2026 LIBRETTO RESIDENCY

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