Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS

Renée Fleming, co-artistic director
Patrick Summers, co-artistic director 
 
The ground-breaking Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS (AOTVA) program, under the co-artistic direction of Renée Fleming and Patrick Summers, launched in Aspen in summer 2021.
 
Designed and led by the foremost opera minds of our time, the program offers a uniquely complete training for young singers for a future in the opera industry. Emphases include opera and concert work, emphasizing performances at the highest levels, and knowledge of the business, off-stage comportment, finances, contacts, and more.
 
Artist Fellows participate in two semi-staged productions led by distinguished conductors and directors, weekly opera scenes classes and song recitals, an Opera Benefit evening, events in private homes, and composer-artist collaborations with members of the Susan and Ford Schumann Center for Composition Studies. Additional opportunities include acting, meditation, and movement training; opera chorus; and industry auditions.
 
The program attracts 300–500 applications, of which 10–15 are invited as Renée Fleming Artists and approximately 15-20 are invited as Studio Artists. 
 
  • NEW! For the 2025 season, all singers of the AOTVA program are fully funded
  • Fleming Artists receive fellowships covering tuition, room, and board plus $1,500 stipend and private instruction from Ms. Fleming during her residency 
  • Studio Artists receive fellowships covering tuition, room, and board
  • Mentorship from Renée Fleming and Patrick Summers who will both be in residence for at least four of the eight-week session 
  • Must be available for participation in the full-session, eight-week program
  • Resume, headshot, and letters of recommendation required