Joshua Bates Summer Opera Program in Prague

Hi, my name is Joshua Bates and I'm an aspiring opera singer and it's my dream to continue pursuing this craft.

I'm just finishing up my Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance at UMD and just yesterday I had my senior recital! Everything went so perfectly and it was truly some of my best singing. I was so happy with my friends in the string quintet and choir that supported me so well, and of course, my fiance with her beautiful voice in our duets!

Unfortunately, moving beyond this point in my career is a bit difficult without further financial investment. I have already been accepted to a summer program in Prague to sing the role of Masetto in Mozart’s Don Giovanni right where the opera premiered in 1787, the “Estates Theatre” in Prague, Czech Republic. I will additionally receive lessons with a teacher there, musical coachings, opera scene work, language studies, master classes, and the ability to sing for European recruiters, all of which are essential to take the next step as a budding opera singer.

Despite having received the largest scholarship the program has offered to its applicants, the remaining costs of the young artists’ program are too much for me to afford at the moment. If you are able to contribute to furthering my musical education, no matter the amount, I would be so grateful. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions and thank you for considering my request! God bless.