It is said singing is the universal language of love, but can it be translated to diplomacy, cultural understanding, and the conduct of international relations? All four attributes were recognized on April 1st, at the Russian Embassy in Washington DC during a splendid display of musical talents from aspiring artists from both Russia and the U.S. The Washington National Opera (WNO) and its Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program celebrated their annual cultural and musical exchange with Moscow’s prestigious Bolshoi Theatre Young Artists Opera Program with a joint concert for more than 200 guests of Ambassador and Mrs. Kislyak.
The Young Artist Program was established at the Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow in October 2009. Over the space of two years, young singers and pianists from Russia and other CIS countries, selected through a series of auditions, are coached in different exercises including stage movement, acting skills, and foreign languages—classes that are taught by some of the most renowned singers and coaches in the world.
Likewise, the Domingo-Carfritz Young Artist Program of the Washington National Opera is a leading resident training program for artists aspiring towards international careers. The program—a project spearheaded by WNO board member Susan Lehrman—allows exceptionally promising young singers and accompanists a course of rigorous training, study career assistance, and most prominently, performance opportunities in Washington DC and abroad. During their stay in Washington, the Bolshoi Young Artists immersed themselves in the curriculum of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program. The concert marked the end of the two weeks exchange of young Russian opera singers with Washington National Opera musical, vocal, and acting teachers within the WNO’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Talents Program. The visiting young artists from the Bolshoi trained alongside peers and worked with WNO staff on current assignments and upcoming roles; participated in Italian diction classes, prepared for competitions, and received advice on repertory selection and career planning.
During the magnificent concert, the audience was treated to featured works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Bellini, Offenbach, and other classics. Embassy guests greeted with enthusiastic applause a performance of the Russian folk song "Korobeiniki" and the aria from Guiseppe Verdi's "La Traviata". Truly the night belonged to these young professionals, whose marvelous talent broke the barriers of cultural separation.
Photo courtesy of the Washington National Opera.
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Diplomacy Through Song: Washington National Opera's Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program Welcomes Young Artists
April 12, 2013
It is said singing is the universal language of love, but can it be translated to diplomacy, cultural understanding, and the conduct of international relations? All four attributes were recognized on April 1st, at the Russian Embassy in Washington DC during a splendid display of musical talents from aspiring artists from both Russia and the U.S. The Washington National Opera (WNO) and its Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program celebrated their annual cultural and musical exchange with Moscow’s prestigious Bolshoi Theatre Young Artists Opera Program with a joint concert for more than 200 guests of Ambassador and Mrs. Kislyak.
The Young Artist Program was established at the Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow in October 2009. Over the space of two years, young singers and pianists from Russia and other CIS countries, selected through a series of auditions, are coached in different exercises including stage movement, acting skills, and foreign languages—classes that are taught by some of the most renowned singers and coaches in the world.
Likewise, the Domingo-Carfritz Young Artist Program of the Washington National Opera is a leading resident training program for artists aspiring towards international careers. The program—a project spearheaded by WNO board member Susan Lehrman—allows exceptionally promising young singers and accompanists a course of rigorous training, study career assistance, and most prominently, performance opportunities in Washington DC and abroad. During their stay in Washington, the Bolshoi Young Artists immersed themselves in the curriculum of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program. The concert marked the end of the two weeks exchange of young Russian opera singers with Washington National Opera musical, vocal, and acting teachers within the WNO’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Talents Program. The visiting young artists from the Bolshoi trained alongside peers and worked with WNO staff on current assignments and upcoming roles; participated in Italian diction classes, prepared for competitions, and received advice on repertory selection and career planning.
During the magnificent concert, the audience was treated to featured works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Bellini, Offenbach, and other classics. Embassy guests greeted with enthusiastic applause a performance of the Russian folk song "Korobeiniki" and the aria from Guiseppe Verdi's "La Traviata". Truly the night belonged to these young professionals, whose marvelous talent broke the barriers of cultural separation.
Photo courtesy of the Washington National Opera.
