Join us this Summer by filling out the application below!


This year’s Community Operas are:

L'italiana in Algeri (Italian Girl in Algiers)
by Gioacchino Rossini 
​
 Die Entführung aus dem Serail (Abduction from the Seraglio)
by W. A. Mozart

Applications Due March 1st!

---

Our 2026 Summer Chamber Music and Community Opera Program offer instrumentalists and singers a unique opportunity to study and perform alongside renowned Artist Faculty in solo, chamber and opera/opera chorus repertoire in stunning coastal Downeast Maine.

Participants work with internationally acclaimed artists and teachers in chamber coaching sessions, opera chorus-orchestral rehearsals, and opera staging rehearsals. Instrumental participants will be able to perform alongside the Downeast Chamber Orchestra in our Community Opera Performances. Our Artist Faculty enjoy busy performing careers both in America and in Europe and teach (or have taught) at the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Bard College Conservatory, NYU, Mannes School of Music, the Rome School of Music, Drama and Art at Catholic University, Bowdoin college, among other conservatories both in America and in Europe. 

Unlike the typical "student-teacher" dynamic at many music programs and festivals, we believe that participants learn best by getting on stage and doing rather than simply watching and taking lessons. We believe that all participants, no matter what age or level, have valuable ideas and contributions to make. We strive to honor that by creating a respectful environment where participants and artist faculty mix and intermingle, creating a musical community based on mutual respect and love for music. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity with regard to identities, backgrounds, opinions and beliefs and seek to create an environment where mutual respect and kindness is the cornerstone and conduit for continued musical growth. 

2025 seminars include:

•  To be announced...

Festival Fees 
Housing is included in festival fees unless noted 

FEES: 2 WEEK CHAMBER MUSIC/ORCHESTRA AND OPERA: $3,ooo 

• Minimum 3 rehearsals and one performance in a chamber group (instrumentalists).
• Opera roles, covers or chorus in the Community Opera
• Orchestra or choral rehearsals and Opera performances.
• Access to all festival seminars.

ONE WEEK CHAMBER MUSIC: $1,600.00 

• Access to all festival seminars during the first week. 
• Housing for one week.
• Minimum 2 rehearsals and 2 performances in chamber concerts​

ONE WEEK WITHOUT HOUSING PROVIDED: $1,000.00 

• Access to all festival seminars during the first week. 
• Minimum 2 rehearsals and 2 performances in chamber concerts

All fees are non-refundable
​
THE FOLLOWING SCHOLARSHIPS are available: 

STUDENT/EMERGING MUSICIAN SCHOLARSHIP- Limited funds are available for student and emerging level musicians based on festival instrumental/casting needs. Applicants are encouraged to reach out; all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Housing
For those who wish to find their own housing during the festival, we recommend contacting the following business for housing:
https://www.theblackduckinn.com
http://www.bluffinn.com