VOICE > About the Program
to June 22 - August 9, 2013

The Chautauqua Institution Voice Department is a seven-week intensive educational program that seeks to offer the highest caliber of training for the young singer, 18 and older. Under the leadership of Marlena Kleinman Malas, a select group of singers study, coach and perform in an idyllic setting on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution in western New York State. Voice lessons, role preparation, diction classes and vocal coachings are guided by a full-time staff of voice teachers, coaches and a resident stage director, along with numerous guest artists.

At the start of the summer we will gather in McKnight Hall for the annual sing-in. Each singer presents one aria or song. Choose something you feel best showcases your voice. At the end of the summer, we will have the sing-out where students typically perform whatever they like. Pieces have included arias, songs, music theater, ensembles, comedy or sentimental favorites.

We perform two operas each summer. The first opera, Don Giovanni by Mozart, will be multi-cast and performed on July 16, 17, 18 and 19, 2013 in 250-seat Fletcher Music Hall with reduced instrumental ensemble and piano, full costumes, props and lighting. The second opera, Dialogues of the Carmelites by Poulenc, will be performed on August 5, 2013 in the 4,000-seat Chautauqua Amphitheater with the Music School Festival Orchestra, full staging, costumes and props.

"Chautauqua is a unique program that allows the most promising voice students to work daily with some of the most influential voice faculty in the world, all in a nurturing environment that allows for intense improvement in all aspects of singing. That combined with the beautiful location, and close knit community makes for an experience that can not be rivaled"

Christopher Tiesi, Curtis Institute of Music