Academy of Vocal Arts: Difference between revisions
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According to the former owner of 1916 Spruce Street, [[President of the United States|President]] [[John F. Kennedy]] dined there during his [[1960 Presidential campaign|1960 Presidential Campaign]]. Records from the [[John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum|JFK Presidential Library Archives]] indicate that Kennedy was indeed in Philadelphia for a fundraising dinner and speech in [[October]] of that year<ref>[https://hiddencityphila.org/2021/03/an-architectural-aria-in-rittenhouse-square-dazzles-from-within/ Hidden City 2021]</ref>. |
According to the former owner of 1916 Spruce Street, [[President of the United States|President]] [[John F. Kennedy]] dined there during his [[1960 Presidential campaign|1960 Presidential Campaign]]. Records from the [[John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum|JFK Presidential Library Archives]] indicate that Kennedy was indeed in Philadelphia for a fundraising dinner and speech in [[October]] of that year<ref>[https://hiddencityphila.org/2021/03/an-architectural-aria-in-rittenhouse-square-dazzles-from-within/ Hidden City 2021]</ref>. |
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==Admission== |
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AVA usually pre-screens approximately 100 young vocalists from across the globe. They send a video featuring their performances in three arias. The faculty votes on which singers will proceed to the next level of auditions, which are held live.<ref>[https://chestnuthilllocal.com/stories/fully-staged-opera-returns-to-academy-of-vocal-arts,24649] Chestnut Hill Local</ref> |
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==Alumni== |
==Alumni== |
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Revision as of 01:02, 17 January 2024
 | This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. (October 2023) |
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| Type | Private opera school |
|---|---|
| Established | 1934 |
| President | Scott Guzielek |
| Students | 22 |
| Location | , , United States |
| Campus | Urban |
| Website | Official website |
The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is a private, post-baccalaureate opera school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of 2023, the AVA does not grant degrees, but rather Artist Diplomas to those who complete the full four-year course requirement. It is the only tuition-free institution in the world devoted solely to operatic training and performance.[1]
History
The school was founded in 1934 by Helen Corning Warden.[2] Its first name was The School for Vocal Scholarships, and from the start its mission was to provide tuition-free, intensive opera training equal to that of acclaimed European vocal academies. At the beginning the school rented rooms at the Philadelphia Art Alliance, but then in 1938, in the aftermath of the Great Depression it was donated its current location in 1920 Spruce Street by its owner Horace Brock.[3]
1920 Spruce Street had been originally built in 1868 and sold by developer Ebenezer Burgess Warren, and in 1881 the interiors had been decorated by Frank Furness and George W. Hewitt, the architects who later designed their landmark building in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts[4].
Between 1982 and 1983 Otto Sperr Associates restored the theater to its original dimensions, providing room for a 30-piece orchestra. In 1996 AVA hired architects Leung Hemmler and Camayd to suggest further changes. They concluded that because of the remarkable character of the Furness interior, it was recommended that the principal spaces of the first floor be restored toward the Furness era. Thanks to a generous grant from the William Penn Foundation restorations were made in the first floor entrance hallway, the main offices, and the Furness Lounge[5].
In 2000 AVA expanded, purchasing the adjacent townhouse at 1918 Spruce Street as well as a carriage house behind the property. In 2008, AVA bought 1916 Spruce Street which includes an interior was designed by architect William Woodburn Potter in 1933. Deeds held by the Philadelphia Archives state that both of these properties were developed by E. Burgess Warren and first sold in 1869[6].
According to the former owner of 1916 Spruce Street, President John F. Kennedy dined there during his 1960 Presidential Campaign. Records from the JFK Presidential Library Archives indicate that Kennedy was indeed in Philadelphia for a fundraising dinner and speech in October of that year[7].
Admission
AVA usually pre-screens approximately 100 young vocalists from across the globe. They send a video featuring their performances in three arias. The faculty votes on which singers will proceed to the next level of auditions, which are held live.[8]
Alumni
Notable alumni include Lando Bartolini,[1] Harry Dworchak,[1] and Ruth Ann Swenson.[1] The institution maintains a Hall of Fame for Great American Opera Singers which The Opera Quarterly described as equivalent to the kammersänger title in Europe.[9]
References
- ^ a b c d Janet Berg (February 1995). "Academy of Vocal Arts Marks Anniversary With Opera Extravaganza". American Music Teacher. 44 (4). Music Teachers National Association: 4.
- ^ New York Times 2008 Archived August 20, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Hidden City 2021
- ^ Hidden City 2021
- ^ Hidden City 2021
- ^ Hidden City 2021
- ^ Hidden City 2021
- ^ [1] Chestnut Hill Local
- ^ Jeannie Williams and Richard Shapp (Spring 1986). "A Singers' Roundtable We Are the Music-Makers". The Opera Quarterly. 4 (1): 61–76.
External links
39°56′53″N 75°10′25″W / 39.94793°N 75.17371°W
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