The International Institute of Vocal Arts

Artistic Director: William Woodruff   
Administrative Director: Jane Steele 

 

The International Institute of Vocal Arts offers an intensive study program for 40-50 talented singers during a four week residency in Weggis, Switzerland. IIVA designs an individual program of study appropriate to each singer's current stage of development.

By customizing each participant's studies, singers at different levels are able to benefit from IIVA's program; young freelance artists ready for career development, young singers currently enrolled in college studies, and professional artists who wish to work on a special project or role. Many performance opportunities are provided through the presentation of operatic scenes and concerts of song and oratorio literature. The operatic music prepared and performed at IIVA provides invaluable practical experience for the singers; this type of experience is rarely available at schools and universities.

Students receive a minimum of two voice lessons and three coachings per week. Singers attend daily Italian language classes; they are housed in hotels, or with Swiss families.

The 2010 repertoire will be decided once we have heard this year's applicants. IIVA likes to plan its repertoire around the students, in order to cast roles appropriately. The 2008 repertoire included Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, a world premiere of a 20th century opera by Bruno Rigacci, and some sacred music. Most of the music that is presented on concerts is Italian repertoire, although  French and German repertoire is also programmed. Auditions for European managers and conductors may be arranged for advanced and professional singers when appropriate.

Daily Schedule

Monday-Friday

9AM-1PM            Italian language classes

                    Voice lessons

Rehearsals and operatic stagings and coachings

3PM-6PM             Individual operatic coachings

Operatic stagings

Rehearsals of operatic scenes

Master classes

Diction lessons

Voice lessons

6 PM-7:30 PM      Additional coaching and rehearsals as necessary

Saturday

Rehearsals as needed

Sunday

Free day unless there is an evening concert. Occasionally there will be extra rehearsals.

 

Performances

Twelve evening concerts are typically prepared and presented. In addition, afternoon workshop performances of these concerts are also presented.