are pleased to offer a range of scholarships to support participants in our programs. Banff Centre Arts ScholarshipProgram participants receive a Banff Centre Arts Scholarship that covers the cost of tuition, plus a contribution towards accommodation and meals. *Participant costs shown above reflect the cost after the scholarship has been applied. To be eligible for Banff Centre scholarship, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials. Canadian Indigenous Arts Scholarship Canadian Indigenous Arts applicants receive a scholarship that covers the full cost of tuition, accommodation and meals. Application Fee 65 Canadian Dollar (CAD) Application Type Open application