Season 2024

The whole premise of the program is invaluable.  I have sung with orchestra before, but not my arias, which is very different.  The voice lessons improved my singing drastically, and coaching improved my confidence  and musicality.  The constant attention was amazing.  The perfectionist in me was the hardest part, because I wanted everything fixed and polished right away... It was a lesson in grace and humility.  This is a short and concentrated program, and you get a lot out of it. 
                                                                                                                                                                                              Julia Mulholland, soprano

Alex and Milena both really helped me understand how to sing with the orchestra in a way that was both healthy and audible for the audience.  Not only did they give me advice, but they also explained why those things work.  I would definitely recommend this program.  It provides so much invaluable experience in an intimate, supportive space.  I will always remember the intense feeling of anxious excitement as I awaited my entrance the first time rehearsing with the orchestra. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                        Levi Pabst, baritone

I feel much more settled in my technique, have a better understanding and expectations in orchestra setting.  The program provided me with a safe space to take risks and explore who I am as an artist.  Workshops allowed for insight into the various aspects of the business.  This program is a great place to grow and gain experience.  Thank you for the incredible generosity and wonderful energy!  I am going to miss this program and the people!
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Jenna Toler, soprano

Season 2023

​The opportunity to sing with orchestra daily was as valuable as it was exhilarating. There is so much to be learned from performing with the orchestra, whether that is learning to sing out fully, listen for certain cues, or adjust to different tempi. This program is especially valuable because everyone involved is so kind and supportive. I learned so much from every instructor and from my new friends/colleagues. It is an absolute joy to work in a community of like-minded professionals who are passionate about opera.
                                                                                                                                                                                   Katherine Gray, mezzo-soprano

The amount of singing we were able to do, whether it was in rehearsals, coachings or lessons was the most beneficial to me. I have been wanting to build stamina and having the space where I was always singing helped me understand what I need to do. Having such a supportive faculty made all of the difference in this program. It felt like such a safe space to explore and try new things dramatically as well as technically. 
                                                                                                                                                                                               Bryana Marrero, soprano

The daily lessons and singing with orchestra was most valuable for me. It was an incredible learning experience. Faculty is amazing! The program is well organized. Good facilities. I wish it was longer. In the heart of what I want to do as a singer is tell a story. I feel that the faculty all helped me achieve that.
                                                                                                                                                                                           Gabriela Martinez, soprano

I would recommend this program because it’s a great opportunity to perform with an orchestra, and you get to learn important skills necessary for your career.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Frank Watnick, tenor

Milena and Tim have done the impossible; they have designed a program that radically pushes students to new heights in performance while also supporting everyone with the utmost kindness and grace. Every person on the faculty taught with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. I am not the same person I was several weeks ago as a result.
                                                                                                                                                                                   Katherine Gray, mezzo-soprano

The entire faculty is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, the small group of singers gives everyone a chance to get lots of feedback and coaching time, and I know of no other program that puts on 4 different performances in such a short timeframe. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Lilith Spivack, soprano

​I just want to say thank you for all you've done during my time in California. I'm not sure if you knew this but Bach-Millennium was my very first summer opera program EVER. I'm glad I have chosen this program and I'm glad that you have chosen me to be a part of this program. In the beginning, I was quite nervous because I didn't know what to expect, but the two of you have been amazing coaches and directors. This experience was truly life changing for me and I want to take my studies and career more seriously.
                                                                                                                                                                                             Sherlita Mickens, soprano

Season 2022

Rehearsing with orchestra so often and right off the bat was invaluable.  Working with professionals in the industry and getting honest feedback on my voice was so encouraging. The program was so organized and the chance to perform with orchestra is just so incredible. I’ll never forget all the wonderful things the faculty has said to me concerning my being ready to step out as an artist. It’s been so validating and encouraging. I’ll never forget singing Violetta with orchestra. It’s been a dream for so long. Thank you for making it happen! 
                                                                                                                                                                              -​ Kaitlyn Bourne, voice student '22

The daily lessons and many performance opportunities brought my singing to a whole new level. It’s a unique honor to collaborate extensively with an orchestra every day over two weeks. This is an excellent program for me and for every young singer. It offers many more onstage performance opportunities for each student, than your usual opera program.  
​                                                                                                                                                                           -​ Lauren Chandler, voice student '22

..... Definitely recommended! Everyone was invested in putting on the best performance possible. Each faculty member helped me/us through the process.  ​                                                                                                                                                                
​                                                                                                                                                                         -​ Gabriela Martinez, voice student '22

I appreciated so much the lessons, the masterclasses, the daily singing and the encouragement. I made great progress with the consistent work, tips on technique and the performances. I would definitely recommend this program.
​                                                                                                                                                                                                         -​ Voice student '22

I learned and grew a lot as a singer and had a glimpse into what the life of a professional musician is like. Every class here was impactful to me and I was able to improve so much with the knowledge and dedication of the faculty. Thank you! ​
​                                                                                                                                                                              -​ Kaede Shimizu, voice student '22

​​... I really progressed in finding my niche as an opera conductor. Overall this program was a tremendous experience. I would highly recommend it to all inspiring opera conductors. 
                                                                                                                                                              - Raphael Fernandez, student conductor '22

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

Season 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

Season 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