ARTIST IGNITE.
Auditioning. Professional Development. Networking.​
JENNIFER DAVISON | ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP
Jennifer Davison, soprano and scholar, combines an acclaimed international performance career with innovative research in opera and vocal studies. Based in Vienna, she has appeared at Theater an der Wien, Wiener Festwochen, and the Musikverein, while also contributing to contemporary performance practice through her work on Baroque, Mozart, and 20th-century repertoire. A graduate of the Peabody Conservatory and CCM, Davison’s research explores the intersections of interpretation, historical performance, and vocal pedagogy. Her dual commitment to scholarship and stage performance positions her as a distinctive voice in advancing opera as both an evolving art form and an academic discipline.
PROGRAM DETAILS
July 1st - July 14th
The Artist Ignite Program is an elite training and performance initiative designed for advanced opera singers seeking to elevate their professional careers. Hosted as part of the prestigious Vienna Music Festival, the program provides a unique opportunity for emerging artists to refine their audition techniques, gain industry insight, and position themselves for European management and house auditions.
Participants will engage in intensive one-on-one voice lessons, repertoire coaching, and high-level professional development workshops led by internationally acclaimed faculty and industry experts. With a strong focus on the practical skills needed for career advancement, the program is tailored to help artists navigate the competitive operatic landscape with confidence and strategic direction.
The culmination of the program is the Meistersinger Concert, a public performance that also serves as an audition platform for invited representatives from European opera houses and artist management agencies. This final showcase offers participants invaluable exposure and the potential to secure professional engagements.
Whether you're on the cusp of launching your career or seeking to break into the European opera scene, the Artist Ignite Program provides the tools, network, and experience to take the next bold step in your artistic journey.
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PARTICIPANTS OF THIS PROGRAM WILL RECEIVE
*Aria Concert w/orchestra
*Agent Auditions
*Professional and Personal Development Classes
Audition Academy Program
This program is geared to individuals who are really ready to enter the professional world of opera. This program is small and will consist of no more than fifteen individuals. We want to prepare you for auditions, meet casting directors, and perform in our gala-concert with live orchestra.
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Program fee €3950
(Includes housing)
Agent Consultations
Participants will sing for distinguished agents while in Vienna. Singers will receive feedback on their singing, materials and advice while also being considered for their rosters.
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Vocal Coachings
Vocalists will receive coachings with a renowned coach working in Vienna. Coachings will be individualized to the vocalist’s personal experience and will focus on repertoire, diction, musicianship, and interpretation.
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Meistersinger Gala
Participants will perform with the orchestra in a prestigious hall for a public audience and industry professionals from IOAs professional network.
Application Requirements
Applicants for ARTIST IGNITE are required to submit two contrasting operatic arias, one of which needs to be sung in French, Italian, or German. Additionally, applicants who would like to be considered for musical should submit one or two contrasting songs. Applicants should also include a 500 word essay about why they believe they are prepared for the next phase of their career to enter the world professionally.
All application and audition materials including YouTube links, audio files, headshot, resume and must be submitted via a single link to an approved file sharing site such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud.
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Resumes may be submitted as PDF or Word Document files only, and should include the applicant’s first and last name.
Video auditions need to be submitted as YouTube links, and audio auditions should be submitted as MP3 files, and should be included in the materials included in the single file sharing link. File names should include the applicant’s first and last name, program of interest, and the creation date of the recording. (Example: Emily Brown_Artist Ignite_08/16.MP3)
All applicants will be contacted by The Vienna Summer Music Festival for a phone or video conference interview, and should receive an initial response in 7-10 business days.
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After completing the application, you will be redirected to PayPal to complete a $35 submission fee. ​