Season 2019

This program seems well thought out and with high level faculty.  The experience with orchestra was invaluable!  I have had so many positive experiences that I can't pick just one. Faculty were helpful and supportive throughout. 
                                                                                                                                                                 - Michelle Chipollone, voice student 2019

The experience with the orchestra was incredible, as well as the masterclasses, lessons and coachings.  I came in with insecurities that had gotten into my music.  By the end of the program I realize I have overcome the insecurities and gained confidence. 
​                                                                                                                                                                                 - Erin Payne, voice student 2019

It was my first time singing with an orchestra.  I will never forget about it.  I made progress, working with different conductors and coaches.  I would absolutely recommend this program! 
                                                                                                                                                                         - Alissa Goretsky, voice student 2019

Great faculty, an opportunity to grow vocally, sing with orchestra, understand the business.  I improved my vocal technique, made important connections, performed with orchestra.  Let go of analyzing my voice when needing to free it. 
                                                                                                                                                                              - Rebecca N J, voice student 2019

The most valuable part of the program for me was the rehearsals with conductors and the orchestra experience.  The professors and conductors demanded excellence, but in a kind, supportive way.  I grew professionally.  
                                                                                                                                                                                        - Amy C, voice student 2019

This program is a great way to sing with orchestra in a focused environment, with knowledgable, supportive faculty.  I loved getting time with Sylvia to discuss Carmen/ castanet training. 
                                                                                                                                                                               - Becca Allen, voice student 2019

I have a better understanding of breath and support and have a better idea of my strenghts and weaknesses and what to work on moving forward.  It was very valuable to hear different opinions from professionals, the experience with orchestra, and having the opportunity to collaborate with other young artists at a high level.  
                                                                                                                                                                      - Jonathan Elmore, voice student 2019

It was extremely helpful for me to have daily professional commitments to build my confidence and stamina.  I felt stronger at the end of each day.  Coachings with conductors, rehearsal time with orchestra, multiple concert opportunities - I found the environment to be extremely supportive and professional,  Endless gratitude to Milena and Tim for offering this program!
                                                                                                                                                                    - Margaret Marshall, voice student 2019

2018

Being held to a very high professional standards by our faculty forced me to rise to the occasion. I feel much more confident singing with orchestra and more solid in my technique. Thanks for everything!
                                                                                                                                                          -Yemonja Stanley, voice student 2018

The guidance on technique combined with the experience of working with a conductor and an orchestra... I feel I made progress in every aspect of performing. Everything in this program has been incredibly valuable. 
​                                                                                                                                                                                                             -Student 2018

Vocal pacing was an important experience for me. I learned to be confident in expressing when I need to mark. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                             -Student 2018

Having the opportunity to rehearse the orchestra as a conductor, not as a student being coached during the actual rehearsal was what I liked the most. I got a feel of what it takes to conduct a performance. I am rethinking some of my gestures from the point of view that less is more. 
                                                                                                                                                                                  -Conducting student 2018

I improved vocally, musically and performance wise. My challenge was to learn how to work with conductors and find a balance on how to achieve mutual goals. Looking at different interpretations and playing with different ideas was great. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                            -Student 2018

This is a wonderful and supportive program! The faculty was an amazing mix of demanding yet supportive.
                                                                                                                                                                                                             -Student 2018

I appreciated that the mentality was one of learning, rather than doing things "the right way". I think the program was very well thought and the pace was intense at the right level. The faculty was very kind. All this helped me to build more confidence as a performer. 
                                                                                                                                                                                  -Ilsa Bolano, voice student 2018

2017

Laudatio for a new, groundbreaking Training Program for Opera Singers, Conductors and Opera Coaches!
In my own long career out in the opera world I do not remember I ever had so much time - 14 days!! -  to shape and energize these beloved jewel score of Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Mascagni, Wagner and  both Johann and Richard Strauss into polished, vibrant performances - as it happened just last season at SCU. 
I felt very honored in helping to actually prove that this unique coming together program works great, magically! - growing together, trusting each other more and more after each hard working day.
My very best wishes for the creators of Bach-Millennium-Music!  These two weeks at SCU give all participants so much more for their professional experience.

Maestro Matthias Kuntzsch
Former Principal Conductor of the Bonn Theater, National Theater Mannhem, State Opera Hamburg, National Theater Munich, Music Director of the Opera and Symphony of Lübeck and the State Theater and Orchestra of the Saarland, Saarbrücken

Working with orchestra and closely with the conductors was the most valuable part of the program for me. I feel more secure in my technique. The program was very open and including. Thank you!
                                                                                                                                                                                                            -2017 Student

All of the coachings, voice lessons, acting, the time with the orchestra and conductors helped to perfect the pieces and be well prepared for the orchestra rehearsals and performances. Everyone helped build my confidence- yet pushed and challenged me. I improved so much. The video recordings are so valuable as well.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            - 2017 student

I was constantly stressed about doing what the maestros wanted and being prepared. Learning to work with stress is a great experience. Rehearsing with orchestra EVERY DAY is unheard of. The program was organized very well and the faculty was great.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            -2017 Student 

I liked the Master Classes a lot. My breath control has definitely improved. I liked Jane's perspective on breath control. Keep doing this program, please! As young artists we need a positive learning environment to push us to be stronger performers.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            -2017 Student 

I definitely made progress vocally and technically, getting to work with orchestra in a friendly and constructive environment and having few voice lessons per week. I now feel a lot more confident in regards to singing with orchestra. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                             -2017 Student

When my coachings and rehearsals were spread out throughout the day, I had to learn to preserve my voice and not to tire myself out. Having this time to focus solely on opera under the guidance of so many knowledgeable and experienced instructors has been very valuable. Thank you so much for everything! It has been an amazing experience!
                                                                                                                                                                                                             -2017 Student

The rehearsals, and in between...

Photos courtesy of Sosa's Photo & Video, Fernando Sosa
and Lyubomir Grigorov