Mia Rojas, 17, from Fair Wood in Fairfax, was selected for one of 28 spots in Washington National Opera’s Institute for Young Singers from June 25-July 14 at The Catholic University of America.
STUDENTS AGES 15-18 from all over the country get training with experienced artists, scholars and teachers who present workshops and master classes to the students. The Opera Institute specializes in individual coaching and mentoring. Daily classes focus on singing, drama, movement, yoga, ear training, sight singing, opera history and Italian diction. Participants study operatic classics such as Puccini’s "Tosca" and Bizet’s "Carmen," and attend professional opera performances.
"I feel just really lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to demonstrate what I can do and what I'm capable of," said Mia. "It's a blessing being in it."
About 110 students auditioned for WNO’s training program this summer and Mia received a $1,300 scholarship to attend. On July 16 the singers will perform on The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.
"I am learning so much," said Mia, a soprano. "There's so many things they're teaching us that I never even knew."
The daughter of Lilia and Angel Rojas, originally from Paraguay, Mia graduated last month from Chantilly High School where she performed in "Chicago," and "Goldilocks on Trial." She also sang with the World Children's Choir for eight years. She plans to attend GMU where she will study voice and major in music.
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The Opera Institute culminates in an Opera Scene Performance and an Italian Art Song Recital. The Opera Scene performance is on Friday, July 6, at 3 p.m. Two identical Italian Art Song Recitals are held on Saturday, July 14 at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. All performances are free and open to the public and take place in Ward Recital Hall on the Catholic University campus. Reservations are required for the Italian Art Song Recitals; call 202-448-3465 or by e-mailing education@dc-opera.org.
Select students will perform on Monday, July 16, at 6 p.m. on The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. This performance is free and open to the public, and reservations are not required. Call 202-448-3465 or education@dc-opera.org. Visit www.dcopera.org.