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    • 2025 Academy

      Piano and Voice Duo - Liz Upchurch & Wendy Nielsen

      Faculty: Liz Upchurch and Wendy Nielsen Musical Instrument: Piano and Voice
    • Collaborative pianists workshop at the Orford Music Academy.

      This class is intended for singers and pianists looking to perfect the art of recital and wishing to deepen their interpretation of French melody and German lieder.

      The instruction includes master classes in duos as well as private lessons. Participants will have the opportunity to play or sing for the instructors every day, in addition to performing in a concert at the end of each week of the workshop. The repertoire will be determined with each duo shortly after the confirmation of their stay.

      At the time of registration, you must indicate who is part of your duo.

      While registration as a duo is strongly recommended, individual registrations are accepted.


      Liz Upchurch
      Pianist, pianist coach, and pedagogue Liz Upchurch is currently in her 24th season as the Music Director of the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio, Canada’s premier training program for young opera professionals. There she has now trained a generation of Canadian artists. She is a recent recipient of Canada’s prestigious Ruby Award for her outstanding contribution to the world of opera.

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      Wendy Nielsen
      Following a long and distinguished career as an opera and concert singer, Wendy Nielsen is now Associate Professor, Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto. In addition to her duties there, she is the Head Vocal Consultant for the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio Program. Her own career was launched as a member of this training program. Ms. Nielsen made her Metropolitan Opera Debut as Fiordiligi in Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte in 1996 under the baton of James Levine.

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      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

    Faculty

    Liz Upchurch
    Piano, Canadian Opera Company

    Wendy Nielsen
    Voice, Université de Toronto



    Application Deadlines

    February 6, 2025
    Applications received after the deadline are accepted and processed until April 3, 2025, subject to availability.


    Academy FAQ

    Audition material

      • 2025-acad-achow-main
      • A. Still classe
      • Classe de maître avec Ali
      • Amir Eldan at the Orford Music Academy
      • Amit Peled at the Orford Music Academy
      • André Laplante at the Orford Music Academy
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