Grétry, Zemire et Azor
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Introduction
Zémire et Azor by Grétry, composed in 1771, had considerable impact in its day, and was one of the pet works of Marie Antoinette. The story, freely inspired by Madame Leprince de Beaumont’s tale of Beauty and the Beast, the fantasy element introduced by the librettist Marmontel and the popular, galant tunes written by Grétry are far from insignificant in the success this work enjoyed in its day, not only in France but throughout Europe. The approach to this work will at first be historical. To the faculty members coming from the Baroque sphere, it it crucial to place the opera in its context. Thus, Zémire et Azor is above all a “comic” opera, which means that singing and spoken text are of equal importance. Particular attention will be paid to the singer/actor’s character portrayal, emphasizing work on declamation and gestures appropriate to the operatic world in this end-of century Baroque sphere. In addition, analogous theatre practices will include the corporal dimension and elements of acting. Musically s aking, preparation of the roles and the musical rehearsal required by any project will be backed up by considerations on vocal expression in this final period of the 18th century, which was about to undergo considerable upheaval. Finally, this session broadens its scope to take in purely stage matters such as direction, scenography, creative lighting… Our Zémire and Azor “workplace” will thus offer artists and technicians from these three poles of stage creation the opportunity to come to grips with an opera project. Professional career insertion through the acquiring of practical experience in opera singing, implemented beginning with repertory training through onstage professional activity, is at the heart of the project proposed by the Stage arts Unit.
Calendar
Auditions
19, 20, 21 December 2008 or 11 January 2009
Sessions
Monday 9 through Sunday 15 February 2009
Monday 13 through Sunday 19 July 2009
Thursday 20 through Sunday 23 August 2009
for a total of 18 days of instruction
Public Presentation
Fenêtre sur cour[s] Sunday 19 July 2009 Concert within the programing of the Saison musicale on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September 2009
Faculty
Arnaud Marzorati, singer and co-director of Lunaisiens
Jean-François Novelli, singer and co-director of Lunaisiens
Daniel Isoir, rehearsal conductor and coach
Alexandra Rübner, stage director
Héloïse Labrande, scenography, costumes, props
Nathalie Perrier, lighting creation
Places available for
› 4 singers/actors:
Lisbé, soprano
Zémire, soprano
Fatmé, mezzo-soprano
Azor, tenor
with Jean-François Novelli, Ali, tenor
and Arnaud Marzorati, Sander, baritone.
› 1 stage direction trainee
› 1 scenography/prop/costume trainee
› 1 lighting creation trainee
professional career insertion
Production and tour
staged production and performance tour 25 August 2009 at Arques la Bataille (76)
Concert Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September 2009 programming in the Saison musicale at Royaumont
October 2009, concert in Festival Baroque de Pontoise
with reprise from March 2010
record planned (Alpha production)
Participant’s status
For the period from 9 February to 22 August 2009, the singers participants are under internship contract.
For the period from 24 August until the end of Octobre 2009 et pour la reprise en 2010, the participants benefit from a fixed-term, professional
engagement contract.
Session Curiculum
Theoretical Instruction
 | examination of the work’s historical context, via its premiere and subsequent performances |
| musicological study in collaboration with the François Lang Music Library whose holdings include significant material concerning Grétry’s works. |
| comparative study of the work and other compositions by Grétry |
Practical Instruction
Musical instruction
Considerations and discussion of opera esthetics at the end of the 18th century, as well as of Grétry’s musical thought. Study of appropriate technique as it relates in particular to this vocal style.
Instruction in theatre techniques
Considerations on the nature of late 18th century declamation, taken as an esthetic evolution with respect to Baroque declamation. Study of the corporal aspect of the actor’s work, including acting with masks, clown style and improvisation.
Instruction in Staging Techniques
The participant will follow along step by step with the stage direction of Zémire et Azor, assisting the director in the course of rehearsals, in his artistic reflection and in the organisation of the team effort.
Instruction in Scenography
The student scenographer, within the curriculum set forth by the instructor, will take part in the conception of the sets and props as well as in their construction. An opening onto the work of costume-making will constitute a further
aspect of this instruction.
Instruction in lighting techniques. Within the direction set forth by the lighting
creator, the lighting trainee will become involved in artistic designing and technical realisation in the creation of lighting for Zémire et Azor.
Method
Alternating group and individual instruction (vocal preparation, study of arias and soloist repertory, learning of roles)
Fee information
The cost-sharing fee is made up of a compulsory registration fee
(which includes membership in the Association des amis de
Royaumont), tuition, and boarding expenses.
This session is not covered by an AFDAS agreement.
Financial aid for tuition
› for salaried employees (full or part time): via their employers’ continuing education programs.
› for the unemployed: instructions available from the local ANPE and/or ASSEDIC offices
› for RMI beneficiaries: via authorities in each département (Conseil Général) – contact the appropriate services for further information.
If you are eligible for financial assistance, a total amount of 150 € remains at your expense.
Scholarships
Every year the Association des amis de Royaumont grants scholarships to artists under 29 years of age who do not yet have a regular professional
activity. This grant is made by a commission on the basis of a portfolio (resume, letter of motivation).
If you are eligible for this financial assistance from the Association des amis
de Royaumont, a total amount of 150 € remains at your expense.
For participants who do not qualify for any other financial aid, the Foundation grants scholarship stipends on request and based on a portfolio.
If you are eligible for this scholarship, a total amount of 510 € remains at your expense for participants as singers, scenographers and stage directors. The cost is 370 € for lighting creation trainees.
Information and enrolment
Mélanie Guichard
Fondation Royaumont
F-95270 Asnières-sur-Oise
tel + 33 1 30 35 59 84
fax + 33 1 30 35 39 45
formation(at)royaumont.com
How do I enroll ?
In all cases it is mandatory to send an application form containing:
› motivation letter
› detailed curriculum vitae
› hand-written biography
› photo
After examination of the dossiers, the selected candidates will be convened to an audition.
All sessions, except where indicated to the contrary, are to take place at Royaumont, in residency.
Prepare your audition!
If you were selected for the audition, you have to prepare:
For the candidates singers:
-Zémire: scène V acte III, La Fauvette avec ses petits se croit la reine du boccage + 1 French air int the choice + 1 Text in the choice to be declaimed
- Azor: scène III acte IV, Le soleil s'est caché dans l'onde + 1 French air int the choice + 1 Text in the choice to be declaimed
- Fatmé: air de Zémire + 1 French air int the choice + 1 Text in the choice to be declaimed
- Lisbé : 2 French air int the choice + 1 Text in the choice to be declaimed
Choice of texts to be declaimed:
Conte de Mme d'Aulnoy Serpentin Vert (extrait)
Jeanne Marie Leprince de Beaumont La Belle et la Bête (extrait 1)
Jeanne Marie Leprince de Beaumont La Belle et la Bête (extrait 2)
Jeanne Marie Leprince de Beaumont La Belle et la Bête (extrait 3)
Madame d’Aulnoy Le Prince Marcassin (extrait)
Madame d’Aulnoy Le Rameau d'Or (extrait)
For the "technical" candidates:
1 file redrawing their artistic route
1 note of intention on their desire to participate in this work