Canto’s Summer Program 2026 is fully dedicated to the art of performing. Canto places performance at the heart of every experience, bringing together everything singers study into one powerful, on-stage presentation.

Tailored and customized for gifted singers of every level — from undergraduates and recent graduates to semi-professionals and professionals — the program offers personalized training to support each artist’s unique growth

Over four immersive weeks, participants will build a complete toolbox for professional growth and artistic expression and immediately put their learning into practice as the stars of Canto’s Midsummer Opera Festival.

Held in Northern Virginia, the program is designed for singers eager to deepen their artistry and step confidently into the spotlight. It cultivates confidence, sharpens their craft, and propels participants toward their highest potential, transforming singers into fully realized performers, ready to command the stage with authenticity and power.

* Partial participation possible: For more information, please write to info@canto-vocal.org.

Vocal coaching – emphasizing style, language and interpretation

Stagecraft and character development – learning to embody characters with authenticity and dramatic impact

Role study – a complete performance journey from A to Z.
Participants will explore every facet of building a role, from musical and dramatic preparation to character development and stage performance. They will put their work into practice through a fully staged concert of extended operatic scenes that showcases their roles in performance.

Audition preparation – refining repertoire and presentation for auditions and competitions.

Class: Singing in front of the camera
A practical workshop focused on performing for video — developing confidence, expressive clarity, and effective visual presentation while singing for the camera. Participants will learn techniques to adapt their stage performance to the screen.

Professional video recording for Auditions and Media
A dedicated professional video recording session, designed to produce high-quality audition and competition videos, giving singers a polished, industry-standard product for professional and media use.

Performance opportunities – from concerts and community outreach events to fully staged opera scenes, all presented as part of Canto’s Midsummer Opera Festival

Masterclasses with distinguished guest artists

Faculty:

Liora Maurer, Assistant Conductor (Met Opera)

Sharon Mohar, Performance Coach, Stage Director (Cie Maîtres Sonneurs, France)

Lucy Arner, Conductor/Vocal Coach (Met Opera, Mannes)

Guest Faculty:

Justina Lee - Associate Artistic Director for Bachelor of Music (Juilliard)

Ken Weiss - Vocal Coach/Pianist Washington National Opera (Cafritz Young Artists of WNO)

Maurice Lugassy, French Language Professor (Toulouse, France)

Steven White, Conductor (Metropolitan Opera)

Elizabeth Futral, soprano and voice professor (Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University.)

Jennifer Quinones, Pianist (Founder/Conductor of Inspiro Choir)

Application deadline:

December 7, 2025

Location:

Dreamscapes Performing Arts Center

21014 Whitfield Place, Sterling, Virginia 20165