Educational Programs
Our educational programs encompass two perspectives. We are involved in educating our audiences - especially children - and in educating the musicians themselves. Our OPERAtion Imagination program goes into the schools and presents an opera experience geared to young listeners. This is a program where kids get to be involved and see the opera world from the inside. It has been a successful program led by Keweenaw's own Ann Campbell, an indispensable part of the music community in the Western Upper Peninsula.
Both the Bergonzi String Quartet and the Resident Opera Artists offer free concerts for kids. In the three major communities in the Western UP, these artists offer afternoon concerts where kids can listen, interact and ask questions. These are wonderful and spirited events which have gone far to introduce young listeners to classical music.
Our Resident Opera Artist Program for emerging young professional singers has become one of our most renowned programs. This year, over 400 singers from all over the country applied for six positions. This coveted program is designed to give singers broad performance experience, lots of stage time, and individual mentoring. They sing opera, musical theatre (Cole Porter this year) and concerts on multiple stages throughout the UP. Please go to the above link for more details.
Returning this year is our Resident Chamber Musician (RCM) Program. After a hiatus last year, we are pleased to be able to host two chamber ensembles this summer. Our goal is to provide emerging young professional chamber musicians a chance to develop their skills in a professional and nurturing environment. These groups will play their own concerts and be a part of the opera orchestra. In addition, the Bergonzi String Quartet will host a public Master Class with the RCM ensembles - a wonderful chance for audience of all ages to peek behind the scenes and learn a little bit about making chamber music. Please go to the above link for more details.