Pillar 4
Practice
Students are given actual performing experience in a professional setting, as they participate in concerts, productions and masterclasses produced by the IOA or in cooperation with one of the IOA’s professional partners.
Masterclasses
Internationally celebrated artists are invited to conduct classes in which they freely share their knowledge and experience.
A master’s perception may not completely match the style of the programme, but the IOA considers this confrontation as an enrichment. This way, students are given a broader perspective, and get to know different opinions about singing and opera.
In previous years the IOA has hosted Masterclasses by a.o. Natalie Dessay, René Jacobs, Malcolm Martineau, Margaret Price, Kate Royal, Annelies van Parys, Roger Vignoles, Linda Watson, Alberto Zedda and Wim Henderickx.
Privé: Masterclasses
FORMAT
Practice study – collective
CONTENT
Masterclass: Christmas Concerts | Anne Sofie von Otter
23, 24 October 2024
Star Swedish mezzo Anne Sofie von Otter joins the IOA students for a masterclass on Christmas repertoire in many languages and traditions.
Masterclass: L’enfant et les sortilèges | Okka von der Damerau
11, 12, 13 December 2024
Hamburg mezzo Okka von der Damerau and the IOA students delve deep into the opera L’enfant et les sortilèges in preparation for the upcoming VONK production (OBV).
Masterclass: Seven Angels | Thomas E. Bauer
23, 24, 25 April 2025
German baritone Thomas E. Bauer brings his vocal artistry to the IOA, entering the wondrous world of Luke Bedford’s opera Seven Angels in preparation for the upcoming production by the same name. The last day of each masterclass is open to the public.
EVALUATION
Continuous assessment/Permanent evaluation
Agent Day
After a thorough audition training, we invite several agents to listen to the students’ auditions. On this day, students audition on the mainstage of Opera Ballet Vlaanderen for a jury of agents and casting directors. The students receive feedback from all of them and information on the audition process. A professional recording will be made, which students can use for their portfolio.
Agent Day
FORMAT
Workshop; Performance
CONTENT
In this workshop, we focus on the do’s and don’ts at an audition. Important questions here are:
How do we choose the repertoire? How do we prepare? How do we present ourselves during the audition?
How do we communicate with the audition panel?
We also pay attention to the style both in terms of dress, make-up and in terms of the bio and repertoire list we present at an audition.
In addition, we practice an audition simulation.
The results will be presented at the agent day.
COURSE MATERIAL
Only printed scores are allowed.
EVALUATION
Continuous assessment/Permanent evaluation
Concerts, Opera Projects & Productions
Note: Apart from the concerts and productions listed on the calendar, students also perform in private concerts for IOA sponsors.
Internships
Internships may take different forms: the student may actively participate in the production and sing in performances; the student may act as a cover; or the student may observe during the production process.
