2026 LIBRETTO RESIDENCY
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1 — 9 JULY 2026
Opera libretto residency open to 10 emerging composers and/or authors and/or creators wishing to develop their skills in the field of opera.
The Académie du Festival d'Aix-en-Provence is committed to contributing to the development of new opera. In 2026, the Festival will focus on the preparation of opera librettos by inviting 10 individual artists or groups of artists (e.g., a composer & librettist) wishing to explore the creation of a text capable of combining music, performance and staging. Artists with a background in opera, theater, or related pluri-disciplinary forms are encouraged to apply. The residency aims to support an individual project by the candidate or a collaborative work (it is possible to apply as a duo – if so, please submit one form each and indicate the name of the person with whom you are applying).
Under the supervision of David Levin (dramaturg and professor at the University of Chicago) and Piersandra Di Matteo (dramaturg and performing arts theorist), the artists in residence will exchange ideas and works-in-progress during intensive group and individual work sessions. Workshops will be led by the convenors as well as a small number of guest artists, and everyone will be invited to attend various performances as part of the 2026 Festival programme, with the aim of inspiring their art and fostering group discussion. Please note that while projects in all languages are welcome, Residency activities will be conducted in English.
The residency will take place in one of the most stimulating environments in the world of classical and contemporary music, with artists from around the world gathering in Aix for the 2026 edition of the Festival.
The 2026 Libretto Residency is supported by Société Générale Foundation as the main corporate sponsor, along with Engie Foundation and SACD.
MENTORS ARTISTS
© Vincent Beaume
Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
Deadline for application: Sunday 1st march 2026, 11:59PM (CET)
RECRUITMENT
The candidate's application must contain:
- CV
- At least three examples of written work (e.g., a libretto, play, novel, newspaper article, screenplay, essay, etc.). For those artists with prior experience, please prioritize submission of works from opera or theater.
- A brief (250-750 word) statement outlining your interest in the workshop and the project you propose to pursue.
- An example of a libretto that you find especially interesting along with a brief (250 word) account of what interests you about it.
CONDITIONS DE PARTICIPATION
APPLICATION FEE: 20€
You have a question about the application fee? Feel free to contact us: academie@festival-aix.com
The application fee is non-refundable.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR PARTICIPATION
- Participation in the residency is governed by a residency agreement signed between the artist and the Festival.
EXPENSES COVERED BY THE FESTIVAL
Expenses related to master classes, accommodation and travel** are covered by the Festival d’Aix.
Lunches on training days will be arranged and paid for by the Festival.
** Reimbursement of travel expenses upon presentation of the confirmation of purchase of a round-trip, second-class airplane or train ticket between the artist’s city of residence and Aix-en-Provence or Marseille. Reimbursement limits per geographic area are: €100 (PACA Region), €250 (the rest of France), €500 (Europe/Mediterranean region), €1000 (outside of Europe and the Mediterranean region).
Questions and information — Contact
academie@festival-aix.com
