Attached is a little information on a major new initiative to support opera writers. It follows on from the first Opera Foundation course held here in Aldeburgh over three one week workshops in 2007, during which 20 composers, writers and directors got first-hand experience of some of the key skills involved in this rich and complex art form.
The Fellowships that we will award will support the development of five new opera projects, from composers and writers with little or no track record in opera. The projects won’t automatically culminate in a performance but financial support, mentoring, time and space and workshops will be provided through the genesis of the work.
Applications are welcomed either from composers and artists with all or part of their collaborative team in place, or via opera producers and composers who have a specific new work they are interested in commissioning.
JERWOOD OPERA WRITING FELLOWSHIPS
Aldeburgh Music and the Jerwood Charitable Foundation are offering a unique opportunity for composers and their collaborators, to receive tailor-made support for writing a new opera.
Five Fellowships will be awarded, with applications welcome from anyone with little or no experience of opera, including graduates of the recent Jerwood Opera Writing Foundation. We also welcome applications from opera producers.After an initial selection period stage, five projects will be selected for Fellowships beginning in Summer 2008 and lasting between 18 and 24 months.
The Fellowships will offer support to composers and their collaborators (writers, directors, designers) during the creation of a new work, providing advice, practical help (e.g. access to musicians) and a bursary of up to a maximum of £15,000 for each project. At the end of the Fellowship participants will expect to have either a complete work or a well-developed opera project with an advanced text and a substantial amount of music. The Fellowships do not support the first performance, though Aldeburgh Music and other opera producers will be involved throughout. The deadline for applications is 21 April 2008. For further information please contact Chelsea Lawrence, Opera Administrator, on 01728 687100, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
To find out more please visit http://www.aldeburgh.co.uk