The Chautauqua Institution Voice Department is a seven-week intensive educational program that seeks to offer the highest caliber of training for the young singer, 18 and older. Under the leadership of Marlena Kleinman Malas, a select group of singers study, coach and perform in an idyllic setting on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution in western New York State. Voice lessons, role preparation, vocal coachings and masterclasses are guided by a full-time staff of voice teachers, coaches and a resident stage director, along with numerous guest artists. Students also have the opportunity to work with and perform the pieces of contemporary composers like Ben Moore and Ricky Ian Gordon.  

At the start of the summer we gather in one of our newly renovated recital halls for the annual sing-in. Each singer presents one aria or song. Choose something you feel best showcases your voice. At the end of the summer, we w have the sing-out where students typically perform whatever they like. Pieces have included arias, art songs, music theater, ensembles, comedy or sentimental favorites.

We perform two operas each summer. The first opera is multi-cast and performed in either Fletcher Music Hall or McKnight Hall with reduced instrumental ensemble and piano, full costumes, props and lighting. The second opera (single cast) is performed in the 4,000-seat Chautauqua Amphitheater with the Music School Festival Orchestra, full staging, costumes and props. The operas presented in 2018 were were "Elisir d’amore" with piano and "Carmen" with the student orchestra. We also present a fully staged musical with piano at the very end of the summer. In 2018 it was “The Student Prince”. Some roles are decided in advance of the summer but many are not finalized until after the sing-in at the very beginning of the program.

Students are also involved in numerous masterclasses, recitals and concerts, led by our guest artists and resident faculty. They also have the chance to be involved in Chamber Music with our Instrumental and Piano Departments in the beginning of the summer.

Chautauqua Institution offers large scholarships, most covering tuition and many covering the full cost.

Application Deadline: October 10

2019 Productions

A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 64 by Britten: July 16, 17, 18 & 19, 2019 (Double Cast)

I Capuleti e i Montecchi (The Capulets and the Montagues) by Bellini: August 5, 2019 with the Music School Festival Orchestra

The Fantastick’s by Tom Jones: August 7 & 8, 2019