Brooklyn Art Song Society Introduces Exciting New Young Artist Program

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Brooklyn Art Song Society Launches Innovative Young Artist Program

Brooklyn,NY – The Brooklyn Art Song Society (BASS) has announced the creation of its inaugural Young Artist Program,set to begin in fall 2026. This new initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of art Song performers through an immersive, year-long residency experiance.

A Unique Residency Model

The program distinguishes itself with a flexible residency structure. Selected singers and pianists will engage in understudy repertory, rehearsals, and performances-including outreach and house concerts, as well as masterclasses-while only committing to one concentrated week each month in Brooklyn. This innovative approach eliminates the need for artists to fully relocate to New York City, reducing financial and logistical burdens.

Building a Legacy of Art Song

“I’m extremely excited about this next step for BASS,” stated Artistic Director Michael Brofman in an official statement. “Our goal is to build a legacy of gifted art song performers equipped with real-world skills, all working toward our mission: ensuring that art song endures for future generations.” The program reflects a growing national effort to preserve and promote this frequently enough-overlooked genre.

Expert Guidance and Mentorship

The Young Artist Program will be overseen by a distinguished Advisory Committee. This includes Brofman himself, alongside dominic Armstrong from the University of South Carolina, Michael Kelly, Joel Harder of the Manhattan School of Music, Kate Maroney of Mannes, Amy Owens from Santa Fe Opera, and Jennifer Zetlan, also of Mannes. These experts will provide guidance and mentorship to the resident artists.

program Timeline and details

The inaugural Young Artist Program will officially run from October 2, 2026, to June 13, 2027. The structure allows artists to balance the demands of the program with other professional commitments.

Program Element	Description
Program Start Date	October 2, 2026
Program End Date	June 13, 2027
Residency Commitment	One week per month in Brooklyn
Focus	Art Song Performance and Training

Did You No? Art Song, or Lied, flourished in the 19th century, particularly in Germany and Austria, and remains a cornerstone of classical vocal repertoire.

Pro Tip: emerging musicians should actively seek out mentorship opportunities like this program to gain valuable experience and network with established professionals.

What are your thoughts on the program’s unique residency model? Do you think it will encourage more young artists to pursue art song?

The Enduring Appeal of Art Song

art Song, a deeply expressive genre, combines poetry and music to create a powerful emotional experience. While frequently enough overshadowed by opera, it continues to attract dedicated performers and audiences worldwide.Organizations like BASS play a critical role in ensuring its continued vitality.

According to the National Endowment for the Arts,participation in classical music,including art song,remains significant among US adults,with approximately 8.6% attending performances in 2022. Source: National endowment for the Arts

Frequently Asked Questions About the BASS Young Artist Program

• What is the primary focus of the BASS Young Artist program? The program centers on developing skilled art song performers and ensuring the enduring legacy of the genre.
• What is the residency requirement for the program? Artists are required to spend only one week each month in Brooklyn.
• Who is on the advisory committee for the program? The committee includes Michael Brofman, Dominic Armstrong, Michael Kelly, Joel Harder, Kate Maroney, Amy Owens, and Jennifer Zetlan.
• When does the inaugural program begin and end? The program runs from October 2, 2026, through June 13, 2027.
• Is this program designed for both singers and pianists? Yes, the program welcomes applications from both vocalists and pianists.
• What types of performance opportunities will the artists have? Artists will participate in outreach concerts, house concerts, and masterclasses.

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Brooklyn art Song Society Launches Groundbreaking Young Artist Program

The Brooklyn art Song Society (BASS), a leading champion of the art song repertoire, is thrilled to announce the launch of its inaugural Young Artist Program beginning in the fall of 2025. This intensive program is designed to nurture the next generation of classical singers and collaborative pianists specializing in the uniquely intimate and expressive world of lieder,mélodie,and Italian art song. This initiative directly addresses a growing need for specialized training in this often-overlooked genre within the vocal performance landscape.

Program Overview: Cultivating Excellence in Art Song

The BASS Young Artist Program is a year-long, highly selective residency open to emerging artists demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication to art song interpretation. The program will run from September 2025 to May 2026, culminating in a public recital series showcasing the artists’ development.

Here’s a breakdown of the program’s core components:

Weekly Coaching: Individual and group coaching sessions with renowned art song specialists, including masterclasses with internationally acclaimed singers and pianists. Focus will be on vocal technique, diction, musicality, and performance practice.

Collaborative Workshops: Dedicated workshops fostering strong pianist-singer collaboration, essential for prosperous art song performance.These sessions will emphasize repertoire selection, balance, and interpretive synergy.

language & Style Classes: Intensive classes in German lieder, French mélodie, and Italian art song, covering pronunciation, poetic analysis, and historical context. Understanding the poetry behind the music is paramount.

Performance Opportunities: Regular performance opportunities throughout the year,including studio recitals,community outreach concerts,and a final showcase recital at a prominent Brooklyn venue.

Career Development: Workshops focused on audition preparation, grant writing, self-promotion, and building a enduring career in classical music.

Eligibility & Application Process: Who Should Apply?

The BASS Young Artist Program seeks applications from:

Singers: Possessing a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in vocal performance or a related field. Demonstrated experience performing art song repertoire is crucial.

Pianists: Holding a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in piano performance or collaborative piano. A strong interest in and experience accompanying vocal music, particularly art song, is essential.

Age: Applicants must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of September 1, 2025.

Audition Requirements: A preliminary audition will be conducted via video submission. Finalists will be invited to an in-person audition in Brooklyn, NY, featuring a 30-minute program of art song repertoire chosen by the applicant.Repertoire lists must include works in German, French, and Italian.

Detailed application guidelines, including deadlines and submission requirements, are available on the BASS website: [Insert BASS website Link Here – Placeholder].The application deadline is February 15, 2025.

Why Brooklyn? A thriving Hub for Classical Music

Brooklyn has emerged as a vibrant center for classical music and opera, attracting a diverse and engaged audience. The BASS Young Artist Program benefits from this dynamic environment, offering artists access to:

World-Class Venues: Performance opportunities in renowned Brooklyn venues, enhancing visibility and professional experience.

Collaborative Network: Connections with established musicians, composers, and arts organizations within the Brooklyn arts community.

Cultural Richness: Immersion in Brooklyn’s diverse cultural landscape, inspiring artistic growth and innovation.

affordable Living: Compared to Manhattan, Brooklyn offers more affordable living options for emerging artists.

The Importance of Art Song in the 21st Century

While often overshadowed by opera and other genres, art song remains a vital and deeply rewarding art form. It offers a unique possibility for intimate storytelling, poetic expression, and nuanced musical interpretation. the BASS Young Artist Program aims to:

Preserve the Repertoire: Ensure the continued performance and gratitude of the vast and beautiful art song repertoire.

Develop specialist Artists: Train a new generation of musicians dedicated to the art of art song interpretation.

Expand Audience Reach: Introduce art song to new audiences, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of this genre.

Promote Collaborative Music-Making: Highlight the essential partnership between singer and pianist in art song performance.

Benefits of Participation: Beyond Training

Participants in the BASS Young Artist Program will receive:

Stipend: A modest stipend to help offset living expenses in Brooklyn.

travel Assistance: Partial reimbursement for travel expenses to and from Brooklyn.

Performance Fees: Compensation for all performance engagements.

Professional Recording: A professional recording of their final showcase recital.

Mentorship: Ongoing mentorship from leading figures in the art song world.

Networking Opportunities: Access to a valuable network of musicians, industry professionals, and potential collaborators.

Real-World Impact: Supporting emerging Talent

The BASS has a long history of supporting emerging artists through its concert series and outreach programs. This new Young Artist Program represents a critically important expansion of that commitment. Past BASS featured artists have gone on to successful careers with companies like the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and major concert halls internationally.This program builds on that legacy, providing a focused and supportive environment for young musicians to hone their skills and launch their careers. The program’s emphasis on German lieder, French mélodie, and Italian art song ensures a well-rounded and comprehensive training experience.

Resources for Aspiring Art Song Artists

For those interested in pursuing a career in art song, here are some valuable resources:

national Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS): https://www.nats.org/

Classical singer: https://www.classicalsinger.com/

SongFest: https://songfest.us/ (A renowned art song festival and training program)

Lied Akademie Heidelberg: https://www.lied-akademie.de/en/ (International art song masterclasses)

The Schubert Institute: https://schubertinstitute.org/ (Dedicated to the study and performance of Schubert’s lieder)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the program open to international applicants? Yes, the program is open to applicants of all nationalities.

What is the typical class size? The program will accept a maximum of six singers and three pianists.

What is the level of German, French, and Italian required? While fluency is not required, applicants should have a basic understanding of these languages.

Is housing provided? No,housing is not provided,but BASS can offer resources and recommendations for finding affordable housing in Brooklyn.

* What is the program’s beliefs regarding art song interpretation? The program emphasizes a historically informed and emotionally resonant approach to art song performance,prioritizing textual understanding and collaborative artistry.