Richard Strauss, Ariadne auf Naxos
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Introduction
The goal of the session is to enable young opera artists to experience a full role from the great operatic repertory, from a dramatic and musical point of view, and to thus enhance their access to the stages of opera houses. Ariadne auf Naxos, opera in a prologue and one act (opus 60) by Richard Strauss on a libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, composed in 1911-12 (Premiered on 25 October 1912 in Stuttgart’s Neues Königliches Hoftheater) with a revival in 1916 (premiere of the 2nd version on 4 October in Vienna).
After having studied and then taught philosophy, André Engel made his debut as a stage director in 1972. He created productions in opera houses or heatres and encountered classical as well as contemporary minds while aking it a point to follow along unexplored paths. After creations on texts by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Richard Strauss, Franz Kafka, Samuel Beckett or even Shakespeare, André Engel willingly chose Ariadne auf Naxos, one of the most sought-after themes in the history of opera, which is a splendid example of a cross between theatre and opera. Ariadne auf Naxos has undergone a number of transformations. A first version was taken up into the representation of Molière’s Le bourgeois gentilhomme. It replaced the Turkish ceremony planned by Jean-Baptiste Lully. The second version, the one we are concerned with here, is an entirely sung version in which elements of opera seria and opera buffa coexist: on the other hand, the reference to Molière is given up. In Ariadne auf Naxos Strauss weaves an orchestral tapestry that André Engel has adorned with rare esthetic beauty, as is usual in his opera stagings, such as Cardillac by Paul Hindemith at the Opéra de Paris in 2005.
Calendar
Auditions
17–18 January 2009, or 28 February –1 March 2009
Session
Saturday 1 through Wednesday 19 August 2009
for a total of 19 days of instruction
Public Presentation
Fenêtre sur cour[s] Wednesday 19 August 2009
Faculty
André Engel, stage director
Irène Kudela, chef de chant (rehearsal conductor and coach)
Ruth Orthmann, director’s assistant
with the participation of Françoise Grey, choreographe
places available for
› 10 singers (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass)
› 2 chefs de chant (rehearsal conductor
and coach)
Session Curiculum
Theoretical Instruction
Examination of the work’s historical / artistic context.
Stylistic analysis
Practical Instruction
Study of the idea of role as shaped by the situation, German prosody, ractice of transition from musical theatre to opera and the variations in the personification of the characters.
The musical work will concentrate on comprehension of Strauss’ dynamic, rhythmic and tempo markings as they relate to portrayal of the characters.
An endeavor will be made to seek out the vocal colors intended by the composer. Concurrently a selection of lieder by Strauss will be studied.
Method
During this session André Engel will take over at times our-of-the-ordinary spaces, in order to work and create –one of many highlights.
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.
For this session a scholarship arrangement with the AFDAS is pending.
Financial aid for tuition
› available for casual workers in entertainment (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 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 530 € remains at your expense.
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.