FAQ

How Do I Donate?

Opera on the Avalon is a registered charity. We accept tax receiptable donations either through our PayPal account or directly to our office in St. John's. There are many ways to support Opera on the Avalon:

• attend upcoming events
• purchase merchandise
• make a donation
• providing corporate sponsorship

How do I aid a Young Artist in attending the festival?

Opera on the Avalon promotes the development of young artists in an exciting, culturally rich environment with the mentorship of world renowned faculty and guest artists.

You can play a crucial role in the development of Opera on the Avalon’s young artists by sponsoring their participation in the festival. With your help, these rising stars will have the opportunity to work with the most acclaimed directors and conductors from around the world, receiving superior career training and professional development education.

Through the generous support of our donors, participants are able to enhance their Newfoundland experience and achieve the highest levels of musical potential, without financial worry. The cost of studying in Newfoundland for four weeks, including travel, tuition and housing, can be quite large and many of our students give up summer employment to further their professional training.

The Participant Assistance Fund is used to provide scholarships and bursaries to the talented young artists of Opera on the Avalon, who are distinguished through particular artistic excellence or financial need.

You can play an important role in allowing these rising stars the opportunity to study in Newfoundland with some of the most influential teachers, directors and conductors in the world. We would love to talk to you about how you can help a student receive world class professional operatic training at Opera on the Avalon.

Please contact Kalli Fraize for more details at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (709)722-8993.

Are there any fundraising events I can attend?

Stay tuned for exciting details about our 2012 masked ball in aid of Opera on the Avalon.

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How do I apply?

In order to audition live, applications must be received before audition date. We accept online applications. Taped Auditions accepted until February 4, 2012.

Live Audition Tour Dates:

• Edmonton - October 15^th
• Calgary - October 22^nd
• St. John's - October 29^th
• Victoria - November 5^th
• Toronto - November 10^th
• Montreal - November 13^th
• New York City - November 15^th & 16^th
• Winnipeg - TBA

Opera Audition Requirements:

• 5 Contrasting Songs or Arias, one of which must be in English, and one of which must be in Italian.
• Collaborative Piano Audition Requirements:Applicants are encouraged to bring a singer to their audition. All applicants must be prepared to sing as they play and to sight-read as requested.

For the live audition, prepare the following works:

• ONE ARIA from the established Operatic Repertoire MOZART: Le nozze di Figaro: Act II Finale
• ONE SOLO WORK One movement of a piano sonata by Beethoven or Mozart

Internships Application:

1. Completed Application Form
2. Cover letter - Indicate three choices of internships in order of preference.
3. Resume - Include current and permanent addresses, telephone number, e-mail address, education (post high school), work and internship experience (with dates).
4. Three References - Indicate your relationship to each reference, their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.
5. Conductors must include a recent DVD in performance.

Is there any financial aid offered?

Opera on the Avalon has a small number of fellowships available to participants. These fellowships will be awarded on the basis of both need and merit, and cover the full cost of program fees, excluding housing. Small stipends will also be awarded to help cover the cost of living. Limited scholarships are also available, but please be aware that funds are limited. Fellowships Linda Karry Memorial Fellowship in Voice Jennifer Marquette Memorial Fellowship in Voice Jane Hickman Memorial Fellowship in Piano Dora Kavanagh Memorial Fellowship in Piano In order to be considered for financial aid, all participants must fill out the required assistance form by the application deadline.

How is my teacher for the festival chosen?

Most participants will recieve their first choice teacher. In the event that there is not enough room in a teacher's studio for all the young artists who are requesting that teacher, the young artist will be assigned to a studio of one of their other top three teacher choices.

How many lessons and coachings will I recieve at the festival?

In 2012 young artists will be chosen from international auditions to perform in either Puccini’s Suor Angelica or Gianni Schicchi. Both operas will be staged, and costumed, with professional orchestral. Some roles will be double cast, and each cast will receive two performances. There will be no covers for any role.

All participants will receive: 8 hour long lessons with master voice teacher, 2 coachings per week with master coach,  Diction Coachings, Operatic Rehersals and Staging,  Audition and Professional Orientation Workshop,  Movement and Acting,  Dramatic and Role Preparation , Master classes with resident faculty,  and guest artists Aria Recital Performances with Piano.

What kind of performances will I get to participate in?

There are many performance opportunities for participants during the festival. Mainstage Opera students will perform in 2 fully staged and costumed performances accompanied by orchestra, as well as in opera aria recitals.

What are the fees to attend?

• Singers: $3952.00
• Pianists: $3350.00
• Internships: $3350.00

Housing and Meals are NOT included in tuition, but can be arranged through the festival.

Fees are in Canadian dollars, and include all taxes. Yaptracker applicants please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information regarding payment of application fees.

When is the tuition due?

The $500 registration fee is to be submitted on acceptance into the Opera on the Avalon program (and will be deducted from your total tuition). Final payment is due on April 1, 2012.

How do I get to Newfoundland?

Newfoundland is accessible by plane or ferry, but it is recommended that all participants arrive by plane to ensure that they will be in St. John's in time for the start of the festival.

Is housing provided for the festival?

Housing is not provided for the festival, but can be arranged at a minimal cost through the residences at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Residence application forms are attached to the Participant Information Package and must be submitted to Conference Services at Memorial University of Newfoundland. More details can be found in the Participant Information Package, which Young Artists will receive upon acceptance into the festival.

What kind of performances will I get to participate in?

There are many performance opportunities for participants during the festival. Mainstage Opera students will perform in 2 fully staged and costumed performances accompanied by orchestra, as well as in opera aria recitals. Participants in the Collaborative program will be assigned to one operatic production, and receive individual coachings and lessons from master coaches and teachers. They will perform in recital with singers from the Mainstage Opera program, and will also play in masterclasses, coachings and lessons.

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When is the 2012 festival?

Opera on the Avalon's 2012 festival takes place from May 28 to June 24.

What performances are happening during the 2012 festival?

Opera on the Avalon is presenting a double bill of 2 fully staged and costumed operas with orchestral accompaniment. Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi will be performed at the Holy Heart Theatre on June 20, 21, 22 and 23 at 8pm; and 2pm at the Garrick Theatre in Bonavista on June 24.

There will be three opera recital performances taking place during the 2012 festival:

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets for Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi are available at the Holy Heart Theatre Box Office. Any other inquiries about tickets can be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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How do I get to Newfoundland?

It is possible to drive to Newfoundland with the help a ferry to cross the gulf. Opera on the Avalon recommends that visitors and participants fly to the province through St. John's International Airport. All of the major airlines (Air Canada, West Jet, Porter etc.) fly into St. John's daily.

What is there to see and do?

There are many exciting things to do see and do while visiting Newfoundland and Labrador. Visitors can go on bird & whale watching tours, sea kayaking, diving, golfing, hiking or walking, iceberg watching or attend any of the provinces major festivals. We have three national parks as well as several provincial parks for you to enjoy. Please visit: www.newfoundlandlabrador.com for more information!

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