2026 Academy
The Piano and Voice Duo classes are designed for singers and piano accompanists who wish to refine the art of recital performance and deepen their interpretation of French mélodie, German Lied, and English art song.
The program spans three weeks, each led by a different pair of distinguished instructors and centered on a unique theme. Participants may choose to register for one, two, or all three weeks, depending on their availability and goals. However, piano accompanists are strongly encouraged to attend all three weeks in order to fully benefit from the program’s depth and variety.
Instruction includes duo master classes as well as private lessons. Participants will have the opportunity to perform for the instructors daily and to take part in a public concert at the end of each week. Repertoire will be determined individually with each duo shortly after registration is confirmed.
This program offers an exceptional opportunity to deepen the artistic collaboration between singer and pianist, refine interpretation of vocal repertoire, and explore diverse stylistic and expressive approaches.
Pre-formed duos are also welcome. In such cases, please indicate your partner’s name at the time of registration.
June 7–13
Liz Upchurch (piano) & Wendy Nielsen (voice)
The Art of the Recital: Art Song and the Vocal RepertoireJune 14–20
Romain Pollet (piano) & Benjamin Butterfield (voice)
French Mélodie and English Art Song, with a Focus on Theatrical PerformanceJune 21–27
Francis Perron (piano) & Christian Immler (voice)
French Mélodie and German Lied
Romain Pollet (piano)
Romain Pollet holds diplomas from the Conservatoire de Bordeaux in piano and bassoon, a Diplôme d’État Français for teaching piano, a bachelor’s degree in musicology from the Université Michel Montaigne, and a D.Mus in piano accompaniment from the Université de Montréal. In recent years, Romain has received several scholarships, including the D. Angers and P.M. & V.M. Gélinas awards in piano.Romain studied under various teachers: Jean-Philippe Guillo, Aurélie Forré, and Jean-Marie Lamothe in Bordeaux, and Marc Durand and Martin Mangrum in Montreal. He had the pleasure of participating in several master classes with Jean-Claude Pennetier, Prisca Benoît, Claire Désert, Dalton Baldwin, Joan Dornemann, and many others.
Benjamin Butterfield (voice)
Encensé par le New York Times pour sa « voix claire et vibrante », Benjamin Butterfield s’est produit dans toute l’Amérique du Nord, l’Europe, le Moyen-Orient et l’Asie en concert, à l’opéra et en récital. Les engagements récents incluent La mort du nombre de Messiaen avec Barbara Hannigan, le pianiste français Bertrand Chamayou et le violoniste principal de l’Orchestre symphonique de Victoria, Terrence Tam, ainsi que Banned from the Concert Hall, un programme hybride centré sur les ronds grivois de Purcell, en collaboration avec Victoria Baroque et Early Music Vancouver.
In addition to the what is mentioned above, the workshops also include:
- Chamber music coachings
- Opportunities to participate in one or more student concerts
- Networking activities with fellow musicians and faculty members
- Accommodation in double occupancy and three meals per day
- Practice studios equipped with pianos (available from 7AM to 12AM)
- Housekeeping, laundry (for a fee), parking, and free WiFi
- Free tickets for concerts at Salle Gilles-Lefebvre (subject to availability)
- Opportunity to discover the beautiful landscapes of Parc national du Mont-Orford, the majestic Lake Memphremagog, and the tourist activities of the city of Magog
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