When: From 8:00 AM on June 2 to 9:00 PM on June 7, 2025

Artistic Director: João MacDowell
Music Director: Elen Ortiz
Featuring:

  • Soprano Laiana de Oliveira
  • Paloma Pitaya Ensemble (led by Violinist Paloma Pitaya)

Hosted by the International Brazilian Opera Institute (IBOC)
In partnership with Casa Nobre Cultural Institute at Guarda do Embaú, Santa Catarina – Brazil

Immerse Yourself in Composition

Experience a unique contemporary opera composition workshop in one of Brazil’s most breathtaking natural settings. Wake up to the sound of whales mating in the bay, and enjoy state-of-the-art grand pianos for your practice and composition sessions. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compose and collaborate while surrounded by tropical beauty.

IBOC-Guarda Ensemble Faculty

  • João MacDowell – Professor
  • Elen Ortiz – Music Director & Conductor
  • Laiana de Oliveira – Soprano
  • Paloma Pitaya – 1st Violin & Ensemble Director
  • Ronald “Trey” Walton – Pianist

The New Shapes of Vocal Music: Composing for the Contemporary Opera Scene

Summer Workshop: “The Whale Songs”
June 2–7, 2025
This special season is when whales come to mate in the Bay at Guarda do Embaú. You’ll engage with a vibrant community of musicians eager to explore new approaches to composition. Selected composers will have their works performed in the final concert.

Focus Areas:

  • Structural planning for opera and other long-form genres
  • Vocal characteristics in the contemporary opera setting
  • Polyharmonic and polycultural writing
  • From small to large: thematic writing and large-scale composition
  • Opera and collaboration
  • The opera composer as a cultural force

Participants will develop skills in:

  • Melodic writing and text setting for voice
  • Flexibility in collaboration, self-criticism and revision.
  • Melodic writing and text setting for voice
  • Harmonic development and rhythmic structuring
  • Expansive forms and notation standards

Registration & Fees

  •  Fee (International Students): U$2,100 (USD)
    • Early Bird Rate: U$1,900 (through March 31, 2025)
  • Fee (Brazilian Students): R$ 2.500,00 (Brazilian Reais)
  • Deadline to Apply: May 15, 2024 (rolling admissions – NO APPLICATION FEE!)
  • Housing and Breakfast Included (Other meals and transportation not included)

Additional Info

LIMITED SLOTS ARE AVAILABLE!

International Applications are welcome.

Brazil Visa for short-term stays can be obtained online:

https://brazil.vfsevisa.com

You will need to fly to Florianopolis Airport: FLN. From there, you will need a car (Uber at U$20 average) or a bus to Guarda do Embau.

Classes will be held in English and Portuguese.

The course is for adults. Exceptional students aged ten and up will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students under 18 must have parent or guardian authorization and be dropped off and picked up to class by a responsible adult.

Questions: contact@brazilianopera.com

Prerequisites

  • Basic knowledge of music notation and production software
  • Some experience as a composer and/or arranger
  • Composers who wish to submit vocal works for consideration for the final concert must submit an initial draft for feedback by May 1st.

Maximize Your Creative Potential

Secure your spot now for the 4th Composition Immersion at Guarda and elevate your compositional voice in a nurturing, inspirational environment. We look forward to welcoming you to this tropical paradise for a transformative musical journey!