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
Liz Upchurch (piano)
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.Wendy Nielsen (voice)
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.
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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