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Christopher's Study Plan 2017

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"Darkly handsome, charismatic Christopher Nazarian as Count Rodolfo was suitably mysterious and from his first entrance dominated the stage with his powerful , magnificently thrilling voice." Sydney Arts Guide, Lynne Lancaster.

"As the mysterious traveller, who we later discover is count Rodolfo, Christopher Nazarian embodies the handsome stranger that has the village women weak at the knees and he has a voice to match. His bold bass is imposing, reinforcing his power with it's gravitas." Broadway World, Jade Kops

Hi everyone,

In June 2016, I had the opportunity to study in New York, at the International Vocal Arts Institute with a study grant awarded by the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust. I believe my study in New York was extremely successful. I performed in IVAI oper production of Gounod's Romeo and Juliet in the role of Friar Laurence, and covered Colline in Puccini's La Boheme. I was one of two bass voices selected for the program which consisted of 80 singers from 16 countries over the globe. I was offered the highest possible scholarship award by the IVAI based on my audition application. During my study there, several of the coaches made important suggestions for further study and also singing competitions worth investing in 2017.

During my 2016 New York study trip, I received a voice consultation with the internationally acclaimed Voice Coach, Armen Boyadjian, whom offered to work with me in 2017. I would like to propose a Study Plan to live in New York for 6 months and allow me to work on my voice with Armen Boydjian and audition for international competitions such as the Gerda Lissner Foundation and the Neue Stimmen. In conjunction with this study plan, I would also like to participate in The Berlin Opera Academy, to learn and study new roles as well as master my audition arias and broaden my international performance experience as well as international networking in order to seek future work opportunities in Germany and abroad.

Goals

I would like to take my vocal technique and bel canto singing to the next level and study amongst the international standard in New York. Upon my return to Australia, I will be developed and experienced enough to audition for professional opera companies in Australia as well as overseas. I would also like to study and work with industry professionals at Berlin Opera Academy where I have already been offered a €2000 scholarship to participate and have been cast as Sarastro in their production of Mozart's, 'The Magic Flute'.

Solution

During my voice consultation with Armen Boyadjian, he admired my voice, musical talent and what I have achieved thus far. He noted several technical elements in my singing which require further refinement and offered to work with me in 2017, in order to take my singing to the next level, in readiness for both international competitions and young artist programs.

During my study at the 2016 IVAI program, I was studying with Dramatic Mezzo Soprano, Mignon Dunn who offered to work with me too, however she mentioned that if Armen is willing to take me on as his student, that I should only study with him she said that Mr Boyadjian is the best! After performing in the 'American Song Concert' at the IVAI, I was also approached by a recognized agent for opera singers in New York. He was impressed by my performance and also suggested that I come back to New York in 2017 to study with Mr Boyadjian and also compete in some international voice competitions in New York.

After an intensive 4 months with Armen Boyadjian, I would like to experience life as an opera singer in Germany, by participating in the Berlin Opera Academy. Their program runs from June 20th till July 20th and the program centers around performance as a vehicle for vocal development. Masterclasses, small group and private lessons are held regularly, where healthy vocal practices will be trained. They focus on audition arias throughout lessons. Memorization and a team first mentality are expected in their positive and safe learning environment. They will also provide fully staged roles, opera galas, auditions for agents and group lessons which is vital for my preparation towards young artist programs and professional work as an opera singer.

Project Outline

1) Two lessons with Armen Boyadjian per week (2 hours per week).
2)Language coaching and acting lessons. 
3) Living in New York for 4 months- From February 2017 till June 2017.
4) Participate in the Berlin Opera Academy in Germany from June 2017 till July 2017.
5) Possibility to return to New York after berlin for additional study with Mr Boyadjian.
6) Perform the role of Sarastro in The Magic Flute in the Berlin Opera Academy and audition for agents through the BOA.
7) Participation in international singing competitions in both New York and Berlin. The Magaic Flute opera performances, in which I am cast as Sarastro, will take place on July 18th and 19th in Berlin. The number of lessons and coachings per week depend on production schedules each week- meaning some weeks your schedule will be more rehearsal-heavy while other weeks you may have less production commitments and be scheduled for extra singing lessons and coachings. The average number for total lessons and coachings for the 4-week program last year was 14 per singer. Additionally there are visiting artist masterclasses, agent auditions and information sessions, movement classes, acting workshops as well as career roundtables. There will also be an Opera Gala concert on July 8th, and a Lieder Abend within week three of the course.

Current Income

1) Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust
$22,840.00 AUD 
2) Ezekiel Solomon AM- Sponsorship towards all flight travel. 
3) Berlin Opera Academy- Ian Donald Wilson Memorial Scholarship- $2840 AUD

Expenses
1) Living expenses and Accommodation in New York for 4 months- $10,000 AUD. 
2) Voice lessons- $6500 AUD
3) Language and acting classes $4000 AUD 
4) Car rental with fuel and insurance- $4,800 AUD.  
(Armen Boyadjian is based in a remote town of Sussex New Jersey. This is a 1.5 hour car ride away from any part of New York City. Driving a car is the only means of transportation to my lessons as there are no other busses or trains to Sussex.)
5) Berlin Opera Academy $5608 AUD.
6) Living expenses and accommodation in Berlin- $2000AUD. *I have planned to stay an additional 3 weeks in Berlin as the course. One week prior to the course to recover jetlag and 2 weeks after the course for additional auditions and network opportunities that come up during my time there.

Thank you for your support in helping me raise money for my travel overseas.

With the beginning of a new year, I would like to thank everyone for their generosity,

Christopher Nazarian
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $2,004 (Offline)
    • 7 yrs
  • Armenian General Benevolent Union AGBU
    • $2,340 (Offline)
    • 7 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $500 (Offline)
    • 7 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $1,000 (Offline)
    • 7 yrs
  • Australian Elizabethan Theater Trust .
    • $22,850 (Offline)
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer

Christopher Nazarian
Organizer
Frenchs Forest NSW

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