CoOPERAtive 2025
June 30 – July 5
Check in and Opening Master Class: June 30, 2025
Final Concert: July 5, 2025
About the CoOPERAtive Program
The CoOPERAtive program, established in 2006, has long been a trailblazer for crafting a unique program for the developing singer. In 2025 we will, once again, forge a NEW PATH, crafting a program that addresses skill sets that are not readily available to many singers for the WIN.
- Workshop for new operas
- Innovative opportunity to work with the creators
- New skills acquired
When you join us in July 2025, you will learn from the experts (composer, librettist, music director, stage director) and grow your expertise so that you are work ready when offered your first opportunity to create a new role in a new opera.
The program will run from June 30 through July 5.
The application for CoOPERAtive is on YAP Tracker and will close on February 14, 2025. Invitations will be made by March 1, 2025. Acceptances must be received by March 15, 2025.
Our first composer/librettist team is Evan Mack and Joshua McGuire. We will work on three scenes from their new opera, A Nearer Mother. There will be at least five main roles as well as a choral ensemble. The main roles will be triple cast. Additionally, auditors will be welcome to attend. We especially encourage young composers and librettists so that they can experience how to take new opera from “page to stage.”
Our commitment to bringing professionals in the field to help young singers, musicians and, this year for the first time, composers and librettists, continues to be one of our guiding principles. How to learn and work on new opera helps the young musicians strengthen their artistic toolbox. The participants will receive 39 hours of instruction during the one-week program. In addition to music and staging rehearsals, there will be conversations and activities to support the learning. On the final evening of the program all three casts will offer the three scenes in a public performance.
And this year, for the first time, CoOPERAtive will be offered for college credit (undergraduate or graduate) should the participant desire.
Learn more:
- About the program
- Performance and Master Class Events at Rider University
- How to apply and program fees
- Audition information
- Meet the faculty
- Contact us
Our singers have been engaged by the following companies as well as rewarded in competitions:
- Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (formerly National Council Auditions)
- Houston Grand Opera
- Merola Program
- Aspen Music Festival
- Central City
- Des Moines Metro Opera
- Tanglewood Festival
- Washington National Opera
- Glimmerglass Opera
- Portland Opera
- Natchez Opera
- Britten Pears School
- Opera North
- Detroit Opera (formerly Michigan Opera Theater)
- Palm Beach Opera
- Santa Fe Opera
- Opera Theater of St. Louis
- Minnesota Opera Comany
- Opera Philadelphia
- Opera Memphis
- Los Angeles Opera
- Operalia
- Sarasota Opera