Training Through Performance
Victor Starsky (Chicago Lyric Opera)
Devony Smith (Carnegie Hall)
The New Voice Festival (formerly Narnia Vocal Arts Program) is a one-of-a-kind experience for opera, musical theater, and crossover singers and composers to immerse themselves in the thrill of living as a full-time artist while challenging themselves like never before. Hosted by Gemma Arts, and nestled in the beauty of Boise, Idaho, the Vocal Arts and Composers programs take center stage at the Egyptian Theater.
Directed by internationally-acclaimed opera singer, director, and voice teacher Andrea DelGiudice, The New Voice Festival presents productions of opera and musical theater cross-over, both from the repertoire and newly composed. It includes performance opportunities with internationally-acclaimed musicians and faculty, including the New Voice Festival Chamber Ensemble. The festival boasts a curriculum of vocal training, acting, masterclasses, and the opportunity to debut original new works in the Composers Studio Program (both opera and Musical Theater) directed by celebrated New-York-based composer Jake Landau. Singers work alongside composers, librettists, and a team of dedicated instructors and artists. All performances include a chamber group or orchestra, the performance of works in their original languages.
2025 FESTIVAL PRESENTS
Hansel and Gretel IN VEGAS (Humperdinck)
The New Voice Festival Director: Andrea DelGiudice
Composers-In-Residence Director: Jake Landau
Musical Theater Program Directors: Michele Detwiler and Devony Smith
Make your voice heard.
do what you love, in BOISE.
OUR PROGRAMS
OPERA
June 11 – June 30
The New Voice Festival Opera Program, directed by Andrea DelGiudice includes performances of complete, fully-staged roles in their original language with orchestra; vocal coaching; as well A Night of Opera and Musical Theater concert, masterclasses, and career consulting. Open to professionals and young artists alike.
The Program’s 2025 season presents Hansel and Gretel in Vegas (Humperdinck) in an all-new concept, fully staged opera with chamber ensemble, directed by Program Director Andrea DelGiudice and renowned Italian director Yuri Napoli.
MUSICal theater
June 11 – June 25
The Musical Theater Program offers the opportunity to study with internationally renowned teachers, coaches, and conductors; sing in master classes; attend lectures; acting, movement, study vocal technique, and perform in an original showcase with scenes from the best on the musical theater repertoire. The program provides opportunities for singers to receive training and connections to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and conservatories. The Music Theater is directed by Michele Detwiler and Devony Smith and provides opportunities for singers to receive training and connections to some of the world’s most prestigious theaters, universities and conservatories.
COMPOSERS STUDIO
June 11 – June 25
The New Voice Composers Studio, directed by Jake Landau, offers emerging composers the invaluable experience of working directly with singers on their own music. Guided by our composition and vocal faculty, each composer works with a small group of singers to workshop and premiere a two-person scene and a solo art song. Composers additionally attend lectures, Italian language classes, and masterclasses; receive private lessons on their music; and attend the rehearsals, stagings, and performances of their two original works to be premiered at performances during the festival.
“I had such a wonderful musical and personal experience. I highly recommend it!”
— Jonathan Scott, Baritone
Metropolitan Opera
Gianni Schicchi (Opera Program 2017)
Dido & Aeneas, 2022
Hansel & Gretel, 2023
Carmen, 2019
Pieta, 2022 (Michael Anderson photo)
& Aeterna, 2022
Hansel & Gretel, 2023
Gianni Schicchi, 2017
Hansel & Gretel, 2023
& Aeterna, 2022