OperaLab 2008-2009

Gilles Denizot, Heldentenor, founder and general director of OperaLab, passes on the knowledge which he acquired from a young age, and particularly since his solo singing debut in 1985. Stemming from an artists' family, he studied piano and violin from the age of three, then acting and naturally singing with Charles Ossola, Gabriel Bacquier, Paolo Montarsolo, Patrick Raftery, Guy Flechter. He brings to his teaching methods knowledge and experience gained from his international operatic career working most notably with John Cage, Armin Jordan, Ralf Weikert, Bertrand de Billy, Willy Decker, Donald McIntyre, Piero Cappuccilli, Ewa Podles. Of this prestigious lineage, Gilles Denizot draws upon the best and develops high-level teaching principles.

The basis of teaching classical singing should be the study then the application of the ancestral principles of the Italian School of singing. Nevertheless, it is necessary to recognize that it became impossible to perpetuate this heritage for various reasons:

1° The age of the Italian School of singing: its golden age occured several centuries ago at the time of Bel Canto. Who, at the moment, has followed this training at its source? There are currently (with the exception of certain singers) only descendants of pupils who had the privilege to study under Garcia, Lamperti, Marchesi, and other famous names of the art of singing. These often old pupils possess a knowledge and have vocal exercises which are advisable to study because they form a precious Tradition. However most were never directly in touch with the usually-quoted glorious teaching. It is the very notion of the exactness of the understanding and of the transmission of the principles that is raised, every teacher having adapted - and consequently distorted - the initial method.

2° The particular transmission of the principles: the Italian School of Bel Canto was empirical and its principles passed on directly by imitation. The pupil lived mostly with their teacher and literally soaked in the art of beautiful singing. The professor worked not only on the voice, he also addressed all aspects of the singer's personality for many years. The pupils who evolved then towards teaching carried on what had been passed on by generation to generation, mostly by oral tradition. How can we, in the current world, propose the same method? This vocal training has to evolve and has to find a new shape.

3° The necessity to elaborate a teaching method that is adapted to the current requirements and conditions: the traditions of Bel Canto formed the voices for the operatic art of Bellini, Donizetti, Gluck, Mozart, Rossini, and their predecessors. The composers who followed gradually adopted a vocal style which seemed to require other vocal capacities, notably in Verismo and Wagnerian scores, or even the scores in which it is necessary to know how to "speak in music". The traditions and instructions for the Bel Canto operas got lost. Rather than to study the art of classical singing by the beginning and in equivalence with the physiological evolution of the voice, singers forced upon themselves a maximal vocal tension at the beginning of their careers. When these singers lost their voice, they did not choose to rectify their method of singing, but turned themselves to teaching to make a living. From this moment to the present day, we see "professors" refer, often unrightfully, to the Italian School of singing and pass on erroneous and dangerous principles. These "professors" formed in turn pupils and teachers who, without any valid competence, continue even today to destroy the vocal potential of numerous young singers.

It seems to us thus indispensable to base ourselves on the best principles of the Italian School of singing and to add the numerous scientific data (unknown at the time of Bel Canto) as well as the results of the researches of eminent teachers to elaborate a method more adapted to the requirements of the current vocal art and to the specific conditions of our time.

The method we develop at OperaLab insists upon:

1° The study and understanding of vocal mechanisms and preservation of vocal health;
2° The posture and the breath, the Passaggio and vocal registers, the true cover of the voice, the purity and alignment of the vowels;
3° The precise identification of the true vocal category/Fach of each singer, and his/her immediate training within his/her vocal category;
4° The study and knowledge of the vocal repertoire and its specific application;
5° The globality and multi-facetted training, adapted to the actual necessities and conditions;
6° The practical application of the theoretical knowledge.

The method we develop at OperaLab uses teaching tools and exercises from:

1° The Italian School of singing (Caruso, Garcia II, Lamperti, Marchesi, Novikova, Romani);
2° The Scandinavian School of singing (Bjoerling, Bratt, Flagstad, Hislop, Ingebjart-Isene, Nilsson, Svanholm, Lindquest, Vennard);
3° The pedagogy of carefully-selected teachers (of all disciplines).


Professional section OperaLab is firstly intended for the training of young professional singers.	Non-professional section OperaLab welcomes non-professional singers of all levels.

Individual VOICE sessions - VOICE A 55-minute individual voice lesson with Gilles Denizot tailored to the needs of the professional singer. In every studio, a new option "DOUBLE" VOICE with Gilles Denizot is available at a reduced fee. These two sessions may be scheduled one after the other, or with a break (on the same day or on 2 consecutive days, if the agenda allows). - VOICE INTENSIVE 3 individual training days (6 hours daily) with Gilles Denizot (only at OperaLab Athens, Berlin, Geneva, Hamburg, Newcastle, New York). An in-depth intensive and individual training. The advantageous solution for professional singers. FEES Gilles Denizot (Please note that the former fees remain valid in June 2008 for those singers who have registered in 2007-2008) Individual VOICE sessions (55 minutes) Berlin, Hamburg 50 EUR or 90 EUR for 2 sessions Athens, Paris 75 EUR or 140 EUR for 2 sessions Geneva 120 CHF or 220 CHF for 2 sessions Glasgow, Newcastle 55 GBP or 100 GBP for 2 sessions London 65 GBP or 120 GBP for 2 sessions New York 115 USD or 215 USD for 2 sessions Individual VOICE INTENSIVE sessions (3 days) 500 EUR (only at OperaLab Athens, Berlin, Geneva, Hamburg, Newcastle, New York) Professional WORKSHOPS (See Workshops) Essential aspects of the opera singer's activity, including in 2008-2009: - "A la carte" Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot with pianist, tailored to the needs of the participants. All levels. Duration min. 2 hours. Open to observers. - Auditions Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot with pianist. Duration min. 2 full days. - Masterclass Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot with pianist. Interpretation in public. Duration min. 3 hours. Open to observers. - Acting for singers Workshop directed by Rodopi Gaitanou with pianist. Private and public work. Duration min. 6-8 hours. Open to observers. - Technique and Interpretation Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot with pianist. Technique in private; interpretation in public. Duration min. 6-8 hours. Open to observers. FEES Gilles Denizot - "A la carte" 70 EUR/participant; 10 EUR/observer - Auditions 150 EUR/participant - Masterclass 100 EUR/participant; 10 EUR/observer - Technique and Interpretation 100 EUR/participant; 10 EUR/observer OTHER FEES - Acting for singers 150 EUR/participant; 10 EUR/observer Productions / Co-Productions (See Productions) Including, in 2008-2009: - Bizet Carmen Staged production, in collaboration with PostPop (Athens). Staging by Rodopi Gaitanou and Gilles Denizot. - Britten Curlew River Staged production with orchestra, for Newcastle Area Chamber Opera, at Newcastle Cathedral on 29-30 August 2008. Staging by Gilles Denizot. Post-poned; new dates tba. - Paisiello Proserpine Staged production with orchestra, for Association Leonore Casting and coaching by Gilles Denizot.	Individual VOICE sessions - VOICE A 55-minute individual voice lesson with Gilles Denizot (or with an associate teacher, depending on the studio), including warm-up, posture and breathing exercises, vocale technique and repertoire, if appropriate. In every studio, a new option "DOUBLE" VOICE with Gilles Denizot is available at a reduced fee. These two sessions may be scheduled one after the other, or with a break (on the same day or on 2 consecutive days, if the agenda allows). - VOICE INTENSIVE 3 individual training days (6 hours daily) with Gilles Denizot (only at OperaLab Athens, Berlin, Geneva, Hamburg, Newcastle, New York). An in-depth intensive training, allowing major progress. For advanced non-professional singers only. FEES Gilles Denizot (Please note that the former fees remain valid in June 2008 for those singers who have registered in 2007-2008) Individual VOICE sessions (55 minutes) Berlin, Hamburg 50 EUR or 90 EUR for 2 sessions Athens, Paris 75 EUR or 140 EUR for 2 sessions Geneva 120 CHF or 220 CHF for 2 sessions Glasgow, Newcastle 55 GBP or 100 GBP for 2 sessions London 65 GBP or 120 GBP for 2 sessions New York 115 USD or 215 USD for 2 sessions Individual VOICE INTENSIVE sessions (3 days) 500 EUR (only at OperaLab Athens, Berlin, Geneva, Hamburg, Newcastle, New York) Non-professional WORKSHOPS (See Workshops) Various themes, including, in 2008-2009: - "A la carte" Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot with pianist, tailored to the needs of the participants. All levels. Duration min. 2 hours. Open to observers. - Vocal Warm-Up (read the article) Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot. All levels. Duration min. 6-8 hours. - Acting for singers Workshop directed by Rodopi Gaitanou with pianist. Private and public work. Duration min. 6-8 hours. Open to observers. - Posture and Breath (read the article ) Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot. All levels. Duration min. 6-8 hours. - Technique and Interpretation Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot. Technique in private; interpretation in public. Duration min. 6-8 hours. Open to observers. FEES Gilles Denizot - "A la carte" 70 EUR/participant; 10 EUR/observer - Vocal Warm-Up 100 EUR/participant - Posture and Breath 100 EUR/participant - Technique and Interpretation 100 EUR/participant; 10 EUR/observer OTHER FEES - Acting for singers 150 EUR/participant; 10 EUR/observer
Dates of VOICE sessions on page Agenda. Dates of WORKSHOPS on pages Agenda and Workshops. To book at OperaLab Berlin, Geneva, Hamburg, New York, Paris: 1) Fill in - once per year - the online registration form 2) Fill in the online reservation form To book at OperaLab Athens: 1) Fill in - once per year - the online registration form 2) Email us at OperaLabGR@operalab.org To book at OperaLab Glasgow, London, Newcastle: 1) Fill in - once per year - the online registration form 2) Email us at OperaLabUK@operalab.org

Upcoming WORKSHOPS

The 2007-2008 WORKSHOPS are now completed.
Discover our Summer 2008 COURSES below.

COURSES Summer 2008

JULY 2008

18-27 July 2008
OperaLab Paris
Technique - Interpretation (free repertoire)
Course directed in French by Gilles Denizot
(translation English, German, Italian available)
All levels. Duration 6-8 hours. 6-8 participants
For enquiries, click here

16-27 July 2008
OperaLab Athens/Tinos (Greece)
Bizet Carmen and free repertoire.
Technique - Interpretation - Acting
Concerts - Staged performances
Course directed in English by Gilles Denizot
and Rodopi Gaitanou
(translation French, German, Greek, Italian,
Spanish available). Advanced/pro levels only.
For enquiries, click here

AUGUST 2008

6-10 August 2008
Internationale Musikschulakademie
Kulturzentrum Schloss Kapfenburg (Germany)
Interpretation (free repertoire)
Course directed in German by Gilles Denizot
(translation English, French, Italian available)
For enquiries, click here

15-17 August 2008
OperaLab Paris (France)
Technique - Interpretation (free repertoire)
Course directed in French by Gilles Denizot
(translation English/German/Italian available)
All levels. Duration 6-8 hours. 6-8 participants
200 EUR/participant
For enquiries, click here - For bookings, click here

Please check also our availabilities for VOICE INTENSIVE sessions at OperaLab Hamburg (Germany)

WORKSHOPS 2008-2009

- A la carte
Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot with pianist,
tailored to the needs of the participants. All levels.
Duration min. 2 hours. Open to observers.

- Masterclass
Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot with pianist.
Interpretation in public. Advanced/pro levels only.
Duration min. 3 hours. Open to observers.

- Vocal Warm-Up (read the article)
Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot.
All levels. Duration min. 6-8 hours.

- Acting for singers
Workshop directed by Rodopi Gaitanou.
Private and public work.
Duration min. 6-8 hours. Open to observers.

- Posture and Breath (read the article )
Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot.
All levels. Duration min. 6-8 hours.

- Technique and Interpretation
Workshop directed by Gilles Denizot.
Technique in private; interpretation in public.
Duration min. 6-8 hours. Open to observers.

WORKSHOPS upon request

- "A la carte"
- Auditions
- Bizet Carmen
- How to Sing Recitatives
- Masterclass
- Duets and Vocal Ensembles
- Vocal Warm-Up (read the article)
- Acting for Singers with Rodopi Gaitanou
- Mozart Così fan tutte
- French Vocal Music
- Oratorios
- Posture and Breath (read the article)
- Technique and Interpretation

All workshops are conducted by Gilles Denizot,
unless otherwise specified.

Dates of WORKSHOPS on pages Agenda and Workshops.

To book at OperaLab Berlin, Geneva, Hamburg, New York, Paris:
1) Fill in - once per year - the online registration form 2) Fill in the online reservation form

To book at OperaLab Athens:
1) Fill in - once per year - the online registration form 2) Email us at OperaLabGR@operalab.org

To book at OperaLab Glasgow, London, Newcastle:
1) Fill in - once per year - the online registration form 2) Email us at OperaLabUK@operalab.org

ARTICLES par Gilles Denizot

Nouvel article
Posture et Souffle

Articles mis à jour
Apprendre le chant via Internet
Des registres vocaux
Le chanteur débutant
Tristan, le Heldentenor, et Lauritz Melchior

Archives
Devenir un Maître de chant
Du studio à la scène, le chemin du chanteur professionnel
La cavité buccale dans le chant
La posture buccale dans le chant
L'échauffement vocal
Le partenariat professeur - chanteur
Notes sur l'identité vocale
Notes sur la mesure

Vous souhaitez un article sur un thème particulier, publier un article sur votre site, traduire un article dans une langue étrangère, ou tout simplement poser une question : envoyez un email à denizot@operalab.org

ARTICLES by Gilles Denizot

New article
Posture and Breath

Updated articles
Learning to Sing via Internet
Of Vocal Registers
The Beginner Singer

Archives
Becoming a Master Teacher
From Studio to Stage, the path of the professional singer
Mouth Posture in Singing
Notes on Vocal Identity
Oral Cavity in Singing
Teacher-Singer Partnership
Tristan, the Heldentenor, and Lauritz Melchior
Vocal Warm-Up

Would you like to read an article on a specific subject, publish an article on your website, translate an article in a foreign language, or simply ask a question: email denizot@operalab.org

ARTIKEL von Gilles Denizot

Neuer Artikel
Haltung und Atem

Archiv
Die Partnerschaft zwischen Lehrer und Sänger
Singen lernen per Internet

Möchten Sie einen Artikel zu einem bestimmten Thema lesen, einen Artikel auf Ihrer Website veröffentlichen, einen Artikel in eine andere Sprache übersetzen, oder einfach eine Frage stellen: email denizot@operalab.org

ΑΡΘΡΑ από τον Gilles Denizot

Νέο άρθρο
Η στάση του σώματος και η αναπνοή
Would you like to read an article on a specific subject, publish an article on your website, translate an article in a foreign language, or simply ask a question: email denizot@operalab.org

Autres auteurs

Dr. Bernard Bleicher
Anatomie de l'appareil respiratoire et des mécanismes phonatoires

OperaLab schedules concert or staged performances for its singers following intensive courses or in collaboration with partners.

OperaLab Productions 2008-2009

Carmen!
Highlights of Bizet's Carmen

Recitals and concerts

OperaLab Productions upon request

Carmen!
Highlights of Bizet's Carmen
Vocal music inspired by Spain (option)

Christmas / Easter Concert
A programme of seasonal favourites

French!
A programme of French vocal music

Die Fledermaus
Highlights of Strauss' Die Fledermaus

Mozart
Vocal music by Mozart

Recitals and concerts

Association Leonore (F)

President: Adrien Lelièvre

OperaLab is partnered with Association Leonore for the production of Proserpine, only opera in French by Giovanni Paisiello. Casting and coaching by Gilles Denizot.

Click here to visit the website

Belcanto-Ensemble (D)

Artistic Director: Erika Sommer

Gilles Denizot is an official vocal teacher for the ensemble. OperaLab advanced singers may be invited to sing in the productions.

6-10 August 2008
Workshop Gilles Denizot
Internationale Musikschulakademie
Kulturzentrum Schloss Kapfenburg (Germany)

20 September 2008
Concert Königsbach-Stein (Germany)

Click here to visit the website

Newcastle Area Chamber Opera (GB)

Artistic Director: Austin Gunn

Professional or advanced OperaLab singers may be invited to sing in the productions.

29-30 August 2008 post-poned / New dates tba
Curlew River by Britten
A fully staged production with orchestra, at Newcastle Cathedral. Staging by Gilles Denizot.

Click here to visit the website

The Philharmonia Chorus (GB)

Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales
President: Sir Charles Mackerras
Artistic Director: Robert Dean

OperaLab is an official vocal tutor of the chorus. OperaLab singers may be invited to sing in the productions.

Click here to visit the website