Hello All!
I just applied to the WNO Young Associates Program. I was wondering if anyone has attended this program before and could tell me how selective it is, and if it is worth the time. There was no audition for the program but there was a lot of writing and a recommendation needed for the application. I have started to take a couple of lessons every month with a chorister in the Washington National Opera. Will this help?
Thanks!
My D attended WNO Opera Institute this past summer. We were sent the information for this Young Associates program recently. I got the impression that it was a brand new program – it looks very interesting for students local to DC. All I can tell you is that the Opera Institute was extremely well run and a wonderful experience. If the same team is running the Young Associates program, chances are it will be great. Good luck!
HI again
I just wanted to post for people who are looking at this thread for information about the program that I did get in and was notified on January 19 through email. The application was due January 9 so thats pretty good time! The woman who is running the interactions with students is very nice and helpful. All the events were informative and organized. I would recommend this to anyone who is serious about music and loves opera! This is also a good way to have some connections at the Kennedy center if you decide to audition for the summer Institute.
I just wanted to post again to relay more information about this amazing program for others! I was accepted into the 2016-2017 Young Associates Program with the Washington National Opera and it has been amazing. So far this year I have attended a dress rehearsal of The Marriage of Figaro (which was like a real performance), gone to observe an exclusive masterclass with Renee Fleming AND met her!! I am in the midst of the official program events, but I really feel like the woman who runs this program (Ashi Day) is the most professional person I have had the pleasure of knowing. This program is basically free (we have to pay 40 dollars for the meals provided) and it is so well run it is scary. I have really fostered a good relationship with the Education department at the Kennedy Center through this program. Our first two events normally are all day at the Takoma Park rehearsal studios. Last Saturday I was chosen (4 of us out of the 25) to sing in a masterclass for the choir master of the WNO. I am so grateful for this program, and I hope many other people apply for it as well!