Summer Opera is an intensive training program for those who are singer, conductor or stage conductor early in their career and who want to work with contemporary opera. You will work together with an international professional environment through exercises, coaching, master classes and role preparation. In 2027, new operas are set up by Niloufar Nourbakhsh and Cecilia Livingston, as well as selected scenes from classical opera repertoire.

The program lasts four weeks and takes place at the Banff Centre in Canada. You will be staying in a one-bedroom hotel on campus and have 24-hour access to the rehearsal studio. Along the way, you will participate in performances, informal screenings and other public events with singers, pianists, conductors and creative teams.

No specific degree or formal education is required to apply. The program costs a total of 12,184 USD, but you receive a scholarship (Banff Centre Arts Scholarship) that covers tuition and provides a contribution towards housing and food. After the scholarship, you pay your own share of 2,690.10 USD, in addition to an application fee of 65 USD (35 USD if you identify as Indigenous).

• Who can apply: Singers, conductors and stage conductors early in their careers (emerging/early-career), without the requirement of formal education. No explicit restriction on citizenship or residence is stated, so applicants residing in Norway can apply.
• Field of culture: Music (opera), performing arts
• Covered / paid out: The Banff Centre Arts Scholarship covers tuition and provides a contribution to housing and food, totaling USD 9494.10.
• You pay yourself: You will pay a deductible of USD 2690.10 after the scholarship, plus an application fee of USD 65 (USD 35 for indigenous people).
• Application deadline: 04.11.2026
• Place: Canada (Banff Centre, Alberta)
• Organizer: Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity