Victoria Conservatory of Music in Victoria, BC
An intensive training program in period instrument performance, led by members of the Victoria Baroque and Pacific Baroque Orchestra. This course is for players already experienced in baroque instruments, as well as those with no prior experience. The program welcomes music students, professional musicians and advanced amateurs. Instruction is available for strings, woodwinds, and harpsichord. Ensembles are formed according to the students’ level.
The Baroque Academy is an exciting opportunity to immerse oneself in baroque instrument performance, and develop one’s technical and stylistic understanding and ensemble skills in a focused and friendly environment. The course offers a generous amount of one-to-one instruction and small group and orchestral coaching by leading West Coast early music specialists.
The Program includes:
- Ensembles and chamber music
- Private and group lessons
- Lectures
- Masterclasses
- Performance opportunities
BAROQUE FOR SINGERS:
Career-track singers over the age of 18 are welcome to apply.
The Vocal Program includes:
- Private lessons and group coaching
- Daily Masterclasses
- Lectures
- Staging and character work
- Performance opportunities with period instruments
Singers will receive lessons and coachings, and sing in masterclasses. Singers may also stage a scene or aria from a baroque opera. Each singer will have an opportunity to perform an aria or in an ensemble with baroque instruments.
AUDITING (VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL)
Auditors receive access to audit all vocal and instrumental masterclasses, group classes, student and faculty concerts, and ensemble rehearsals. Please note: auditors observe, they do not sing or play their instrument. Auditors are welcome to ask questions and engage in discussions.
Faculty:
Soile Stratkauskas; flute and artistic director
Chloe Meyers; violin
Christi Meyers; violin
Mieka Michaux; viola
Martin Bonham; cello and viol
Christina Mahler; cello
Christina Hutten; harpsichord
Soile Stratkauskas; flute
Katrina Russell; bassoon
Curtis Foster; oboe and recorder
Christopher Bagan; harpsichord, vocal coach, orchestra director
Vicki St Pierre; voice
Erin Bardua, voice, acting, and stage direction
Guest Faculty:
Suzie LeBlanc; voice
Nancy Argenta, voice
DATES
Program start: Saturday July 15, 2023 at 9.30 a.m.
Program end: Saturday July 22, 2023 at 5 p.m.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Classes run daily 9 a.m. -5:30 p.m. with breaks and some time for private practice. (Individual schedules may start later or finish earlier.) Practise rooms are available.
CONCERTS
Faculty Concert
Tuesday July 18, 7:30 p.m. | Alix Goolden Performance Hall | Tickets on sale soon
Small Ensemble Final Concert
Friday July 21, 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | Alix Goolden Performance Hall | By donation
Large Ensemble Final Concert
Saturday July 22, 2:30 p.m. | Alix Goolden Performance Hall | By donation
FEES & DEADLINES
Instrumentalists: $680 + $32 application fee
Singers: $825 + $32 application fee
Application deadline: April 21, 2023
All applicants will be notified by May 1, 2023.
(Students may be accepted after the application deadline if spaces are still available)
Auditing only: $200
(No application process or fee. Registration by July 1st)
Bursaries are available.
INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION
Winners of EMV’s BC Scholarship programme can use a portion of their award to attend the course.
