The CLAVA Resident Artists return to the Bloomingdale School of Music to begin the second session of their training journey with CLA.

The Classic Lyric Arts Vocal Academy (CLAVA) is an elite, 22-week mentorship program designed for distinguished alumni of CLA’s summer programs who have completed conservatory training and are preparing to launch professional careers. Building upon the foundation established in CLA’s immersive summer sessions, CLAVA provides advanced artistic development and strategic career guidance at a critical stage in an emerging artist’s trajectory.

The yearlong program offers world-class vocal and dramatic coaching, individualized career consultations, Italian language instruction, and curated repertoire sessions with conductors. Through expert mentorship, comprehensive training, and meaningful industry connections, the CLA Vocal Academy equips each artist with the tools and confidence to transition into the next stage of their professional career.

Seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in the music of language and work with renowned faculty on diction, musical style, and spoken language.

Applications are due January 9 and live auditions will take place on January 23 and 24 in NYC (recorded auditions accepted with equal consideration). Audition slots are filling up fast- apply today to secure your preferred audition slot!

Celebrate tomorrow’s most promising artists with Classic Lyric Arts at the 2025 CLA Benefit Gala! CLA friends, supporters, alumni, and recent artists will gather for an evening of community and artistry supporting the bright future of opera and song.

The CLA Fall Benefit Gala is a cherished event, where the Summer Artists and CLAVA Resident Artists come together to perform some of the most exciting ensembles from the past summer.

The gala will include a welcoming cocktail hour at 6pm, a concert program featuring the CLA Vocal Academy Resident Artists and 2025 CLA Summer Program Artists at 7pm, and a reception to follow.

If you are interested in attending or supporting the 2025 CLA Benefit Gala, please contact CLA Development Manager, Maia Sumanaweera, at maiasumanaweera@classiclyricarts.org.

Click the button below to follow CLA on Facebook and watch the gala livestream

Celebrate 15 years of Classic Lyric Arts at the 2024 CLA Benefit Gala! CLA friends, supporters, alumni, and recent artists will gather for an evening of community and artistry supporting the bright future of opera and song.

The gala will include a welcoming cocktail hour at 6pm, a concert program featuring the CLA Vocal Academy Resident Artists and 2024 CLA Summer Program Artists at 7pm, and a reception to follow.

If you are interested in attending or supporting the 2024 CLA Benefit Gala, please contact CLA Development Manager, Maia Sumanaweera at maiasumanaweera@classiclyricarts.org.

The 2024/2025 CLA Vocal Academy will officially launch on September 16, 2024. Building off the success of the Spring 2024 Pilot, this year-long iteration will offer 22 weeks of robust and personalized training for six of CLA’s most promising emerging alumni.

The CLA Vocal Academy is a customized training and performance experience for emerging opera artists to launch their professional careers. The 2024/2025 roster will include six emerging artists who are alumni of CLA’s Summer Programs. These Resident Artists possess the talent to launch major international opera careers, and the CLA faculty will guide them in realizing their full professional potential.

The CLA Vocal Academy Resident Artists will be featured in the upcoming season of CLA concerts in and around New York City, including the 2024 Benefit Gala.