Ravinia Steans Music Institute

The Ravinia Steans Music Institute Summer Program dates are July 30th - August 25th 2024. Applications are open for summer 2024.

Program for Singers:

Attendance for the full duration of the program is required.

All nationalities are permitted to attend but must be able to arrange travel to and from Chicago.

Details:

All applicants must upload to the application website four (4) electronic recordings (video preferred) and supplemental materials for pre-screening. Selected applicants will be asked to attend live auditions. Applicants unable to attend live auditions will be considered based on the recordings submitted with the application, with an opportunity to submit additional audition videos.

Applicants are notified of admissions decisions by mid-January.

Round 1-Online Applications:

Each applicant must submit electronic recordings (video preferred) covering the following requirements:

One (1) art song in English

Two (2) additional art songs of contrasting style and language

One (1) aria

Additionally, each applicant will be asked to submit:

Performance Resume

High-resolution Headshot

150-word Bio

Three (3) References (name, phone, and email address)

A sample recital program— this may be either a program that you have performed, or a prospective recital that you have not performed. If offering a prospective recital, please take care to craft a program that you would feasibly be able to present. It does not have to be the same repertoire offered for study during the summer.

Round 2-Live Auditions:

Selected applicants will be asked to attend live auditions. Applicants unable to attend live auditions will be considered based on the recordings they submit with the application.

Live Audition Repertoire

Singers granted a live audition will be asked to offer at least three (3) art songs of contrasting style and language and two (2) arias from operas and/or oratorios.

This does not have to be the same repertoire offered for study during the summer, nor the same repertoire submitted in application recordings.

Live auditions will be held on multiple days in the following cities:

New York City: November 20 & 21, 2023

Highland Park, IL: December 2 & 4, 2023

Dates, times, and locations may be added or removed at Ravinia’s discretion.

A pianist will be provided at the auditions, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Piano Guidelines:

Be sure to offer selections of contrasting character.

Two (2) contrasting movements from a sonata by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert. Contrasting movements from a concerto by Mozart or Beethoven will be an acceptable substitute only if accompanied by full orchestra.

Two (2) contrasting movements from a work from the Romantic era.

A piece of your choice. This may be a movement from a chamber work or a sonata with another instrument.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be 17–30 years of age at the time of attendance.

Ensemble members may apply both as individuals and with their ensemble, but will only be able to attend as one or the other.

Attendance for the full five-week program is required.

All nationalities are permitted to attend but must be able to arrange travel to and from Chicago.

Applications for RSMI’s programs are available seasonally through the online platform Acceptd.

For more information see website.