MIKULSKIART FOUNDATION OPERA ACADEMY

Feel the magic of opera!

November 10-16, 2024
Municipal Cultural Center in Pabianice

 Masterclass 2024

Concert 2024

During an intensive week at the Municipal Cultural Center in Pabianice, under the guidance of world-renowned educators – Caroline Isabel Merz and Tomasz Janczak – you will immerse yourself in the world of Mozart’s opera masterpieces. “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Don Giovanni”, “Cosi fan tutte”, “The Magic Flute” – these works will become your vocal training ground.

Artists

Soprano / Vocalcoach

Caroline Isabel Merz

Caroline Isabel Merz, as a soloist, has collaborated for decades with the world's most outstanding directors, conductors and stage partners...

Caroline Isabel Merz, as a soloist, has collaborated for decades with the world's most outstanding directors, conductors and stage partners. Her roles include: Pamina, Contessa, Donna Anna, Fiordiligi, Konstancja, Queen of the Night, First Lady, Violetta, Mimi, Lucia, Leonora, Frau Fluth, Micaela, Norina, Adina, Rosina, Rosalinde, Reagan, Manon. She has also performed many contemporary music pieces. In addition, her work includes a large repertoire of songs - in particular: Strauss, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, Mahler, Rachmaninoff, Mussorgsky, Copeland, Barber, Rossini, Verdi and Brahms. For a decade, Caroline Merz has been involved in pedagogical activities - thanks to her knowledge and experience, she is a valued lecturer at countless master vocal courses in Europe, the USA, Japan and China.
Tenor, reżyser, menadżer kultury

Tomasz Janczak

Tomasz Janczak graduated from the Academy of Music in Wrocław in 1995. In 1996-2004, he was the first tenor at the Wrocław Operetta, and then at the Musical Theater in Lublin....

Tomasz Janczak graduated from the Academy of Music in Wrocław in 1995. In 1996-2004, he was the first tenor at the Wrocław Operetta, and then at the Musical Theater in Lublin (2004-2014), where he performed the main tenor parts in operas such as "Carmen", "The Haunted Manor" or "Traviata". He has given concerts in many countries in Europe and around the world, including the USA and Canada. In addition to his vocal career, he developed as a director and cultural manager. In 2011, he obtained the title of theater director, and in 2013, a doctorate in musical arts. In Lublin, he initiated opera superproductions "La Traviata" and "Nabucco". In 2009-2013, he was the artistic director of the Musical Theater in Lublin, and then the Sudecka Philharmonic in Wałbrzych (2014-2016), where he organized musical events with the participation of stars. In 2016-2023, as director of the Lower Silesian Philharmonic in Jelenia Góra, he created the Karkonosze Opera Festival, presenting outdoor opera performances for thousands of viewers. On his initiative, the Lower Silesian Philharmonic launched a series of online concerts "Philharmonic with home delivery" during the pandemic. Since 2023, he has been the director of the Wrocław Opera, where he carried out the first joint production with the Academy of Music in Wrocław and "Tosca" with Aleksandra Kurzak and Roberto Alagna.

What will you gain?

  • Technical excellence: Improve your vocal technique (voice emission, breathing, posture) under the guidance of experienced educators.
  • Masterful interpretation: Discover the secrets of musical and dramatic interpretation of Mozart’s opera roles.
  • Unique stage experience: Take part in three final concerts!
    • Feel the magic of the stage of the Wrocław Opera, one of the most important opera houses in Poland. This is a unique opportunity to debut or perform again in a place where the history of Polish opera is created.
    • Present your talent at the Municipal Cultural Center in Pabianice, where the workshops will be held. This is a great opportunity to perform in front of an audience that has been closely following your progress during the course.
    • Shine on the stage of the House of Culture in Zelów, in an intimate atmosphere conducive to close contact with the audience.
  • Knowledge and inspiration: Learn from the best! Caroline Isabel Merz, a soloist who has performed on the world’s biggest stages, and Tomasz Janczak, director of the Wrocław Opera, tenor, director and cultural manager, will share their rich experience with you.
  • Exchange of experiences: Meet other singing enthusiasts, exchange experiences and inspire each other.

Opera – your dream within reach!

Performing at the Wrocław Opera is a unique opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a real opera stage. Working with Tomasz Janczak, the director of this institution, is a chance to gain valuable tips and contacts in the world of opera.

For whom?

For professional vocalists as well as students of music academies, students of music schools, professionals, singing teachers and vocal ensembles.

“Music is the language spoken by the soul” – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Course languages

Polish, German, English, Italian, French, Russian

All classes are open

for participants and the audience

You will receive a certificate or diploma

(for passive participants and teachers).

"Opera is the heart of vocal art"

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would probably say if he lived in our times

Detailed Course Program

Sunday, November 10th, 2024

12:00-14:00: Course commencement, auditions with the participation of all active course participants (one aria, one song).

14:00: Lunch (provided by the Organizer).

15:00: Organizational meeting – discussion of the course plan, expectations and individual needs of participants, rules of participation, schedule of individual classes, availability of practice rooms.

16:00-18:30: Vocal exercises under the direction of Caroline Isabel Merz.

18:30: Online consultations with a singing teacher (for those interested, schedule arranged individually).

Monday – Wednesday, November 11th, 2024 – November 13th, 2024

9:00-10:00: Warm-up and group vocal exercises under the direction of Caroline Isabel Merz.

10:00-13:00: Individual vocal emission classes (also for online participants), focusing on the individual needs and challenges of each participant.

13:00-14:30: Lunch (provided by the Organizer).

14:30-19:00: Individual lessons with Caroline Isabel Merz, work on selected repertoire, interpretation, stylistic analysis, methodological workshops.

16:00-16:15: Break.

20:30-21:30: Acting exercises and coping with stage fright, phonetics of foreign languages, open discussions and exchange of experiences between participants.

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

8:00: Departure to the Wrocław Opera (gathering in front of the MOK in Pabianice).

11:00: Coffee, welcome at the Wrocław Opera. 11:30: Class with the Opera Director, Dr. Tomasz Janczak, lecture. 13:00: Lunch. 14:00-15:30: Workshop with the Opera Director, Dr. Tomasz Janczak, dress rehearsal before the concert.

16:00: Concert in the Opera hall.

18:00: Observation of the Don Giovanni opera rehearsal.

20:00: Return to Pabianice.

Friday, November 15th, 2024

9:00-10:00: Warm-up and group vocal exercises under the direction of Caroline Isabel Merz.

12:00-13:00: Vocal technique, individual consultations with Caroline Isabel Merz.

13:00-14:30: Lunch break. 14:30-17:00: Rehearsal for the final concert with the participation of all participants.

17:00-18:30: Dress rehearsal.

19:00: Final concert in the Concert Hall of the MOK in Pabianice. Presentation of the participants’ work to the audience. Official closing of the course, awarding of diplomas and certificates.

Saturday, November 16th, 2024

10:00-11:00: Warm-up, vocal exercises with Caroline Isabel Merz.

13:00: Travel to the Cultural Center in Zelów (gathering in front of the MOK in Pabianice).

14:30: Lunch.

15:00-17:00: Acoustic rehearsal.

18:00: Concert at the Cultural Center in Zelów. After the concert: Dinner in Zelów.

Remarks:

  • The exact schedule of individual lessons will be determined on an ongoing basis, depending on the needs of the participants and the availability of Caroline Isabel Merz.
  • The language of instruction for Caroline Isabel Merz will be primarily German, but if necessary, she will also communicate in English, Italian and French. The lecture by the Opera Director, Dr. Tomasz Janczak, will be held in Polish.
  • All classes are open to the public, which creates an additional opportunity for learning and inspiration.
  • The concert program will be developed during the course, taking into account the prepared repertoire and preferences of the participants.
  • The organizers reserve the right to change the detailed course plan.

Join the MIKULSKIART FOUNDATION OPERA ACADEMY and feel the magic of opera! Do not hesitate!

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Let your soul resound in the master’s opera works!

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Photo gallery MAFOA Warsaw 2024

Photo gallery from the previous edition (2023)