Dramatic interpretation workshop: Mozart Così fan tutte
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Presentation
Mozart and Da Ponte created modern opera, that is to say an opera in which the orchestra relinquishes its role as mere accompanist to shed light on the psychological depths of the characters.
After Le Nozze di Figaro (1786), Don Giovanni (1787), Così fan tutte (1790) is the one that proved the most scandalous. This story of putting lovers to the test following a simple wager came as a shock on account of its obvious immorality and implausibility. This “school of lovers” is doubtless also the most playful of Mozart’s operas, the one in which “playing” is front and center. These characters, who for the sake of a curious experiment play at being something else than they actually are, could perfectly well be coming straight out of a Marivaux play. But they are also astonishingly modern, and it is to this aspect that Jonathan Miller will be most attentive.
Far from aiming to reconstitute a more or less historical 18th century, he will seek to delve into the characters precisely in whatever way they resemble us, in our behavior patterns today.
His very fine-honed directing of the actors will enable young singers to work in depth on a great repertory staple.
The musical direction will focus on all aspects of the work: demanding arias, very rich ensembles and recitatives that will need to be performed freely, within the players’ acting.
Jonathan Miller studied and practiced medicine before devoting his activity to theater and opera staging. He is one of the most reputable stage directors in the world, with shows in Milano, the Paris Opera, the Metropolitan Opera of New York, Zurich, Vienna, Berlin… He is also interested in painting (he was the curator of an exhibition at the National Gallery in London on the concept of the mirror in painting) and in collage (which he creates and exhibits himself).
Theoretical instruction
Contextualization of the work to be studied, stylistic analysis.
Practical instruction
Study of the notion of role as determined by the situation. Broadening of viewpoints for the work in order to experience a complete role from the great opera repertory, from the dramatic and musical point of view.
Method
Group study and individual courses: study of musical, linguistic and stage-related aspects.
Faculty
Jonathan Miller, stage director
Ruth Orthmann, staging assistant
NN, Italian vocal and role coach
Calendar
Auditions
Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 February 2011
To be presented are :
For Fiordiligi, Dorabella, Despina, Ferrando, Guglielmo : choose two arias from Cosi fan tutte
for Don Alfonso : aria from Cosi « Tutti accusan le donne » and aria of Masetto from Don Giovanni « Ho capito, signor sì »
Session
Wednesday 27 July through Sunday 14 August 2011
for a total of 20 days of instruction
Public presentation
Fenêtre sur cour[s] on Sunday 14 August 2011
Places available for
6 singers:
> 2 sopranos
> 1 mezzo-soprano
> 1 tenor
> 1 baritone
> 1 bass
Fee Information
The cost-sharing fee is made up of a compulsory registration fee (including membership in the Association des amis de Royaumont and access to the François Lang Music Library), tuition, and boarding expenses.
An AFDAS agreement is pending for this session.
Financial aid for tuition
› for casual entertainment workers (intermittents du spectacle): through the AFDAS under the following conditions: 2 years in activity, 48 fee units (days) within France, as attested by payslips and Congés Spectacles certificates.
› for salaried employes (full or part time): via their employers’ continuing education programs.
› for the unemployed: instructions available from the local Pôle emploi office.
› for RMI beneficiaries: via authorities in each département (Conseil Général) – contact the appropriate services for further information.
If you are eligible for such financial assistance, a total amount of 174 € 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 scholarship from the Association des amis de Royaumont, a total amount of 174 € remains at your expense.
For participants who are not in a position to qualify for any other financial aid, the Foundation grants scholarship stipends on request and based on a portfolio.
If you are eligible for such financial assistance, a total amount of 554 € remains at your expense.