SongFest

SongFest SongFest at Colburn is the premier music festival and training program dedicated to song in the United States. SongFest is the United States' premier art song festival and training program held each summer at the Colburn School in Los Angeles.
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SongFest attracts an international roster of leading recital artists and pedagogues as well as students from some of the nation’s top music conservatories. Audiences enjoy a vibrant concert series presented in Colburn's state-of-the-art venues that is entirely free to the public, and auditors can attend daily masterclasses and lectures led by the most exciting artists of today. In partnership with the Sorel Organization, SongFest has made a substantial contribution to the art song repertoire through its commissioning program that has produced new works for voice and piano by such distinguished composers as William Bolcom, Gabriela Lena Frank, John Harbison, Jennifer Higdon, and Libby Larsen. A limited number of need and merit based scholarship opportunities are available, and eight full scholarships for both singers and collaborative pianists are graciously provided by the Marc and Eva Stern Foundation. SongFest Alumni feature prominently on the rosters of many opera companies, Young Artist programs, and university faculties. Rosemary Hyler Ritter, Artistic Director Matthew Morris & Liza Stepanova, Associate Artistic Directors

SongFest attracts an international roster of leading recital artists and pedagogues as well as students from some of the nation’s top music conservatories. Audiences enjoy a vibrant concert series presented in Colburn's state-of-the-art venues that is entirely free to the public, and auditors can attend daily masterclasses and lectures led by the most exciting artists of today. In partnership with the Sorel Organization, SongFest has made a substantial contribution to the art song repertoire through its commissioning program that has produced new works for voice and piano by such distinguished composers as William Bolcom, Gabriela Lena Frank, John Harbison, Jennifer Higdon, and Libby Larsen. A limited number of need and merit based scholarship opportunities are available, and eight full scholarships for both singers and collaborative pianists are graciously provided by the Marc and Eva Stern Foundation. SongFest Alumni feature prominently on the rosters of many opera companies, Young Artist programs, and university faculties. Rosemary Hyler Ritter, Artistic Director Matthew Morris & Liza Stepanova, Associate Artistic Directors

Mission: SongFest strives to ensure the future of art song by providing young singers and pianists with training and performance opportunities with the most distinguished artists in their field - in a supportive, challenging, and rewarding musical environment. SongFest also aims to increase the understanding and appreciation of song among audiences by presenting classes and concerts in interesting formats.

Operating as usual

Congratulations to SongFest alum Kate Tombaugh!
11/09/2020

Congratulations to SongFest alum Kate Tombaugh!

Pittsburgh Festival Opera is proud to present the winners of the Tenth Annual Mildred Miller International Voice Competition Mezzo-Soprano Edition!

First Prize: Kate Tombaugh
Second Prize: Talin Nalbandian
Third Prizes: Alice Chung and Emily Harmon
Encouragement Award and Dr. and Mrs. Eugene and Barbara Myers Audience Favorite: Kimberly Milton

Congratulations to ALL of our finalists! Thank you to our judges: Mildred Miller Posvar, Marianne Cornetti, Jane Bunnell, Nancy Maultsby, and Susanne Mentzer, Jim Cunningham, Gailliot Family Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Eugene and Barbara Myers, and Hans and Leslie Fleischner, and Jamini V. Davies for making this competition possible!

We can't wait until we're together to do this in person in 2021!

#meetopera #mezzosrule #pghfestopera20

Our AmazonSmile profile is up and running! Next time you shop on Amazon, consider doing so through AmazonSmile where 0.5...
10/29/2020
Support Songfest by shopping at AmazonSmile.

Our AmazonSmile profile is up and running! Next time you shop on Amazon, consider doing so through AmazonSmile where 0.5% of eligible purchases is donated to a charitable organization of your choosing!

When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to Songfest. Support us every time you shop.

Thanks to Nick for posting this. It will be streamed in November with LA Opera and The Colburn School \
09/14/2020

Thanks to Nick for posting this. It will be streamed in November with LA Opera and The Colburn School
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It's been an incredible journey getting to deeply know the music of the brilliant and under-performed composer Joseph Bologne (also known as Le Chevalier de Saint George) // My colleagues at Opera Ritrovata (Mishkar Nunez-Fredell, Leila Nunez-Fredell & Stephen Karr) spent the last month reconstructing and engraving his only surviving opera 'The Anonymous Lover' (L'amant Anonyme) // Thrilled to have LA Opera give the premiere performance of this new critical edition // The full score is now available for purchase and rental along with an excellent piano-vocal score - details in the link below // Opera companies, do not overlook this exquisite French baroque lost masterpiece!!!

09/10/2020

We miss singing in person and being with friends!! Tune in tomorrow and hear some gorgeous Handel featuring SongFest alumna Emily Yocum Black, Christina Kay and Nola Richardson!

The Hampsong Foundation: Song and Beyond - Episode II
09/08/2020
The Hampsong Foundation: Song and Beyond - Episode II

The Hampsong Foundation: Song and Beyond - Episode II

Song and Beyond is a series hosted by Thomas Hampson, featuring riveting conversations with scriptwriters and scholars from the Hampsong Foundation's Song of America and Song: Mirror of the World projects. His guest in this episode: Dr Michael Haas.

TUNE in NOW and Don't miss this interview with Michel Haas
09/08/2020

TUNE in NOW and Don't miss this interview with Michel Haas

Today on The Hampsong Foundation’s “Song and Beyond” for IDAGIOLive, I am joined by the incredible scholar and author Dr. Michael Haas.

▶️ https://idag.io/TheHampsongFoundation_MichaelHaas

Dr. Haas is the author of “Forbidden Music: The Jewish Composers Banned by the Nazis” and of the script for Hampsong’s “Song: Mirror of the World program ‘Forbidden Music, Silenced Voices.’” Tune-in at 13:00 New York / 19:00 Berlin to enjoy our discussion.

Thomas Hampson is interviewing DR. MICHAEL HAAS right now! HAAS is a brilliant scholar of composers banned by the Holoc...
09/08/2020

Thomas Hampson is interviewing DR. MICHAEL HAAS right now! HAAS is a brilliant scholar of composers banned by the Holocaust! SongFest faculty Liza Stepanova recently interviewed Haas for a video "RECOVERED VOICES" You don't want to miss this! tune in now

Today on The Hampsong Foundation’s “Song and Beyond” for IDAGIOLive, I am joined by the incredible scholar and author Dr. Michael Haas.

▶️ https://idag.io/TheHampsongFoundation_MichaelHaas

Dr. Haas is the author of “Forbidden Music: The Jewish Composers Banned by the Nazis” and of the script for Hampsong’s “Song: Mirror of the World program ‘Forbidden Music, Silenced Voices.’” Tune-in at 13:00 New York / 19:00 Berlin to enjoy our discussion.

Sparks and Wiry Cries, Co-founded by Martha Guth please consider donating to this wonderful organizationTo Donate:www.s...
08/30/2020
Sparks & Wiry Cries

Sparks and Wiry Cries, Co-founded by Martha Guth please consider donating to this wonderful organization
To Donate:
www.sparksandwirycries.org

The songSLAM is a unique competition for emerging composer-performer teams to premiere new art song. Audience members vote and cash prizes are awarded.

08/26/2020
Light Shall Lift Us: Opera Singers Unite in Song

Light Shall Lift Us: Opera Singers Unite in Song

More than 100 opera singers unite in a song of hope and solidarity for a virtual performance of LIGHT SHALL LIFT US, a large ensemble work created by the Pul...

08/26/2020
Light Shall Lift Us: Opera Singers Unite in Song

Light Shall Lift Us: Opera Singers Unite in Song

More than 100 opera singers unite in a song of hope and solidarity for a virtual performance of LIGHT SHALL LIFT US, a large ensemble work created by the Pul...

07/23/2020
Audra McDonald

Another amazing singer! One of my favorites Audra MacDonald! Don't miss this. It's one of the best

From her stage and concert performances to her television and film roles, six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald is recognized for both her artistry and her activism, lending her voice to champion a variety of causes and organizations. In this episode of Live with Carnegie Hall, she’s joined by music director Andy Einhorn for a varied selection of songs, as well as a conversation with Mo Rocca about the role of artistic expression in times of social change.

07/12/2020
The Way Forward Trailer

Wonderful words about the future of music from Esa-Pekka Salonen at the Colburn School. "The Way Forward" July 19

SongFest
06/19/2020
SongFest

SongFest

Our SongFest 2020 journey has come to an end, but because of the overwhelming response from our subscribers, we're extending our video content access until July 25!!! Anyone can still sign up and access all content until then. Here is a peek at our final video with Rosemary Ritter and Graham Johnson, available for all to see! 🥰

Our SongFest 2020 journey has come to an end, but because of the overwhelming response from our subscribers, we're exten...
06/19/2020
June 19-Closing Reflections — SongFest

Our SongFest 2020 journey has come to an end, but because of the overwhelming response from our subscribers, we're extending our video content access until July 25!!! Anyone can still sign up and access all content until then. Here is a peek at our final video with Rosemary Ritter and Graham Johnson, available for all to see! 🥰

This video is FREE for ALL as SonFEst's parting gift Here is the link PLease share this wonderful presentation with you...
06/17/2020

This video is FREE for ALL as SonFEst's parting gift Here is the link PLease share this wonderful presentation with your friends. Special thanks to SongFest Faculty Katherine Jolly and Martha Guth. for all their amazing work for this video:

https://www.songfest.us/june-17-spirit

In our final week, the incredible array of talent just keeps coming!! Join us for more in depth conversations from our renowned faculty, AND as a gift to you all, the complete video conversation between Florence Quivar, George Shirley, Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, and Dr. Katherine Jolly entitled “The Voice of the Spirit” will be released for all to hear on June 17th on the SongFest page. Stay tuned! #SongFest2020.

SongFest
06/15/2020

SongFest

We've come to that bittersweet time of SongFest - the final week - and we could not ask for a more exciting group of presenters to wrap up this journey! It's still not too late to join us! For those who have been following our sessions, we hope you have enjoyed them as much as we have! 🥰 https://www.songfest.us/songfestonline

We've come to that bittersweet time of SongFest - the final week - and we could not ask for a more exciting group of pre...
06/15/2020

We've come to that bittersweet time of SongFest - the final week - and we could not ask for a more exciting group of presenters to wrap up this journey! It's still not too late to join us! For those who have been following our sessions, we hope you have enjoyed them as much as we have! 🥰 https://www.songfest.us/songfestonline

In our final week, the incredible array of talent just keeps coming!! Join us for more in depth conversations from our ...
06/14/2020

In our final week, the incredible array of talent just keeps coming!! Join us for more in depth conversations from our renowned faculty, AND as a gift to you all, the complete video conversation between Florence Quivar, George Shirley, Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, and Dr. Katherine Jolly entitled “The Voice of the Spirit” will be released for all to hear on June 17th on the SongFest page. Stay tuned! #SongFest2020.

06/10/2020
SongFest

A little SongFest teaser video! Don't miss these 35!!! 😀 videos by our wonderful faculty - https://www.songfest.us/songfestonline
The one released today will have you coming back... I promise Recovered Voices Initiative produced by Liza Stepanova!
https://www.songfest.us/june-10-recovered-voices

SongFest 2020 Online begins this Tuesday! It's not too late to sign up! www.songfest.us/songfestonline
There's nothing like a few months of forced solitude to awaken skills you never knew you had. We are so excited to show off Javier Arrebola's newly found video editing talents in this promotional masterpiece he created from mixing photos from past years with sneak-preview screenshots from our 2020 virtual sessions!!

FROM LIZA STEPANOVA:This video is premiering today at Songfest Online (https://www.songfest.us/june-10-recovered-voices...
06/10/2020
June 10-Recovered Voices Event Page — SongFest

FROM LIZA STEPANOVA:
This video is premiering today at Songfest Online (https://www.songfest.us/june-10-recovered-voices). This was a truly meaningful project for me, interviewing Maestro James Conlon, Dr. Michael Beckerman (a major Czech music expert, NYU), Michael Haas (author of "Forbidden Music" and researcher at the exil.arte Center in Vienna), and Simon Wynberg (Artistic Director of the Grammy-nominated ARC Ensemble in Toronto). They are talking about music by composers who were suppressed by the Nazi regime in Europe with performances by Songfest participants.
Despite many excellent projects, there are large parts of this repertoire that are still very much unknown. As Mr. Conlon mentions in his interview: even professional musicians are often unaware of it. I hope this presentation makes some contribution to the discussion about this music and art song in particular. Also, as Mr. Conlon mentions, it is possible that we could see renewed attention paid to art song while big productions are on hold, which could be a small silver lining for those of us who love the genre.
With big thanks to Rosemary, Robert Elias (President of the OREL Foundation) and to Songfest for the opportunity and support!
Image may contain: 4 people, text

About: Rediscover lesser-known gems of the song repertoire in a presentation-discussion dedicated to composers whose life and music were profoundly affected by the cataclysms of the first part of the twentieth century. Since 2015, Songfest has presented several programs curated by festival faculty L...

Already binged everything on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO, Disney+, and the like? Well, you're in luck! We're back wi...
06/08/2020

Already binged everything on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO, Disney+, and the like? Well, you're in luck! We're back with a fantastic lineup for week 3 of SongFest 2020 Online. We can't thank you enough for your continued support! Week 3 starts today, and it's not too late to sign up! All content is accessible until June 30 and is the perfect cure for a binge-watching drought. https://www.songfest.us/songfestonline

06/05/2020

Baritone Wayne Arthur Paul and Javier Arrebola perform Composer Shawn E. Okpebholo's re-imagined spiritual 'Oh Freedom', in a concert during the summer of 2019. This song is from his incredible disc 'Steal Away' which is available on Amazon. Okpebholo will be profiled along with four other contemporary composers in a lecture on June 16th for #SongFest2020 on American Art Song in the 21st. C.

Week one of "Auf den Airwaves zu singen" is in the books, and week two starts today! Thank you for the wonderful turnout...
06/01/2020

Week one of "Auf den Airwaves zu singen" is in the books, and week two starts today! Thank you for the wonderful turnout (we are shocked and honored by your support!!), and if you missed it, it's not too late to sign up! Once each video is released, it will remain accessible for you to watch at any time until June 30. Check out our fantastic week two lineup! 😍 Where else can you find distinguished music historians, glamorous opera divas, rising star performers, pianist-scholars, esteemed composers, and award-winning poets sharing the virtual stage together? Join us! https://www.songfest.us/onlineevents

05/25/2020
William Bolcom: Let Evening Come

William Bolcom: Let Evening Come

A Tribute to William Bolcom's 80th Birthday Celebration at SongFest in LA The Colburn School (Zipper Hall), Los Angeles, CA May 25, 2018 1. Ailey, Baldwin, F...

05/25/2020
SongFest

Can't wait till Tuesday!!!! This video by Jackie Stevens and Javier Arrebola will put you in the mood!!

SongFest 2020 Online begins this Tuesday! It's not too late to sign up! www.songfest.us/songfestonline
There's nothing like a few months of forced solitude to awaken skills you never knew you had. We are so excited to show off Javier Arrebola's newly found video editing talents in this promotional masterpiece he created from mixing photos from past years with sneak-preview screenshots from our 2020 virtual sessions!!

05/25/2020
SongFest Teaser

SongFest 2020 Online begins this Tuesday! It's not too late to sign up! www.songfest.us/songfestonline
There's nothing like a few months of forced solitude to awaken skills you never knew you had. We are so excited to show off Javier Arrebola's newly found video editing talents in this promotional masterpiece he created from mixing photos from past years with sneak-preview screenshots from our 2020 virtual sessions!!

Here's another one from Cincinnati Song Initiative!!!
05/20/2020

Here's another one from Cincinnati Song Initiative!!!

🚨 Introducing Beyond the Song webinars! 🚨

Led by experts in the arts and arts-adjacent fields, Beyond the Song weekly webinars offer insight, skills, and solutions on a wide variety of practical topics. Anybody interested is welcome, and registration for each webinar is simple and easy!

Learn more at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/webinars, and meet your June presenters right here! 💻🤓

05/20/2020
Cincinnati Song Initiative

Don't forget to watch Cincinnati Song Initiative interview with the AMAZING John Musto--- 5:30 EST - TUNE IN

Bartender Matt helps us prepare John Musto's favorite cocktail, the Negroni, before tuning in to his happy hour chat.

The fantastic Javier Arrebola, Tory Browers, and Martha Guth let the cat out of the bag a few days ago, but in case you ...
05/18/2020
SongFest Online — SongFest

The fantastic Javier Arrebola, Tory Browers, and Martha Guth let the cat out of the bag a few days ago, but in case you haven't heard...SongFest 2020 is going virtual! While we're sad to not be making the pilgrimage to the gorgeous Colburn School in DTLA, for the first time, you can experience the magic of these incredible faculty members from anywhere, at anytime! We are completely star-struck by the talent that has pulled together to keep SongFest alive and well. There are too many people to thank and spotlight, so you'll just have to check it out for yourself. Oh, and did we mention it's only $50? Trust us - you don't want to miss this. https://www.songfest.us/songfestonline

SongFest 2020 Online: Auf den Airwaves zu singen is a series of virtual events celebrating the incredible array of talent that we bring together every summer in Los Angeles. While it is difficult to remotely deliver live coaching events for our students that reflect the true collaborative nature of....

04/21/2020
SongFest

SongFest

Some yummy listening on this Tuesday evening! This comes from the SongFest 2017 Sacred Cantatas of J.S. Bach concert on June 11, 2017.

The one and only John Harbison is conducting, and the fantastic Allison Gish is the mezzo-soprano soloist.

"Komm, du süße Todesstunde" from BWV 161.

04/21/2020
SongFest 2017: Bach - "Komm, du süße Todesstunde"

Some yummy listening on this Tuesday evening! This comes from the SongFest 2017 Sacred Cantatas of J.S. Bach concert on June 11, 2017.

The one and only John Harbison is conducting, and the fantastic Allison Gish is the mezzo-soprano soloist.

"Komm, du süße Todesstunde" from BWV 161.

Address

The Colburn School, 200 South Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA
90012

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+13103843706

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Videos

SongFest Teaser
SongFest Teaser

SongFest 2020 Online begins this Tuesday! It's not too late to sign up! www.songfest.us/songfestonline There's nothing like a few months of forced solitude to awaken skills you never knew you had. We are so excited to show off Javier Arrebola's newly found video editing talents in this promotional masterpiece he created from mixing photos from past years with sneak-preview screenshots from our 2020 virtual sessions!!

SongFest 2017: Bach - "Komm, du süße Todesstunde"
SongFest 2017: Bach - "Komm, du süße Todesstunde"

Some yummy listening on this Tuesday evening! This comes from the SongFest 2017 Sacred Cantatas of J.S. Bach concert on June 11, 2017. The one and only John Harbison is conducting, and the fantastic Allison Gish is the mezzo-soprano soloist. "Komm, du süße Todesstunde" from BWV 161.

songfest
songfest

SongFest Alumni Concert, Dec 8 in NYC
SongFest Alumni Concert, Dec 8 in NYC

SongFest Alumni Concert: NYC, Dec 8, 2017 Anne Wright singing Heggie"'s I shall not lIve in Vain

Heggie-Edna St. Vincent Millay
Heggie-Edna St. Vincent Millay

Hello - all you fans of JAKE HEGGIE!!! Jake will be the distinguished composer at SongFest 2019. AT Colburn. There will be a special concert on June 2 , 2018 with SongFest singers + pianists. www.songfest.us LIve auditions start next week ENJOY this video with SF 17 alums, Simone McIntosh and Leona Cheung APPLY: https://www.yaptracker.com/applications/songfest-2019/songfest-submissions

New American Song - SongFest 2017 Concert Series
New American Song - SongFest 2017 Concert Series

A Celebration of California Composers - SongFest 2017
A Celebration of California Composers - SongFest 2017

A Celebration of California Composers from SongFest 2017 Concert Series.

Tune in LIVE to the incredible Martin Katz giving a class on arias this morning!! With SongFest participant singers and our wonderful coach Mark Trawka (Pittsburgh Opera) at the piano.

A bit of Bach for you from today's rehearsal of BWV 161. It has been so wonderful to have John Harbison with us this week!

SongFest Promotional Video featuring feedback from faculty
SongFest Promotional Video featuring feedback from faculty

SongFest Promotional Video featuring feedback from participants
SongFest Promotional Video featuring feedback from participants

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Comments

I will be speaking with Jake Heggie tomorrow to see how many arias or songs he would like to try out in our 4D Piano system. Please forward to anyone who is working on his repertoire, and ask him/her to comment at our page the name of the piece. I'll take the list and present to him in 24 hours. Thanks! 4D Piano: www.findbach.com
Thank you for making quarantine a wonderful thing! I am loving the lectures!
We at SongFest are so honored to have these artists join us in a very special video on June 17. It will be posted on SongFest Facbook page SongFesters!!! Pretty please😀😀 share this post with your friends!!! QUESTIONS: [email protected]
SongFes Online starts tomorrow! Here is a "lighthearted video" to get you in the mood! You can still register: https://www.songfest.us/songfestonline
Starting tomorrow! Check out the amazing line-up of events at www.songfest.us!
Starting tomorrow!! Check out the amazing line-up of events at www.songfest.us!
It's coming... first day May 26! https://www.songfest.us/songfestonline Over 35 lecture, conversations, music! with SongFest faculty and guests (incl Joyce Di Donato
Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year!!!
Applications now being accepted for SongFest 2019!
We are thrilled! to have Reena Esmail as the Sorel SongFest 2019 composer! Mark your calendars: concert is June 21, 7:30pm, Zipper Hall, The Colburn School, Los Angeles, CA