2026 VOICE RESIDENCY
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22 JUNE – 9 JULY 2026
Residency open to singers and pianists vocal coaches in career development.
For over 25 years, the Académie du Festival d'Aix has been committed to nurturing a new generation of artists, by creating inspiring residencies that combine tradition and innovation. Lyric art, the genesis of opera, is one of its special features. The Académie creates a space for international artists to develop their careers, through encounters with recognized voice masters.
The Voice residency 2026 pursues the objectives of its predecessors, reinforcing the role of musical dramaturgy and vocal coaching in the profession of singers and pianists. Straddling the period between the end of rehearsals for scheduled productions and the opening week of the 78th Festival d'Aix, the Voice residency 2026 gives artists unique visibility in a stimulating setting, punctuated by unique artistic and inter-professional encounters.
Darrell Babidge, professor of voice and Chair of Voice faculty at New York's Juilliard School of Music, will supervise this residency for the fourth consecutive time, offering the artists his attentiveness, expertise and humanity.
"A leading figure on the international opera scene, German soprano Dorothea Röschmann is joining the Academy for the first time to teach lied. Her experience in major roles by Mozart, Strauss and Wagner, her commitment to lied and her concert career make her a sought-after teacher, capable of guiding young singers in exploring their own artistic sensibilities."
A leading figure on the Baroque scene and a regular at the Festival d'Aix, harpsichordist, conductor, choir director and composer Leonardo García-Alarcón joins the Academy this year to share his in-depth knowledge of the repertoire and his interpretative genius. The final concert, dedicated to Handel and his contemporaries, will be prepared in collaboration with Leonardo García-Alarcón and his ensemble Cappella Mediterranea.
Participation in the 2026 Voice Residency will include a series of private and public activities, including masterclasses, two concerts in the Aix programme in June, a concert in the region, participation in musical events organised in conjunction with the Festival's Passerelles service, and a closing concert with an orchestra. Each concert will focus on a particular repertoire: great opera arias, lieder, Handel in all his European facets.
The Voice Residency is supported by Société Générale Foundation main corporate patron, Engie Foundation Adami, Caisse des Dépôts mécénat
DATES
From 22 June to 9 July 2026
DESCRIPTION
— Vocal training by par Darrell Babidge
— Work on 3 concert programs, including one with orchestra.
Some work sessions (mostly in English) will be open to the public.
The residency will give rise to concerts and public events in June, in and around Aix-en-Provence. Educational events will be organized in conjunction with the Festival d'Aix's Passerelles department.
Résidence Voix
Festival d'Aix-en-Provence 2025 © Vincent Beaume
MENTORS ARTISTS
Apply
REGISTRATION OPENS
Monday, 22 September for singers, pianists and vocal coaches
REGISTRATION CLOSES
Sunday, 12 October (23:59 CET) for singers, pianists and vocal coaches wishing to audition in New York or Paris
SELECTION OF SINGERS
1. Shortlist* based on application:
> Bio / CV and photo
> 3 audio or video recordings, including at least one piece by Mozart
2. Final selection based on audition (New York or Paris):
> Programme for the audition:
- 1 opera aria by Mozart
- 1 french song
- 1 baroque aria
- 1 aria of your choice
* The results of shortlists based on applications will be announced two weeks before the audition date in the city selected on the application form.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
SELECTION OF PIANISTS
1. Shortlist* based on application:
> Bio / CV and photo
> Audio or video recordings, including:
- accompaniment of an opera aria by Mozart
- 1 solo work for piano
2. Final selection based on audition (New York or Paris)
> Programme for the audition:
- 1 sight read aria accompanying a singer
- 1 ensemble piece from a Mozart opera chosen by the applicant, for which they will play the piano part and sing various vocal parts
* The results of shortlists based on applications will be announced 10 days before the audition date in the city selected on the application form.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
AUDITION DATES
— NEW YORK | Singers, pianists: 10 & 11 November 2025
— PARIS | Singers, pianists: 20 & 21 November 2025
Travel expenses (hotel, transportation) for artists auditioning in Paris will be reimbursed up to €100, upon presentation of confirmation of purchase.
Travel expenses will not be reimbursed for artists auditioning in the United States.
TERMS OF PARTICIPATION
APPLICATION FEE: €60
Do you have questions about the application fee? Contact us at academie@festival-aix.com.
Application fees are non-refundable.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR PARTICIPATION
For singers, pianists :
— A participant agreement for the entire duration of the residency
— Remuneration for participating in the final concert of the residency and the activities of the Passerelles department
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).
