Some History
The first course that Ms. Arroyo established was an eight-week event in September of 2002 that included 40 hours of group education and individual coaching sessions for twelve young singers. The course has been subsequently extended to nine weeks.
Class Format
Choosing appropriate roles approved by their voice teachers, the singers will:
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Prepare their own word-by-word translations |
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Research the literary and historical backgrounds of the operas and their characters in detail |
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Explore their character's psychological motivations and inner lives |
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Develop the physicality and dramatic style appropriate to their role |
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Refine their grasp of the specific musical style of the opera |
Unique to this curriculum is the time spent in coaching, both in group and one-hour individual sessions with the assigned pianist/coach, who is chosen and employed by the Foundation. During the formal group classes, Ms. Arroyo, with the assistance of the coaches, discusses the roles with the singers, who then perform excerpts selected for each respective session.
An important benefit is the interaction of the singers with each other. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between two or more characters, the background of the drama, the historical perspective, and the psychological motivations of the characters. Special attention is also given to the interpretation of the text and musical style.
The classes are held at the Liederkranz Foundation at 6 East 87th Street in New York City. Coachings are held at the studios of the coaching staff.
At the end of each semester, each student performs selected excerpts from the opera they have studied for an audience in a formal concert. The excerpts include individual arias, ensembles, and recitatives (where applicable). The purpose is to provide the singers with an audience for the conclusion of their study.