Academy of Vocal Arts

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Academy of Vocal Arts
Academy of Vocal Arts (logo).png
Type Private opera school
Established1934
President Scott Guzielek
Students22
Location, ,
United States
Campus Urban
Website Official website
The Academy of Vocal Arts as seen from Spruce Street AVA from Spruce St.jpg
The Academy of Vocal Arts as seen from Spruce Street

The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is a private, post-baccalaureate opera school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of 2023, the AVA does not grant degrees, but rather Artist Diplomas to those who complete the full four-year course requirement. It is the only tuition-free institution in the world devoted solely to operatic training and performance. [1] The school was founded in 1934 by Helen Corning Warden. [2]

Notable alumni include Lando Bartolini, [1] Harry Dworchak, [1] and Ruth Ann Swenson. [1] The institution maintains a Hall of Fame for Great American Opera Singers which The Opera Quarterly described as equivalent to the kammersänger title in Europe. [3]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Janet Berg (February 1995). "Academy of Vocal Arts Marks Anniversary With Opera Extravaganza". American Music Teacher. Music Teachers National Association. 44 (4): 4.
  2. New York Times 2008 Archived August 20, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  3. Jeannie Williams and Richard Shapp (Spring 1986). "A Singers' Roundtable We Are the Music-Makers". The Opera Quarterly . 4 (1): 61–76. doi:10.1093/oq/4.1.61.

39°56′53″N75°10′25″W / 39.94793°N 75.17371°W / 39.94793; -75.17371